How much did the inserts raise the truck?

 

I do not remember the inserts raising the truck very much, maybe an inch, but I also have Firestone Airbags.

The poly liners between each of the leaves did make a difference but not as much as I had hoped, however reworking of the leaves and installing the tip inserts did make the ride much better also quieter, instead of the leaves grinding to the adjoining leaf, they now glide over the polished surface.

The finishing touch to this long project was the addition of the new hydraulic shocks, I am now very happy with the ride of my truck.

Jim

 

You've convinced me to try it. I had Skyjacker soft rides installed briefly but I didn't like the look with the axle shoved forward so we replaced them with 6 leaf springs from Stanley springs. Height is right with the 5" block but it rides worse than a bobtail tractor. I was considering removing at least one of the leaves but I think maybe I should try the Teflon inserts first. This truck is empty 99% of the time and I try to stay off highways where I would be running over 55-60 because interstate driving just beats the truck and me to death!

 

Thanks Jim!

I guess I need 16 for a 3/4 ton? It's rewarding to update these trucks with the newer features.


Michael

 

You only have five springs per side?

 

Hey Jim!
How many miles do you have on those now? Are they showing any signs of wear yet?
I was thinking about the Sulastic (velvet ride) shackles but I like this bomb. Might even do both. The Sulastic guys say their shackles make a 1st gen ride like a 1/2 ton.
Love your write-ups!

 

So I looked at my 3/4 ton and it does have 5 leaves per side, but unlike the 1 ton shown, the upper leaf(s?) is banded to the main spring. So It maybe unproductive.. I know there is a spring shop close to where I work. I need to stop by and see what if they build, re-arch or what exactly. May not be worth my effort if they can arch them a bit and add the tips.