SOLVED: New leaf springs lowered the rear.

[Dustin_89BII]

I just replaced what I though were sagging leaf springs with new Dorman leafs (42-821). The rear lost about 2” in height.
I replaced them myself and the old & new springs looked identical. I didn’t throw away a l block or anything either, lol.

I am quite confused. What could have happened? Shock related or rear shackle issue?

I just bought rear lift kit, but I’m confused as to why I should need it, ya know?

Any ideas?

thanks!

 

[franklin2]

There is one key word in your post that is the biggest clue; Dorman. They make good stuff (by luck I guess) and they make bad stuff. They are the only game in town on a lot of stuff though. No one seems to have their hand on the throttle when they are making these replacement parts.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Did you put new shocks on it? Are they the proper length?

 

[Dustin_89BII]

Did you put new shocks on it? Are they the proper length?

Good question. I did replace the shocks at the same time. KYB gas adjust shocks— KG5440 and KG5454.
Is it possible they are pulling the back down?
Thanks !

 

[franklin2]

If they were pulling it down, I would think you would have had trouble installing them.

 

[Dustin_89BII]

So strange. The leafs are almost flat. I removed a shock and there was no height change. Thanks for the responses, guys. I was just hoping to hear someone had a similar issue and/or knew why.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

Most people run explorer leafs on B2s. Even used leafs when you do a 8.8 swap are better. Don't quote me also but if those Dorman leafs are rated for a ranger, I don't believe they are rated to what explorer leafs are and explorer leafs are a better swap. You could replace your shackles with belltech 6400s and get that 2 inches back but that doesn't fix that your leafs are flat. I would look at the weight ratings but if the leafs are rated for a ranger there not enough. Id get some explorer leafs. Thats what Ive done on both my 8.8 swaps on my B2s.

 

[Northidahotrailblazer]

I was wrong the Bronco 2 leafs are not rated as high as rangers. So even ranger leafs would be a upgrade. But most people do explorer leafs.

Explorer Leaf Spring Swap / Lift - The Ranger Station

Overview: Using Ford Explorer leaf springs for 1-1/2 inches of rear lift. When I bought my 1990 Bronco II about 1.5 years ago, it had a mild case of the sagging rear end that seems to afflict all of these … Continued

www.therangerstation.com

 

[bobbywalter]

You have the wrong springs....or it had lift springs

 

[bobbywalter]

Though....bronco 2 springs are unique....they are higher in number and thinner stock. Replacing them is always an issue

 

[Dustin_89BII]

Does anyone here have a B2 with OEM leaf springs still in it? How much arc is in the springs while sitting? I mean these lay totally flat or even slightly downward at the tip close to the rear shackle. I ordered an add-a-leaf from the bronco graveyard, but they got lost in shipping and now are on back order, lol! So it’s giving me time to wonder again if I should just return the Dorman springs for a new pair.

 

[dchangstrom]

If you still have your old springs, I'd take the in to a suspension shop and have them re-arched. I,ve done this is the past and it'll bring old sagging springs back

 

[bobbywalter]

i would simply add your old intermediate leaf to the new pack.

go get new pack bolts and some fat bastard c clamps and tune them by mixing an matching leafs from the old pack to your liking.


i run f150 2wd hd springs with offset locaters because they are cheap. and get me 4 in of lift under mid load and ride decent.

 

[Dustin_89BII]

Sadly, I already gave my old leaf springs away to a scrap metal guy up the street. When I had them out of the truck, they had the same static arch as the new springs. Same dimensions as far as I could tell. So I’m imagining the new springs have a bad heat treat or something like that. Idk

I suppose I could go to a junkyard and try and pull some off to repack instead.

or take the new springs to be re-arched. Just kind of tired of spending money on this situation! Lol

Thanks for your responses!

 

[bobbywalter]

Sadly, I already gave my old leaf springs away to a scrap metal guy up the street. When I had them out of the truck, they had the same static arch as the new springs. Same dimensions as far as I could tell. So I’m imagining the new springs have a bad heat treat or something like that. Idk

I suppose I could go to a junkyard and try and pull some off to repack instead.

or take the new springs to be re-arched. Just kind of tired of spending money on this situation! Lol

Thanks for your responses!

you note....same or similar static arch...


yet you lost 2 inches.

you now know static arch does not mean shit. it can be thee factor...but not necessarily so.


the thickness and actual material and length are all factors. combined with actual number of leafs.

these affect greatly ride height--and ride quality.

shocks only help with rate of movement when deflecting road conditions. though they can in soft rate condition with improper valve bias influence varied settlement. causing the vehicle to lean variably.



if its rides well adding a longer block and ubolts may be the easy button... i suspect they are soft... so going and getting a leaf or two may work...or moving up to the next weight rating and sending those back.

i have a few ways to tailor the leafs with my pipe bender... but that takes some practice.