Rear Leaf springs

TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
I'm thinking of replacing the rear springs. So can someone point me in a direction to start researching? Are Deaver or OEM the only choices? I don't see the Xterra listed for Deaver. I just want to change the springs. I have AC adj. shackes and an AAL now. Springs lookin pretty old.

Also, with new metal being replaced underneath springs in this case, can they be treated w/ POR-15 or similar product and/or painted for rust prevention?
 
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TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
I have the Alcan set. Very nice greatly improved the ride no stiff overload leaf that seemed to make the rear, spring off bumps.

What kind of weight estimation did you give them? I have no idea what the tools and additional equipment will weigh. I put "alot" then reset the fields. LOL

What's thier price range? I know they are custome made per order but a ballpark figure would be helpful just the same.
 
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Silver dude

Sliders
Founding Member
I went 300lb over stock. But, when loaded with camping gear and tools its a bit soft. I went for a romp on the beach during a camping expedition and continually hit bottom. Originally I had no plans for a tire carrier rear bumper it's probably the source of my bottoming out. I ordered it with 3 inches of lift as well. However, the lift only came out to be 2 inches once installed. If I did it again I'd go 500lb-600lb over stock and maybe 3.5 inches of lift. They required longer lift shackles as the stock ones would flip under the spring and jam so in the end I got my full 3" of lift that I wanted. Price want to say was in the neighborhood of $800 which wasn't bad because that included shipping all the way from out west. Ride was greatly improved and it flexes really really good with so far none of the breakage the stock ones seem to exhibit.

If I did it again I might consider a custom setup. Perhaps some 60" chevy springs. Or a 3 link coil setup. The biggest flaw with the xterra frame is those huge low hanging spring hangers. If I went chevy springs I could move the hangers to lower profile versions. Using junkyard springs I could make something work. Then call alcan spring for the perfect spring. Get silly flex with the long springs at possibly a lower cost. 3 link isn't a bad idea either. Rugged rocks offroad sells universal mounts that would make the fit easier. Would ride way better then leafs without the dreaded axle wrap issues.
 

AZhiAZiAM

Suspension Lift
Location
Fresno,CA
so i have a friend that can build me springs, i have major sag in the back from them being old and i'm looking to replace, does anyone know the measurements of springs, i wanted to get the AAL pack but he can do it for about the same price for me for 2 sets. i want the same ride height as a AAL would of given me.
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
I am currently running a bastard pack of first gen, second gen, and calmini AAL. It gives me about 3.5 inches total lift over stock but still flexes well, it is stiff enouugh that there is no over load spring. Paint only lasts for a very short time because of the flexing the paint just cracks and flakes off anyway.
 

AZhiAZiAM

Suspension Lift
Location
Fresno,CA
sounds good but do you know the dimensions of he actual springs? he is willing to part me together a set i just need to know the spring measurements i guess if there is any. i couldn't find what i was looking for online.
 

AZhiAZiAM

Suspension Lift
Location
Fresno,CA
to be honest granite i just don't know how they do leaf springs, if its all in the inch raise or if they measure it by the load of them. he just told me to find out what i want.
 

Silver dude

Sliders
Founding Member
Nah, and that's the wrong year to our 00-01's have fewer leafs then the 02-04's. But, with further research this link should get you the numbers. Note measurement (C) that is where you want to add your amount of lift.
http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index...rency=USD&gclid=CMObl7_xubMCFe5FMgobble5B0AjA

Here's a link on how to measure springs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CLuRPN3bss
 
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TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
This is polly an odd question but...

Can springs be sent unassembled so they can be rust proofed and assembled after or are presses and/or special tools needed?

Does anyone know what the stock load is in order to go 600lbs over?
 
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TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
Springs are just bolted together with a center bolt.
... All other surfaces rub against each other, thus rubbing paint off over time.
Cheers,
Josh

That's what I thought too. I asked because I was reading how POR-15 and KBS had added leaf springs to the list of things that their products could be used on. I know that KBS is a polyurethane based coating just couldn't see how it would hold up between.
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
A couple of c-clamps and a grinder to cut the old pin are about all you need to take down a set of springs. I like using the clamps to hold everything together when the pin is cut. Some people have good luck just taking the nut off, but i have never had the luck, but a cutoff wheel is always lucky, the first time, every time.
 

TKDx00

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
Granite...I wasn't concerned about getting the old ones off... I've gone thru a few cutoff wheels... lol.
I was trying to solve the winter salt rusting problems in this area.
 

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
a good shot of penetrating oil a couple of times a year works wonders, but when they squeak it is because of sand and other grit.
 
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