Marlin 5" rear leafs not flexing

mjos · 09-17-2009, 10:43 AM

Hey all.

I've installed a Marlin 5" lift (with the Betts springs) on my 79' PU. The front flexes great but the rear leafs are far too stiff and pretty much don't flex at all. I don't carry anything in my bed but a spare and hi-lift so there is no weight back there. I tried breaking them in on a few trips with my ATV back there. They flexed great then, but as soon as I ran it empty again...no flex. I've put it on its side twice now since the rear is so stiff and it gets really tippy going downhill over off-camber stuff.

I see the spring rate is 220 on these. Would taking the bottom leaf out the pack lower the spring rate? I'm thinking I may need closer to 175 or so. Any tips on making these perform? My only other thought is to buy some custom Alcans or Deavers...but thats another $400 I don't really want to spend. I'd rather get the ones I have to work, but right now they just won't compress.

Thanks ( I've posted this on the Marlin forum too)

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4Crawler · 09-17-2009, 11:11 AM

Usually you want to remove the second leaf from the bottom to soften up the spring pack. Best to contact Marlin's support forum and ask about that.

mjos · 09-17-2009, 11:35 AM

Roger, the second one from the bottom is held in with the big rivet and spring clamp. I agree that this leaf would make the biggest change but I am unsure how to get it out of there.

4Crawler · 09-17-2009, 11:43 AM

That is why it would be best to ask on Marlin's forum for specifics.

algranger · 09-17-2009, 11:44 AM

Cut the clamp and grind the rivet down (or drill it out)
Then just make a new clamp.... if you are set up to weld

Those springs are designed for a little more weight

They also need to be broken in... theyre stiff to start, take some trips with some concrete bags or something just to give the springs a little workout

mjos · 09-17-2009, 01:05 PM

I found a good article on getting the rivet out and replacing it.

http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/ar....jsp?id=186291

tc · 09-17-2009, 02:48 PM

What's your shackle angle like? What shocks are you running - and if gas charged, what psi are they at?

While I don't doubt that the rear is too stiff, the front could easily be too soft too and you're not getting any leverage to compress the back.

Lastly, I don't want to sound like an ass - but you don't have a one-size-fits-all truck, what made you think a one-size-fits-all spring would work for you? The less "stock" your rig, the more you NEED custom springs...

mjos · 09-20-2009, 07:26 AM

I took the 3rd from the bottom leaf out. Man what a difference. I flexed it out on the lift and the rear tire could now be lifted over 3ft and the fronts still stayed on the ground. Can't wait to try it out.

yoder519 · 09-20-2009, 07:36 AM

pics!!!!!!

mjos · 10-07-2009, 09:28 AM

Here are some shots before I trimmed the front and rear fenders. Since trimming them, I get about 2 more inches of tire stuff and more downtravel on the other side.

It's like a different truck on the trail now. No more carrying tires in the rear and getting all tippy anymore. I just need to adjust my rear pinion angle a bit now and I'll be all set.

Volcom · 10-08-2009, 03:08 PM

Use to the lift to pick up the front tire. In your pics, you're flexing your front suspension more than the rear.

SC4Runner · 10-09-2009, 03:34 PM

Thats a beautiful rig man

A New High · 10-10-2009, 07:57 PM

Fvckin badass '79 man

Yeah lets see the front up on the lift

09-17-2009, 11:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	Usually you want to remove the second leaf from the bottom to soften up the spring pack. Best to contact Marlin's support forum and ask about that. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

09-17-2009, 11:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
mjos Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 8	Roger, the second one from the bottom is held in with the big rivet and spring clamp. I agree that this leaf would make the biggest change but I am unsure how to get it out of there. __________________ 79' PU, 22RE Swap, Marlin 5" lift, 5.29 Locked F&R, Marlin High Steer, Longfield 30 splines, Marlin Ultimate 2.28/4.7 and Twin Stick, Marlin 5spd, Marlin Clutch, 37" KM2's and 3" rear/1.5" front spacers, Trail Gear T-case skid, Marlin long-travel front driveline, Addicted Offroad winch bumper with 8500 Superwinch.

09-17-2009, 11:43 AM	#4 (permalink)
4Crawler Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: SF Bay Area, CA Posts: 7,828	That is why it would be best to ask on Marlin's forum for specifics. __________________ 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR-5, 22REC engine, dual t-cases, 4.88 gears, dual ARBs, 33x10.50 BFGs or 35x12.50 MTRs r.c.brown@ieee.org TruckEditor@tlca.org Project: 4Crawler 4Crawler OffRoad Gettin'Off 4WD Club

09-17-2009, 11:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
algranger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Here in the PNW Posts: 3,264	Cut the clamp and grind the rivet down (or drill it out) Then just make a new clamp.... if you are set up to weld Those springs are designed for a little more weight They also need to be broken in... theyre stiff to start, take some trips with some concrete bags or something just to give the springs a little workout __________________ . . . I said lie, for me lying under a process tree . . . .

09-17-2009, 01:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
mjos Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 8	I found a good article on getting the rivet out and replacing it. http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/ar....jsp?id=186291 __________________ 79' PU, 22RE Swap, Marlin 5" lift, 5.29 Locked F&R, Marlin High Steer, Longfield 30 splines, Marlin Ultimate 2.28/4.7 and Twin Stick, Marlin 5spd, Marlin Clutch, 37" KM2's and 3" rear/1.5" front spacers, Trail Gear T-case skid, Marlin long-travel front driveline, Addicted Offroad winch bumper with 8500 Superwinch.

09-17-2009, 02:48 PM	#7 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	What's your shackle angle like? What shocks are you running - and if gas charged, what psi are they at? While I don't doubt that the rear is too stiff, the front could easily be too soft too and you're not getting any leverage to compress the back. Lastly, I don't want to sound like an ass - but you don't have a one-size-fits-all truck, what made you think a one-size-fits-all spring would work for you? The less "stock" your rig, the more you NEED custom springs... __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action Last edited by tc; 09-17-2009 at 02:49 PM.

09-20-2009, 07:26 AM	#8 (permalink)
mjos Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 8	I took the 3rd from the bottom leaf out. Man what a difference. I flexed it out on the lift and the rear tire could now be lifted over 3ft and the fronts still stayed on the ground. Can't wait to try it out. __________________ 79' PU, 22RE Swap, Marlin 5" lift, 5.29 Locked F&R, Marlin High Steer, Longfield 30 splines, Marlin Ultimate 2.28/4.7 and Twin Stick, Marlin 5spd, Marlin Clutch, 37" KM2's and 3" rear/1.5" front spacers, Trail Gear T-case skid, Marlin long-travel front driveline, Addicted Offroad winch bumper with 8500 Superwinch.

09-20-2009, 07:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
yoder519 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: virginia Posts: 1,005	pics!!!!!! __________________ Sold&Missed 95 Yota pu 22RE/33x12.50 Maxxis Buckshot Mudders/TG Sliders/4Crawler 2in BL//TG Diff Breather/Herculined Floorboard/Magnaflow Hi-Flow Cat/2.25" Exhaust/Glasspack/Procomp black steelies/Procomp shocks/Superlift 2" AALs/4 Crawler 1.5" BJers 1998 Dodge Cummins 24V 4x4 5spd/Quad Arenaline/4in Exhaust/6in Tip/AFE Intake

10-07-2009, 09:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
mjos Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 8	Some pics Here are some shots before I trimmed the front and rear fenders. Since trimming them, I get about 2 more inches of tire stuff and more downtravel on the other side. It's like a different truck on the trail now. No more carrying tires in the rear and getting all tippy anymore. I just need to adjust my rear pinion angle a bit now and I'll be all set. Attached Thumbnails __________________ 79' PU, 22RE Swap, Marlin 5" lift, 5.29 Locked F&R, Marlin High Steer, Longfield 30 splines, Marlin Ultimate 2.28/4.7 and Twin Stick, Marlin 5spd, Marlin Clutch, 37" KM2's and 3" rear/1.5" front spacers, Trail Gear T-case skid, Marlin long-travel front driveline, Addicted Offroad winch bumper with 8500 Superwinch. Last edited by mjos; 10-07-2009 at 09:35 AM.

10-09-2009, 03:34 PM	#12 (permalink)
SC4Runner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 5,885	Thats a beautiful rig man __________________ 1996 4x4 3.4L 4Runner on 35's - 6" of lift, MTR's, E-locked, ARB Tacoma Bumper, Sliders and a cut off tail pipe. 1966 FJ40 - SOA with stock springs, stock 1F motor, and a smelly tailpipe.

10-10-2009, 07:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
A New High Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gresham, Oregon Posts: 35	Fvckin badass '79 man Yeah lets see the front up on the lift __________________ Tyler 1992 White Runner 3VZ/A340 5VZ/R150(in progress)\|Inchworm 23spl\|MC XD 23spl 4.7's\|D60/14B waiting to go in after winter It's A Jaap Thing

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