Marlin 5" rear leafs not flexing
#1
Marlin 5" rear leafs not flexing
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)
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)
Last edited by mjos; 09-17-2009 at 09:45 AM.
#3
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.
#5
Registered User
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
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
#6
I found a good article on getting the rivet out and replacing it.
http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/ar....jsp?id=186291
http://www.off-road.com/trucks4x4/ar....jsp?id=186291
#7
Contributing Member
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...
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...
Last edited by tc; 09-17-2009 at 01:49 PM.
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#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.
#10
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.
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.
Last edited by mjos; 10-07-2009 at 08:35 AM.
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