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)

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

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

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Thats a beautiful rig man

 

Fvckin badass '79 man

Yeah lets see the front up on the lift