Suspension Guru's Help please...

[junglejuice]

Originally Posted by CreepersJeepers

Hi Layback,
Jeep is a '99 Sport.

I wanted the HD load rating as i carry tools etc regularly. I am disappointed that the Jeep rear height is lower than a stock Sport even unladen with a HD 'Raised' 5 leaf pack.

The leaf packs had a very decent curve/arch in them until the vehicle weight was on them, at which point they flattened out completely and pushed the shackles back considerably.

Measurements aside (which i am obviously unhappy with) - shouldn't a leaf pack retain some arch when sitting level and unladen?

Assuming this vehicle is empty when the measurements were taken then you have in fact -0.5" lift or in other words you have lowered the vehicle by 0.5" so they aren't raised for a sport/classic due to the sports and classics having the upcountry suspension package fitted from the factory.
Again this is dependant on the vehicle being empty.
I also would be very curious to know what brand they are.
As far as installation issues resulting in incorrect ride height the main mistake people make is to tighten up all the suspesion components whilst the vehicle is in the air and then lower it back down onto its wheels, this loads up the bushes resulting in shortened life span of said bushes but this will not make it sit lower if anything it could cause it to sit higher (minutely at most if at all) due to the tension on the bushes....

[anthonygubbin]

There is definitely something wrong there CJ. If they are the same ones I got years ago they shouldn't sit flat. When new mine sat at 2.5" over Sport and they are only a five leaf. With a stack of additional weight in mine and JKS ext shackles mine still sits on 2" above sport and that is four years on. My leaf packs still have an arch in them too. I think get your money back as they are not being made right. Other option my be or them to stick in another leaf making them a six pack but shouldn't have to really.

Regards A

[fraz]

CJ, how much do the tools and such weigh in the rear of your jeep? Those leaves definitely don't look right, the way they're sitting with the vehicle weight on them is what you'd normally see from a standard leaf pack, not an aftermarket.

[junglejuice]

Originally Posted by fraz

CJ, how much do the tools and such weigh in the rear of your jeep? Those leaves definitely don't look right, the way they're sitting with the vehicle weight on them is what you'd normally see from a standard leaf pack, not an aftermarket.

x2, the way the load assist leaf (thick bottom leaf) is in contact with the pack would indicate that the pack is way too soft or the vehicle is too heavy for them...



I know mine are a different brand to yours, mine are OME but you get the picture....

[anthonygubbin]

I might be wrong but I think I can see the issue. Yours has a helper where mine, supposed to be the same make has 5 leaves without the helper. The packs are not the same as the Maxitrac ones I got 4years ago.

Regards A

[junglejuice]

The OPs packs are more like the OME packs I use except the difference is the performance....

[anthonygubbin]

Originally Posted by junglejuice

The OPs packs are more like the OME packs I use except the difference is the performance....

Who manufactures the OME packs? Isn't it Kings?

Regards A