Rear Leaf Springs

[_veloci_]

Hello,
I did a quick search and didn't find any thread on the topic, so looking for group input.

Which aftermarket leaf springs do members prefer? Looking to hear from people that have switched out their stock leaf springs. Please include the details for the leaf springs you used. Extra credit if you list supporting mods that should be done during the switch. i.e. you've already taken the stock leaf springs out and are under the truck, what other upgrades should be done at that time.

Thanks in advance!

 

[98rangerdave]

I’m running the ICON leaf pack without the included middle leaf. So far so good. Miles better over the stock leaf pack.

ICON kit includes the rubber bump stop spacers AND u bolts, something deaver does not include. Something to think about.

 

[_veloci_]

I’m running the ICON leaf pack without the included middle leaf. So far so good. Miles better over the stock leaf pack.

ICON kit includes the rubber bump stop spacers AND u bolts, something deaver does not include. Something to think about.

Dave, thanks for the info on the Deaver setup. I've seen some info on different bump stops, so that is also something I will have to look into.

 

[_veloci_]

There's been literally hundreds of discussions about these. Do some more searching.​

Deavers are the longstanding tried and true option. They work well at stock height (+2) with a stock length rear shackle (I like the Camburg tig shackles) if you don't carry any extra weight in the bed. For more flexibility, you can get the taller +3 set and add a +2 shackle. The longer shackle will lower you back down to stock ride height but handle weight in the bed a little better. Or you can use stock length shackles if you want it to ride higher unloaded. That will allow you to carry more weight in the bed before compressing the springs back down to stock ride height. They also have heavier duty spring packs if you really carry a lot of weight or if you tow anything heavy.

Icon springs are a relative new comer but they have great flexibility with their add a leaf option. I've never run them but a lot of guys have and they seem to be a pretty good option.

I figured there would be some, but I appreciate the info. Yeah, my question was what works, and what kind of things can I add while I'm under there. I had seen some shackles online and was wondering if a lot of people put them on at the same time, or if the stock are good enough. Thanks for the info!

 

[_veloci_]

Has anybody had issues with rust? I have seen some threads online about that potential issue.

 

[98rangerdave]

https://sdhqoffroad.com/products/10-14-ford-raptor-sdhq-built-rear-bump-pad

https://forged-offroad.com/product/bump-pad-for-after-market-springs/?v=f24485ae434a

If you aren't running a bump kit you will need one of these for the Deavers since the factory block/bump pad is removed.

The ICON kit includes the machined spacers so nothing else is required.

 

[_veloci_]

It's definitely a good idea to replace the shackles while you have the leafs out. Aftermarket shackles are usually stronger so less likely to flex/bind but for most people the stock units are good enough. However, these trucks are getting older so you might as well get a set of good aftermarket shackles even if it's just for the good bushings they come with.

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[_veloci_]

The ICON kit includes the machined spacers so nothing else is required.

Nice, thanks for the pics! It looks like Icon took a different route than Deavers did, in regards to placement of the bump stop, where Icon uses the spacers by the rubber pad, while Deavers has the block by the leaf spring. Does anybody have any opinions about which design may have advantages?

 

[_veloci_]

Yes. Deavers rust. My first set I coated multiple times with Amsoil HDMP and they still rusted from the salt. They are fine if you are not in the rust belt, though.

My current set is powder coated (they no longer offer this option) plus I retired the truck from winter duty so no worries.

Not sure about the Icons but their finish definitely looks better.

Good to know, thx. I'm in VA so it doesn't snow much, but they salt the roads like its WI...

 

[John813]

Nice, thanks for the pics! It looks like Icon took a different route than Deavers did, in regards to placement of the bump stop, where Icon uses the spacers by the rubber pad, while Deavers has the block by the leaf spring. Does anybody have any opinions about which design may have advantages?

It's a good question, although it seems most on here that do leafs also do the aftermarket bumpstops which means there probably isn't too much experience on which design is better. I would feel fine running either setup, as Icon has for years been R&D for the Gen 1 trucks.

ICON allows you to have more customization IMO with the leafs which I like.

https://iconvehicledynamics.com/acc...ptor-multi-rate-rxt-leaf-pack-w--add-in-leaf/

Rate Configuration Info:

Standard

+0.75" Lift over stock

Rate Option #1

10% Rate over standard configuration

+1.25" Lift over stock

+0.75" Lift over stock w/ 300lb constant load

Rate Option #2

20% Rate over standard Configuration

+1.75" lift over stock

+0.75" lift over stock w/ 600lb constant load

I'll be going with ICON over Deavers more than likely. Just debating on which bump stop, although it seems SVC is the favorite.
Want to do both at same time.

Figure I'll do this first, then look into 3.0's down the road. Was going to get 3.0's sooner but figured with research it'll be smarter to do the frame protection first then get the better shocks when needed.