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08 Alpha 4” Rancho lift Stance 32” tire height.
- Thread starter lfootmatt
- Start date
Exactly my thought. There should be some play in the splined driveshaft joint (at the transfer case). The axle likely slid back a bit at that joint when it dropped down as far as it did; you'll need to slide/force it back toward the front.
4speedfunk
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 4,244
- Location
- Tardville
Not sure what problem you are describing there....I don't see anything wrong. Kick the hell out of the axle until the pins (on the springs) drop into the holes (on the perches). It should be a super-simple process:
-Bolt axle to springs with u-bolts & plates.
-Raise axle using a jack at the pumpkin.
-Hook up shocks, sway-bar, & driveshaft.
-Bolt-on wheels.
-Lower truck down on ground.
-Tighten spring all six spring bolts (do this only after you put weight on the springs).
Don't worry about the fore-aft position of the axle, with it hanging there. That is not a true indication of the final position. The axle will shift drastically to the rear when you put weight on the springs. That's why you have shackles...they will rotate rearward under compression, and the spring will grow in length as it flattens. Because the spring is bolted rigidly to the frame on the forward end...the spring growth will be entirely to the rear, and it will take the axle with it. Its very important that you leave the shackle bolts and front eye bolts loose until you get the truck on the ground. The bushing sleeves (on GM and Rancho springs) have small teeth on them. These teeth dig into the spring pockets when you tighten the bolts. If you tighten the bolts at full-droop, you are essentially putting pre-load into the bushings, and the truck will sit crooked at rest. So leave the bolts loose until you are totally done. Then you can tighten them, and the teeth will dig into the brackets at normal ride height, keeping your truck level.
-Bolt axle to springs with u-bolts & plates.
-Raise axle using a jack at the pumpkin.
-Hook up shocks, sway-bar, & driveshaft.
-Bolt-on wheels.
-Lower truck down on ground.
-Tighten spring all six spring bolts (do this only after you put weight on the springs).
Don't worry about the fore-aft position of the axle, with it hanging there. That is not a true indication of the final position. The axle will shift drastically to the rear when you put weight on the springs. That's why you have shackles...they will rotate rearward under compression, and the spring will grow in length as it flattens. Because the spring is bolted rigidly to the frame on the forward end...the spring growth will be entirely to the rear, and it will take the axle with it. Its very important that you leave the shackle bolts and front eye bolts loose until you get the truck on the ground. The bushing sleeves (on GM and Rancho springs) have small teeth on them. These teeth dig into the spring pockets when you tighten the bolts. If you tighten the bolts at full-droop, you are essentially putting pre-load into the bushings, and the truck will sit crooked at rest. So leave the bolts loose until you are totally done. Then you can tighten them, and the teeth will dig into the brackets at normal ride height, keeping your truck level.
Sorry about that. SOA with stock GM springs. I do this mod on all SAS builds as well as Rancho kits. Its a more complicated install with lots of cutting & welding but, the final product is better. It also works well with airbags for guys that tow or pack heavy cargo inside.Now you tell me!spring over with the shot Rancho leaf springs or factory leaf springs?
Quite possible. I have seen some pretty crazy H3-leaf projects. Big goofy shackles, aftermarket springs, add-a-leafs, etc...all very common band-aids. All you can do is drop it down, and see how it looks. If you don't like it, tear it back apart and try something else. If it sits too high (and rides rough), you can try removing one of the short leafs from the pack to see if it makes a difference. Grab some new bump stops too!
Thanks for the detailed reply!!!! By loose I meant it’s just held I place by the sway bar links. The leaf spring to axle pin was a solid 3” forward of the axle pin hole.
I’ll persuade it into position and see how it looks. Been on the road a bunch so it’ll have to wait another week end or 2. Good news, I did receive the below specs from Rancho. First pulling together the bushing info, now the leaf specs form the depths of obscurity. Thats some customer support for an obscure and discontinued product!!!
Thanks again!!!
Matt
I’ll persuade it into position and see how it looks. Been on the road a bunch so it’ll have to wait another week end or 2. Good news, I did receive the below specs from Rancho. First pulling together the bushing info, now the leaf specs form the depths of obscurity. Thats some customer support for an obscure and discontinued product!!!
Thanks again!!!
Matt
Quick update:
Wanted 3” of rear lift with the re-arch of the lead springs. Just got it back together. I got 6.5” of elevation in the rear versus the desired 3-4”. Suspicions confirmed, they put way too much arch in the springs.
I go about 240 pounds right now, not proud of that. With my fat ass, jumping up and down on the rear bumper, it does not move at all.
I’m going to go ahead and torque everything down and see if it drops a bit after driving it some.
I’ll post up sone pics later.
Matt
Wanted 3” of rear lift with the re-arch of the lead springs. Just got it back together. I got 6.5” of elevation in the rear versus the desired 3-4”. Suspicions confirmed, they put way too much arch in the springs.
I go about 240 pounds right now, not proud of that. With my fat ass, jumping up and down on the rear bumper, it does not move at all.
I’m going to go ahead and torque everything down and see if it drops a bit after driving it some.
I’ll post up sone pics later.
Matt
Last edited:
LOL, no pics necessary, looks utterly ridiculous and is completely completely undrivable. It is 100% all spring no shock absorbers engaging at all. Just pulling off my street through a tiny dip that my golf cart negotiates with no problem had this thing bouncing all over the road. Less than 5 miles an hour.
Looks like I’ll be tearing it apart again and heading back to the spring shop. Hopefully they’ll cut me a deal the second time around since they promised 3” gained lift.
I’ve got the Rancho specs now so that should help.
Later,
Matt
Looks like I’ll be tearing it apart again and heading back to the spring shop. Hopefully they’ll cut me a deal the second time around since they promised 3” gained lift.
I’ve got the Rancho specs now so that should help.
Later,
Matt
Finally got it right!!! Stance is right on the money!!! No more banging at the slightest dip in the road and drives much better. So nice!!! Spring shop warrantied the whole thing and re-arched them to Rancho’s specs at no charge!
The above Rancho specs are on the money. I measured and confirmed these leaf springs are exactly on spec per Rancho.
Dunbar Spring in Phoenix is great!
maps.app.goo.gl
The above Rancho specs are on the money. I measured and confirmed these leaf springs are exactly on spec per Rancho.
Dunbar Spring in Phoenix is great!
Dunbar Spring Inc. · 4.6★(62) · Auto spring shop
718 W Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
maps.app.goo.gl
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zebra
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 199
- Location
- cold & windy
right on!!
looks ready to expertly navigate the deepest drainage slope in the parking lot
looks ready to expertly navigate the deepest drainage slope in the parking lot
Shots fired! Now I really have to get that driveshaft built so I can get out of the parking lot!!!
Truth hurts!