Sagging rear springs - fix vs. bandaid?

[Sierra H3]

Nice cruiser. Hopefully, someone is still enjoying it. In order for H3 SOA to be ready for the masses like myself, the upgrade procedure may need to be boiled down to the simplicity of having the parts of a "kit" identified along with by the numbers instructions. The documentation that has been created on this site probably comes closest to that. But, seeing experienced mechanics sometimes surprised by this sag issue, gives me the impression that we are not there yet. Finding a reliable source for a known good SOA spring pack/ anti-sag procedure would go a long way. Be looking forward to see what you find out at the spring shop.

 

[06 H3]

Ive been thinking about this leaf spring topic this morning and find this somewhat interesting. I have always asked myself why we get that bad bounce in the front end on steep climbs. Thinking about it we are considered a long wheelbase compared to the 2 door jeeps. I believe their wheelbase is the reason for hop but I believe its our springs for the H3. When on a steep climb the suspension unloads and puts a lot of weight on the rear end, these damn springs cant even hold its own weight with nothing in the trunk. Now put all our weight we carry, coolers, spare parts, tools, big spare tire PLUS the weight of the truck with the front end unloading the springs cant handle it. Is this why we get that bad bounce?

If we could have a spring to handle the weight I am sure it will help on steep climbs, give our ride height back and probably still ride nice if the spring rate isnt too high. I think I am going to run back to some of the local trails with steep climbs I have struggled on. I will see if the deavers have helped at all with the weight on the rear springs.

 

[cbetts]

I don't think I have the same symptoms, Chris. Not sure if it has to do with driving style or other things in the truck. When I had my half-shafts done, I had the ball joints inspected. I was thinking they would be toast with 82K miles and a lot of wheeling. Ant said they looked beautiful along with the condition of other parts that normally wear quickly on other H3s. I suspect a lot of it has to do with manual trans and the 4:1 t-case.

I have been concerned about sagging on my truck and recently measured the height to see how much it has drooped. I have lost just over 1/2"! Not bad when you consider the weight I have added (rock rails, roof rack, hi-lift are always on it now) and that I typically have passengers and gear on all my trips. Either my truck has magic springs or I don't load as much into my truck.

 

[06 H3]

The gearing may not help my problem...on steep climbs I will get bounce until I stop and pick a new line or sometimes I need a strap. It may just be the lack of gearing.

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