Can i adjust AAL by trimming the ends?

I recently purchased a 2" AAL from Toytec for the rear. I like it, and i still like it, but the rear rides too high for me. I was wondering if i cut the ends of the leaf ever so slightly it might lower the springs a little bit. I would cut them very accurately and would even drill holes to put on the plastic friction guards. Do you think it could be possible, or should i take another route? Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

Haul stuff around for a month. The springs will definitely settle after some time. After a few months, if its still too high, then consider going to a lower height. I guess I didnt really answer your question in regards to the process used to lessen the lift, but hope the info helps anyways.

 

Ive had them on for about a month and they definitely have settled since i put them on, but your saying they can settle even more?

 

maybe. maybe not. they may still be in the process or may have stopped. Just depends what youve been doing with the truck during this time. Weight will speed up that process.

 

Ill try putting some bags of compost or something back there for a while. I just want to avoid having to buy a different lift. I like the new leaf, it brings the whole leaf pack back to life, but only if it were about an inch lower.

 

Does anyone have an answer to my original question?

 

I don't have a definitive answer for you but it might be a reasonable option. The only thing I'm sceptical about is how much will it 'weaken the bend' of the AAL by shortening it. The arch left in the spring might keep the same amount of lift but you'll just weaken it making it wear out sooner. (total hypothesis)

I say try it, maybe do small increments, like cut of .25" then ride it 2 weeks and see what happens then take off more.

Another option might be for you to go to a leafspring shop: On a couple of my older rigs I had the springs 're arched' to bend the springs back into spec and even a bit of lift, you might be able to get your AAL 'DE-arched' and inch. (?)

 

i personally wouldnt do it. those springs are designed to work in conjunction w/ the other springs...if its too tall, just replace it with blocks..

 

Do you have any idea of what kind of shop is capable of doing this, or is it possible i can do it myself?

 

thanks

 

Talk to a shop first and get an estimate of what it would cost to re-arch the AAL. The cost to re-arch might be more than it'll cost just to buy another leaf spring of a 'lower' lift and sell the current one.

Besides that, re-arching can SAG over time. If you spend all that money on having it rearched to lower the truck and discover a couple years down the road, they sag even further...you've wasted your money.

You're pobably better off buying a different AAL with a 'set' lift amount and selling the AAL you have now.

Or, try putting 200lbs in the bed for a few months and see where things look like after that.

 

dont put a block back there. and dont trim the aal. the other posters have much better ideas to run with

 

Well i took Jansters idea of putting weight in the bed. I went and got 4 50# sandbags from home depot for 10 bucks. As soon as i put them in i immediately noticed a difference. It dropped to just 1/8" under level. I covered the bags with an old black tarp and they arent going anywhere for a while. Thanks for the suggestion Janster.

 

Give it some time and take the weight out of the bed and see where it sits.

Having the extra weight in there kills the gas mileage (atleast it does on my truck). You don't want to leave it in there.