Deaver stage 1 - Is a W shaped leaf spring normal?

Installed a set of deaver stage 1, is this a normal shape?

It’s been about a month so it should have settled by now.

 

That does look a bit odd.

I see real-deal rock sliders on your truck. How much other added weight is there? It seems unlikely but I suppose the leafs could be plainly overloaded by accessory weight, being that the Deavers are Stage 1 & the lowest load capacity.

 

I’m going team lightweight. But a winch with chin bumper is planned. But this is it.

I initially had stage 2 leafs installed but the installers recommended stage 1 as the stage 2 hiked up the rear to 4-5in.

weights are guesses
Winch mount and plate approx 100lbs
Rock sliders 100lbs
Unistrut rack 45lbs
Soft topper 5lbs
Awning 15lbs
Alum cat shield 15lbs
Alum TRD skid plate 20lbs
Recovery gear in cab. 15lbs

 

The drivers side leaf spring is definitely maxed out under your current load. It shouldn't W like that normally. My guess is that your static load is greater than the leaf was designed to take. I also have Deavers, but stage 2, and mine do not look like that under my "normal" load.

 

Yup, maxed out already.

 

springs need to go bak to deaver for a refresh. the spring goes into soo much de arch in the 2nd gens that they really have to go back for refresh every so often. put some longer bumpstops in to help it a little.

I would talk to scott of jeff over there about your issue and possible a warranty. thats pretty quick to clap out a set of deavers. if you didnt/dont keep the bushings lubed and they are binding that would be one cause of the issue. check the top of the u brackets that are attached to the springs for contact with the frame. I remember having to trim them when installing years ago.

 

I sent a email to the manufacturer just to be safe.
This was their response.

now I’m unsure what to do. As these are a brand new install.

 

thats kinda a bummer hearing that from them. I dealt with them for years and loved working with them. Ive been out of the 2nd gen world for awhile now. Does their site have a warning stating that? if not i would call them and talk to them and bring this up. If scott is still there try to get through to him.

I found early on the SOA leaf setup has a lot of shortcomings on the 2nd gen if your into your bump zone a lot. Main reason even the bolt in SUA kits are superior in every way and dosent put the spring in negative arch.

 

Unfortunately that’s the nature of the beast on a high multi leaf pack spring with low lift especially on a truck that stays loaded up.

 

How does it ride? My brother has those leafs on his 2nd gen and they look the same way. The rear is also harsh riding and We figured it was the springs because running no shocks changed anything. He has no added weight other than a 35" tire in the bed and fiberglass fenders

 

I have a stage 3. Nice even looking arch across the leafs.

 

Its rides super nice. Floaty but not boaty. Even with the sumo spring I don’t feel it engage.
It’s almost…. Almost like the ride quality of the stock leaf pack

 

Makes sense to me