Tacoma Spring refurbishing

I think most get the theory of progressive susp. the confusion seems to be what makes a spring progressive. (meaning to what degree factor X (thickness)or how much material is reduced to factor Y (thin leafends)

 

Ok , to answer your other questions, 1st gens use what they call an eliptical spring (confusion already) I just call it "centerpin offset" because they are diff. lengths from the centerpin to the eyeletts of spring, centerpin to front hanger is shorter than centerpin to rear shackle (longer)

2nd gens are centerpin to eyeletts equal distance from either front spring hanger or rear shackle to centerpin...

You don't want to mix leafs in regards to thickness or lengths, there must be uniformity or a harsh or at very least a very "odd" ride quality will result

 

Interesting. If I understand anything I read through this ENTIRE 57 pages I'm going to guess that spring will be a firm load-carrying ride (because of the linear short-ish one at the bottom) but smooth and civilized on the streets because of the progressive (and longer) ones above it.

Am I close?
What donor for the progressive ones?

 

Having a tapered leaf is a good indication that it is progressive, but the real test is to measure displacement vs load. We can calculate the deflection/load at any point on any leaf or combination of leaves, by know the length, width, taper and ARCH, with arch being a critical value. I suspect most of the spring design is done via assembly of sample springs and testing them, since the math isn't straight forward and requires many runs. This is a good place for some computer programing since many runs are needed for each load/deflection.

See, each leaf has a certain load/deflection, and the leaves have to be combined, based on deflection. I would assign a deflection and then get the load.

On the other hand, if you have a shop press with both a force read out AND a stroke, and have a way of mounting the spring in very rigid frame, you can do some very good tailoring.

Or we can go to a local spring shop and they have tables, arching equipment and a metal worker than can shear and punch bulk leaf material.

Howard

 

Oh, you're very close , the progressive springs for donors are harder to come by, but to be honest I've had far better results with rebuilding the stock springs with linear springs both in load rating & comfort, I'm running a 6 leaf progressive now & don't like them at all, can't wait to build another linear pack for myself

 

not even on the list WTH??? thats it back to the weazers...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zODc356PS0&feature=youtu.be

Here ya go Doug, quality of vid was lost in conversion, original from gopro3 is so awesome, just way too big for you tube, I have alot to learn on video cutting/editing

more to follow

250lbs in bed too btw. ya there is a bit of air time too...

The qreek was cab to frame mount rubber gone bad not the leafs.


format change

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sli1gVFzhzk

 

A pair of leafs on the way. Gonna be on the list soon

 

You've got nice tires, sir.

 

one of those cams would be mighty handy to see all the jiggling and woggling and jostling going on under my truck, especially since it won't be until Warm that I do the junkyard thing.

Hmm..

 

I assume you are entertaining the thought of doing this MOD, well

you won't be disappointed & I'm here to help along the way if needed...

 

Thanks, Doug! Oh I am absolutely entertaining that thought! I'd be making my maiden voyage to the local junkyards now if it weren't so dang cold. I'm sure I'll be asking more questions once I get thawed out.

 

i see your a new member from NM. post up in here if you want to meet some cool guys...http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/south-west/32579-new-mexico-owners-bs-thread.html

 

Quick vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fELrJ08fM9g&feature=youtu.be

 

I have a humdinger for you Doug. I have a 09 Tacoma Double Cab on a 6" lift currently. The kit is a procomp...so it came with a add a leaf (which didnt get put on and is still laying in the garage)..I didnt use it because I already had a Toytec AAL for TSB on the rear...so I just used the block that came with the kit for a total of 6" to be even with the front..ok, so here is where I have the puzzle for you...I have my old OME 885 springs I am going to put on the front of the truck, which I read will give about 2 more inches on the front....so I am guessing I will need to do the same to the rear....what would be the best way to go? Would it be good to just go ahead and throw in the procomp AAL as well..that looks identical to the toytec thats already in my TSB pack....or should I ditch lots of this and the blocks and build a 8" pack some how? or should I just say screw it and get a block that is two inches taller??

 

I'd dump the blocks if possible, you need to find some nicely ARC'd springs off a SUA (spring under axle) probably 4 per side if just using the Toyota main leaf, that probably won't get you to 8" over but with some shackles , possibly . you could probably get by with a block if its no higher than 2", BTW how do you feel about nose bleeds ??


j/k....

 

Any thoughts on what a good spring under axle vehicle is for this? I cant remember right off if we touched anything in the shackle area when doing the procomp kit. btw...nose bleeds dont bother me.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hyl1Q_cc_N4&feature=youtu.be

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shn3TjIT0RY&feature=youtu.be