Tridet167 Build Thread...

In need of a little TLC. Changed the oil, swapped plugs and also cleaned the MAF sensor, it was pretty dirty.

 

Got around to putting in my switch panel. Now I have to figure out what to do with the remainder 6 switches.

 

Nice easy spot for the switches, sweet@!

 

Worked out well with wiring too. Hides nicely down the door stripping.

 

It was time to replace my leaf springs. The Dakar HD's have served me well but ,with time, had started to flatten out and I also snapped one leaf. Both sides had broken clamps as well. Now the HD's are meant to carry some weight so they ride a little stiff but I have nothing but good things to say about them. Out with the old and in with the new.

I had debated a while if I should have a shop custom make a set or just order a direct bolt on. I decided a bolt on would probably work out better. It was between Deaver Expedition or AllPro Expedition. The cost of the Deavers scared me so I chose the AllPro's. Reason was the weight of my rear and also wanting to get a bit more rake in the truck. AllPro says it's a 3" leaf spring so it all sounds perfect

Having driven for couple of days with the new springs, here's what I can tell you.
AllPro says on the website "Our Expedition leaf springs are designed to carry up to 500 lbs consistently. **They may settle up to 1/2″ in height." My rear probably weighs close to 600lbs if you add the cap, bedslide and rear bumper w/swingout, so daily that's what I drive empty.
Having these new leafs installed, I'm sitting at the same height as the sagging/broken Dakars. Not very heavy duty if you ask me. The only thing I can say is good is the daily driving, they absorb bumps amazingly well. Rear is so much smoother now compared to the Dakars. I will be taking them on some trails this weekend and post back maybe with some pics of flex. I read they have really nice flex so we'll see.
My belief is that these leafs are meant for complete stock trucks that off road, over weight carrying. They are not heavy duty. I'm afraid to see what 10 bags of concrete will do to the springs. My feelings are 50/50 right now. More to come so stay tuned.

 

Hmm, based on everything I read, the all pros expeditions and the dakars were supposedly on par. Sucks that you are at the same height. Atleast they ride better! Deavers are so expensive but they are built to spec which is good. I know @Manfred has a different leaf pack that’s pretty beefy and holds up to his swingout, drawers, and cap. After checking though, I think the member he got them from is banned now....not much options out there.

 

Yeah there aren't many options for a true heavy duty set. These are amazing on high speed bumps and that's where they excel. I should have done the 63 swap, that might be the only option for a heavy set with flex. Might talk to the shop where I got them installed, leafs is all they do, and see if they might be able to add another leaf for weight.
My lift might be another reason why these stock-ish springs don't work.

 

Oh yeah, forgot you are technically on 4” of loft so you are trying to match the rear with an extra inch.

 

Adding some limit straps to the front end. Work in progress. Getting the plates to weld onto frame ready and painted. Couple of days of drying and I'll weld them in on.

Best paint period...

 

Looks good. What length of straps did you end up going with?

 

12 but should have got 14. The 12's end up short for me, the tie rod hits the buckle on the up travel. Had to weld them further forward in front of the tie rod.

 

When it stretches to 13” would that save it?

 

Now that I mounted them in a different spot, it works as is. I think my lift probably would have wanted the 14 to clear the hardware.
I don't like where I originally wanted it, between the tie rod and shock, too tight with all the movements, it was freaking me out.

 

Yeah I’m not a fan of having it between the toe rod and shock. I was considering going to the rear but meh. They ain’t coming out now lol

 

I was wondering if these could be mounted on the back side

That location is where my reservoir is

 

Yeah it’s definitely tight. I was planning on welding a tab for the limit strap to mount to the lower control arm and weld to the upper bumpstop area as well. Not sure if that will work for you. Your resi should be above that no?

 

Is it something I even need right now.

PROBABLY NOT


FJ t-case 1st, must stay on track!

 

Lol it’s the worst....can get side tracked so easily.