Leaf pack help

[Redbowties88]

hey guys...im putting caltracs in currently and ive got both leaf packs pulled. im removing leafs and going with an airbag setup....this is probably a dumb question but im no mechanic. well i got the center bolt out (it was a PITA) that took care of the overload and now im not sure what the "correct" way to separate the other leafs is...do i just find a way to pry apart those clamp things or is there another way?

thanks

 

[wikdlmm]

I just bend them open..

 

[TrentNell]

I just bend them open..

X2 just bend the clamps open , I kept the bottom leaf in my pack always to retain the clamps , pulled the leafs out and re-bent the clamps back in place . you can buy a new center bolt or if you have a "die" you can just thread it down further , i did the later .

 

[Turbo Performance]

I'm assuming you'll have traction issues if you pull leafs and don't run a caltrac or similar?

 

[TrentNell]

I'm assuming you'll have traction issues if you pull leafs and don't run a caltrac or similar?

I never tested it to find out but i would bet axle wrap would be probably break something really quick .

 

[Turbo Performance]

Kinda what I was thinkin. Sounds like I'm gonna have to get caltracs before I pull some leafs. Thanks Trent :thumb:

Edit: Do you remember the difference in ride height and/or quality between running 2 leafs or 3 leafs? I though I remember you mentioning it in a thread awhile back. Had trouble finding it though.

 

[Redbowties88]

Thanks guys. If I remember correctly trent said leaving only 2 leafs is about a 4 inch drop which is what i'm goin for:hug:

 

[Redbowties88]

X2 just bend the clamps open , I kept the bottom leaf in my pack always to retain the clamps , pulled the leafs out and re-bent the clamps back in place . you can buy a new center bolt or if you have a "die" you can just thread it down further , i did the later .

I was just gonna use washers on that. Think that would be a problem? Also Trent was there enough useable thread on your ubolts? I haven't got that far but it's lookin mighty sketchy right about now

 

[Builtlngbd]

lol i used to big nuts that slid over the ubolt threads as spacers...worked great (they wer grade 8 of course)

 

[Redbowties88]

10-4 I'll be sure to find some of those. Thanks

 

[TrentNell]

I was just gonna use washers on that. Think that would be a problem? Also Trent was there enough useable thread on your ubolts? I haven't got that far but it's lookin mighty sketchy right about now

lol i used to big nuts that slid over the ubolt threads as spacers...worked great (they wer grade 8 of course)

I did the same :rofl:

 

[TrentNell]

Thanks guys. If I remember correctly trent said leaving only 2 leafs is about a 4 inch drop which is what i'm goin for:hug:

here is a pic of the ride height with only 2 leafs ( fairly light truck too ), stock shackles , and 30" tall tires , the front is just t-bar bolts removed stock keys .

 

[Redbowties88]

Looks good Trent. Are you using the top or the middle hole on the caltracs?

 

[TrentNell]

Looks good Trent. Are you using the top or the middle hole on the caltracs?

Top ,


http://www.duramaxdiesels.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13482&highlight=caltrac

 

[Redbowties88]

Great thread I just subscribed to it. I'm kinda worried now the last thing I want is worse performance then my clamps. Oh well time will tell I suppose just need to wait another month for the track to open up.

Btw. My buddy Chris (dmaxchris) manages consistent 1.6 60's on just clamps and drop shackles. While I currently can't muster better then a mid 1.8 I do have junk shocks at the moment though

 

[Redbowties88]

Yone think spray painting the leafs with a fresh black coat will cause them to possibilly squeak?