Removing leafs from leaf pack

[Toad]

My cj7 is running 4.5 inch Rubicon Express springs. I like the ride and the handling. It is far better than my old Skyjacker setup. I am in the process of installing TNT Customs fenders front and rear. Now I have tons of wheel well for my 35s. I just removed the body lift and the shackles are as short as possible. I would like to lower it another inch if possible. If I remove the two lower leafs in my pack am I going to have serious negative effects on the way it rides and handles?

 

[sixstringsteve]

Are they overload leafs or regular leafs? Regardless, it'll ride quite a bit softer and you'll probably experience more body roll.

 

[TRD270]

I'm getting ready to remove a few out of the front end of the 4runner, had some other questions.

I'm assuming you want to remove the shortest leafs first? Not take from mid pack?

 

[Toad]

Yea I was thinking I would remove the shortest from the bottom of the stack. They are not overload leafs.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I usually remove them from the middle, but I don't really know what I'm doing. In my experience, most add-a-leafs go towards the top/middle of the pack. I'm curious what the experts say.

 

[flexyfool]

The short lower leaves do little to set ride height. They serve more to maintain the spring rate at compression and to maintain the structural integrity of the longer leaves.

 

[flexyfool]

You might consider raising the frame mounts 1". Build custom brackets, and put the top of the shackle through the frame rail.

 

[smartass_kid]

word of advice if you don't know, use a c-clamp pinching leaves together as you unbolt them, then release pressure with c clamp after bolt is out. not always an issue but a safe idea.

 

[sixstringsteve]

^this. Vice grip clamps work great too.

 

[thenag]

My cj7 is running 4.5 inch Rubicon Express springs. I like the ride and the handling. It is far better than my old Skyjacker setup. I am in the process of installing TNT Customs fenders front and rear. Now I have tons of wheel well for my 35s. I just removed the body lift and the shackles are as short as possible. I would like to lower it another inch if possible. If I remove the two lower leafs in my pack am I going to have serious negative effects on the way it rides and handles?

That is is the great thing about leaves, back yard tune-able.

Try out what ever you think, it takes time but it is fairly easy to do.

Just remember that you are not supposed to re-use u-bolts and you will likely have to cut them off if they have any rust on them. Get new u-bolts built up they are cheap.

Of course you did say "I like the ride and handling" so you might want to look into raising up the mounts on the frame, maybe buying/building a different mount that is higher. (I am thinking that on cj's the leafs are under the frame so maybe you can't really raise them)

Nathan