Inverted leaf springs at full compression

I was testing out my suspension travel when I noticed this (see pictures) Passenger side was at full compression here (wheel fully stuffed in wheel well)

I am running OME nitrocharger shocks that are only rated for 2.5” of lift and OME Dakar leaf springs with the AAL with about 400 lbs constant load in the rear (FWIW I think ARB actually recommends 660 lbs constant load if you are running the AAL) I currently have about 4” of lift in the rear. What I assume is happening here is, my shock met full compression, and the remaining compression force was applied to the bump stop (as it should) and also to the leaf pack, thus creating the inverted appearance pictured. I didn’t think to look at the shackle, but I’m thinking it may have possibly been inverted as well..

Can someone more experienced than me confirm that my above theory is correct?

Furthermore - if I continue negatively arch the leaf springs in off road scenarios, do I run the chance if breaking my springs?

If my above theory is correct, the proper fix for this would be to decrease the amount of rear lift I have to meet the spec of the rear shocks? Or - replace those shocks with a shock rated for the amount of rear lift I actually have? (4”)

All input in appreciated, thanks!

 

or perhaps use a larger bump bump stop to avoid the over extension. But yes, the suspension was matched with shocks and you have altered that with 2 more inches of lift, so the rear suspension/shock is working beyond it design. Do you have lift shackles or is the extra lift from an add a leaf?

 

Copy. I have 1.5” lift provided from Toytec’s shackle. They say the AAL was supposed to add 0.6” but you won’t see it if you’re at that 660 lb constant load rating. I may try the 1” setting on the shackle or swap them for Coachbuilders +1 (provides 0.625”)

Thanks man

 

You would need to take the leaf pack apart and cycle it to find out your exact issue. My guess is the shackles are too long for that pack to cycle properly or it needs to be bumped properly. When the rear axle is fully bumped/compressed your main leaf should be flat or slightly negative. That much negative arch on a consistent basis will kill the lifespan of the leafs.

 

Thanks for the input. Can you elaborate on "bumped properly?"

 

Yeah sorry about that. I should have worded it better. "Bumped properly" just means that your leaf springs are close to flat when the axle is sitting on the bump stops.

 

Hi there, I am not an expert, but here is what I think, 4inch of rear lift maybe a bit too high for the original bump stop, therefore, if I am having your problem, I would try to decrease the gap between the bump stop (on leaf) to the frame, either through decrease a little of of lift, or extend the bump stop.

 

CB Lee what's up bro haha, it's Jesse Rose from facebook. I have aftermarket bumps (timbrens), Timbren does offer spacers for the bump stops, so I that would be an option, but at the same time, I don't want to lose travel by extending the bump stops!

 

Hey man, I figured it was you since the pictures were identical haha. I understand not wanting to lose travel, however, I don't think you will lose anything compared to stock, since you lifted by 4 inches, and I assume the shocks are longer? and if that's the case, I doubt you will loose much travel by extending bump stops to the proper height. At least it won't be less travel compared to stock anyway. I would prefer properly "bump stopped" leafs over a little more travel, but that's just me haha.

 

The shock did not bottom out before you hit the bump. If it did you would have snapped it off.

you have a couple problems.

1, that leaf pack is thicker than stock, your timbren bump was designed for stock pack

2. Your shock might actually over extend with the longer shackle on full droop, you’ll Have to call them and ask

3. Your spring may have been designed only with the stock length shackle in mind. The longer shackle allows more movement with the spring. Longer shackles are bad for payload, as it is easier for the spring to flatten out