How to precision bend a leaf spring????
 

I am wondering how I can bend a leaf spring to an angle similar to that of an AAL. I plan on making my own long travel progressive rate spring pack. I have 5 stock ranger springs that I plan on cutting up to make the pack. My stock pack sits low and weak, it's pretty much straight, aka not sprung down. I want my springs to be like a Deaver pack which is at a decent hoop shape. I also plan on taking out my stock lift block to account for the added lift angle from the custom springs. I am just wondering how I can safely and precisely bend just one spring, like I said to look almost like an AAL so I can sandwich it in my leaf pack to give it a nice rake. Springs are cookin strong so I doubt just clamping it in a vise and hammering it will work. Any ideas would help.

you need a machine. otherwise you will jsut weaken them.

several spring shops can re-arc your springs.

I figured taking it to a shop is pretty much the best and only way to do it. How much do you think they charge to do 2 springs (1 for each side) ?

$ 3,453,654,323.45

aal are only $70

Very nice. I'll just get em all done for that price.
Rudy, do u think it's a good idea?

The springs I have are only $0.00, I didn't really want to spend any, that's why I wondered if there was any "easy" or even possible way to re-arch them myself.

There isnt... and i was letting you know a shop will charge you more than aal's

EDIT: Without a machine

I just called up a spring shop, told him what i want to do, he said they can re-arch springs for 40-50$, and he said it won't last re-arched for too long. Forget it. I don't want an AAL because I don't want that much of a lift.

Then again, he never heard of Deaver springs or progressive long travel springs, so he doesn't really know what's going on with my project.
He sounded pretty redneck and probably drives an 87 Dodge Colt as a DD. haha

Actually if you get the rears re arched and one aal. When they settle, it will only be slightly higher than stock (new). Thats what I did and I am happy with it...

Does it ride stiff? I want a really soft ride, and longer travel than stock. Right now mine are so level that any bump makes the leafs bend/travel to the point that it hits the overload spring easily, which pretty much stops the leaves from traveling any further causing the ride to be stiff.

AAL is not what you want then.

Honestly the best option and the cheapest would be 2wd 1/2 ton chevy leaf springs and no block.

What I really want is a set of Long Travel Deavers, but I figured if I could make a redneck pack with what I have; it would be better than $500 for Deavers or any $$.

If it was up to me, I'd go back to that spring shop in Buffalo and have them custom make you a pack... i'm sure they can design something with a progressive spring rate. Along with more travel than stock, which should be a lot less $$$ then some deaver deals.

imo...

Yea and if you make that redneck pack, it might save you money but would you really trust it and think it will last a long time.

I would go with what is proven like the deavers or the chevy spring swap.

I can ask Richy at Brute ( that suspension Fab shop we went to for those Ubolts ) if ya want? I'm positive he can build them.

I was charged $150 on mine. They did the install also. They added a spring and rearched the others. It added about 2-1/2 inches. I did it 60,000 miles ago and it hasn't sagged. Towing is a dream, but the ride seems harsh.

I've been talking about the same subject on dezertrangers.com forum, which is more in the long travel world then here on R-F. I've had a few offers of used LT spring sets that i'm thinking about.
D, i'll let you know if i'd like you to ask Brute Spring about a set, which would also work most likely.

I'm not looking for lift, and I do want a plush ride. I'm pretty much looking for a set of long travel springs, not just rearched and stiff. It's good to know that what you got done is available, and at a decent price too!