sagging rear leaf spring

iKAB

So I finished up my cart today putting the wheels on and body back on and went for a cruise around the block. When I got home I was walking around the cart and noticed the drivers side rear end was noticeably lower than the passenger side. Did some measuring and its about a half inch lower. Could it be just a worn leaf? Or maybe something I did installing the lift kit? Could I just add a half inch piece of steel between the spacer and leaf to raise it up a little?

BGW

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onemorebeer

Not a big fan of changing. You could rig to make look better, but, you ride it, and haul folks, spring for new springs, this is a safety issue more than anything. It is cheaper to fix it right.

Dadog70

Ikab I would go back through your lift on the rear end to make sure everything is the same from side to side. I know when I installed my lift trying to get everything to align back up as I was bolting it down I missed a location with the new lift.

I would not install a shim to get the cart to the same equal heigth you are liable to mess something else up that might not show for awhile. If your lift is correct I would order heavier springs.

pachanga90

Another option would be to remove both springs,and take them to a Spring-Shop.They can match the arch,so that they are the same.Just make sure you mark them,so you know which one is the low-side.Are the shackles at the rear both moving free?If the shackles are frozen,it can cause the spring to sit wrong.Are they both at the same angle with the cart on level ground?If one is farther forward/backward from the other,that will indicate a problem.A spring-shop can likely re-arch both to match,even raise it a bit if you want,for less than the price of one spring.I work for a Spring-Shop,so I know whats involved.Hope this helps.

Kudaman

Rearching is the best option. Most spring shops can do it in a matter of a few minutes; probably while you wait. I would recommend adding a leaf each side as well. This will reinforce the rearching because springs tend to have a memory to where they used to be and sometimes just reaching does not last.

iKAB

Both shackles move free, I think I'm going to mark the sagging leaf and swap sides with them just to see if it makes the passenger side sag, also then I can recheck all the bushings and moving parts. Thanks for the help guys.

Kudaman

When you took your measurements did you measure from the bottom of the frame to the top of the axle housing? This is the only way to get a true measurement. If it is level at the axle then it's likely a body problem. Do you have multi leaf springs on the cart now? Is so, mix match the leaves from side to side when you swap. Also look at the front suspension. A low left front corner will give you a high right rear corner.

iKAB

I didn't measure from frame to axle, the front end is even, and no I have the stock single leaf springs on it. I don't want to add a leaf or HD springs because I won't have a rear seat and I like the softer ride. I'll get some better measurements tomorrow and maybe Sunday switch the springs around and see if I get different results.

pachanga90

I wouldn't worry about adding a leaf,the whole "Memory" thing is more myth than fact.If they are properly re-arched,they will stay that way.If you wanted to beef it slightly,you could have a thin leaf added,and have them remove some arch from the original spring.This will give you a heavier spring,with a better ride,and the ride height won't change.The guy I work next to has been doing spring-work for 38yrs.I see some amazing stuff(learned alot too)He can take a pick-up,add 2 very heavy(thick)leafs,and the truck looks stock when hes' done.I've seen guys do 1 light leaf and the truck comes up 3".Its' all in the technique.Hope this helps.

iKAB

I wish I had a cart guru around here. Something seems wierd with the back end. I checked the frame and all suspension mounts and shackels. I'm almost sure the rear end didn't sag before the lift but not 100%. That's why I'm planning on marking the springs and switching them to make sure.