Flipping Front Springs

pathfinder

OK guys I have a 99 EZGO TXT that I am lifting. I put the springs on top of the axle, not enough lift so then I added a 2"x2"x21" aluminum bar across the top of axle which gave me about 4" of lift. But when I set the cart on the ground the tie rods contacted the front springs. I have seen threads where they block the rear of the springs but didn't want to do that. I took 1 of the springs off and turned it around and bolted the front to the rear and the rear of thefront making the swing of the spring lower giving me all kinds of clearance. My question is before I continue I would like to know if there is any reason not do do this. I plan on flipping both and posting pics when I am finished. Any thoughts?

BGW

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monkey-1

Can you post pics of your setup to help us see what you have done??

pathfinder

First off 2" on top of axle won't work This is a mock up of 1" on top for a total 3" lift.
[IMG]
Stock Spring rear mount
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Flipped rear spring mount
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Stock clearance above axle plus 1"
[IMG][/IMG]
Flipped clearance plus 1"
[IMG][/IMG]
Front view pass side flipped drivers side stock
[IMG][/IMG]
closest is flipped farthest is stock
This is just mocked up at this point but I think it will work. and if I am looking for 4" I can add 1" plate at rear mount. More pic's in my album. Give me your thoughts.

pachanga90

The only problem with flipping the springs end-for-end,is that now the majority of flex is targeted to the bend in the spring that used to be located directly behind the axle.The spring is also alot weaker this way,as the double-leafs are at the axle,and won't carry the load properly.This may cause the leaf to crack prematurely.Why not put the spacer at the frame instead of the axle?Alot of the block-kits have them that way,nothing wrong with it.Cut the block down,so that it is roughly 4"x4"(measure your spring-plate for accurate measurements),drill a 3/8" hole thru it for the bolt that locates the spring,remove the factory-bolt from the spring,and bolt thru the spring and block,then install in cart with minimum Grade-5 hardware and lock-nuts.Hope this helps.

pachanga90

I would also cut the mounts off the axle,or make new ones to weld on top.You don't want the spring just sitting on the axle,it won't stay in position properly.

pathfinder

I have more plates for the top of axle just doing a mock up trying to think out of the box on flipping the springs. Wouldn't the load on the springs be the same as before as long as everything is flat and secure no load increase? I plan on adding sleeves to all bolts to further strengthen it.

pachanga90

When the springs are mounted factory,the weight is on the spring at the axle,but it transfers the force to the other end of the leaf,thats why they are paired at that end.Its' a leverage-thing.When you turn them around,now the spring will want to flex in the same spot,which is weaker now,since it only has 1-leaf there.If you put the springs in stock-position and bounce the cart,you can watch how they flex,you will see what I mean.If you put the springs in as original,and put the block at the frame,everything should drop enough to clear the steering.I work for a Spring-Shop,We manufacture and install Leaf-Springs,so I do know quite a bit about how they work.I wouldn't sleeve the bolts,you want the plate to clamp the spring tightly.Look at a car or truck with leafs,they only have a plate and either the axle or spring to clamp,and the U-bolts are drawing it all together.Hope this helps.

monkey-1

I agree with Pachanga, flip the leafs back around and then make a new plate and weld it to the top of the axle. Check out this thread:
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...tml#post822424
It will show you how you can lift the other end of the leafs and a drag link to clear everything.

pathfinder

OK I understand about the flex point and will change the leaf back around. I was trying to avoid the drag link and trying something I hadn't seen before. Thanks Pachanga and Monkey knowledge is invaluable. Nothing ventured nothing gained I am a little wiser now.

pachanga90

Thats why we are all here,A little knowledge can save alot of headaches and $$$$$$$$