DanMan2k06
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Damascus, MD
I've been browsing around the webz recently looking at air helper springs, and an idea came across my mind. What if you used the air spring to share the load under normal driving conditions, rather than just "overload" situations. Here's my thought:
A lot of poor guys in the mini-truck world run mono-leaf setups. It saves them from building ladder bars and steps back from an expensive, complex suspension, to a simple bolt-in (and weak) suspension. They remove all the leafs except the main, and sandwich the bags in between the springs and the frame. This over-works the leafs, and eventually they crack and fail. This lead to using two leaves, for added durability. Most say it works ok, but is a stiff ride with lots of axle wrap.
Enter the jeep world- Cherokees weigh much more than a 2wd stock cab short bed s10. I've tried lots of leaf setups, and no matter what it's a compromise. Want to tow? Too stiff ride for a DD. Want a road friendly DD? Forget about towing or hauling. So my here is my idea. I have a 7-leaf IRO pack. It rides great with 400lbs of stuff in the back, but unloaded its like every other stiff leaf pack I've used. What if I removed (pick any) 3 leaves, and installed the helper springs. When the jeep is unloaded, minimal pressure would be needed for correct height and ride. When hauling, the pressure could be pumped up and all would be well. Air offers an extremely progressive spring rate, so I think it would be very adjustable.
I understand articulation would be limited, but I don't care. My jeep has been retired to an overly-capable occasional DD, camping/beach/snow ADV rig. I've tried so many rear setups and just can't find what I'm looking for. If push comes to shove it'll get linked and coiled. Is my idea feasible? Does anyone have any experience with air springs? Am I totally insane?
A lot of poor guys in the mini-truck world run mono-leaf setups. It saves them from building ladder bars and steps back from an expensive, complex suspension, to a simple bolt-in (and weak) suspension. They remove all the leafs except the main, and sandwich the bags in between the springs and the frame. This over-works the leafs, and eventually they crack and fail. This lead to using two leaves, for added durability. Most say it works ok, but is a stiff ride with lots of axle wrap.
Enter the jeep world- Cherokees weigh much more than a 2wd stock cab short bed s10. I've tried lots of leaf setups, and no matter what it's a compromise. Want to tow? Too stiff ride for a DD. Want a road friendly DD? Forget about towing or hauling. So my here is my idea. I have a 7-leaf IRO pack. It rides great with 400lbs of stuff in the back, but unloaded its like every other stiff leaf pack I've used. What if I removed (pick any) 3 leaves, and installed the helper springs. When the jeep is unloaded, minimal pressure would be needed for correct height and ride. When hauling, the pressure could be pumped up and all would be well. Air offers an extremely progressive spring rate, so I think it would be very adjustable.
I understand articulation would be limited, but I don't care. My jeep has been retired to an overly-capable occasional DD, camping/beach/snow ADV rig. I've tried so many rear setups and just can't find what I'm looking for. If push comes to shove it'll get linked and coiled. Is my idea feasible? Does anyone have any experience with air springs? Am I totally insane?