Black Diamond Springs too stiff.

Hey All,

Just wanted to get this out in a forum that doesn't get pruned. I have a set of Black Diamod 3" springs on the flattie and they are too dang stiff. I have the shackles loose, my RS9k's on the softest setting. Not sure there is anything else I can do and I'm pretty bummed about it.

I spoke to Superlift, who now owns black diamond and they said that's just the way they are and there's nothing that can be done, and further pretty much every manufacturers springs are gonna be the same rate (too dang stiff) there's just a little variance in design to not stomp design patents.

It's especially disappointing because my friend who bought a set of these for his early 5 now has a really flexy suspension and I get beat to hell just driving down a bumpy road.

Anyhow - guess I'm gonna save my pennies for holbrook long leafs like I shoulda done in the first place.

 

Well that sucks. Sorry to hear...

 

that's sucks. Glad you mentioned it I was looking at them because they're cheaper than some.

 

Bob how old are they?
They should wear in so to speak over time.
I know my Rough Countrys were real stiff at 1st. Now they flex well.
Hoping my Black Diamond kit for the 5 has some decent flex.

 

Well, they'll have time. I can't afford new springs anytime soon. My buddy's set on the 5 are almost too soft. He say's it leans pretty good in corners. I've driven it and watched it, and it flexes great off road though. He's quite a bit lighter than me, with me driving he had some rub, but it didn't when he drove - that's how soft we're talking. I'd gladly take that over my problem. Hopefully mine will loosen up more. I've only had them out on the trail 2 times - and very very few road miles.

 

Hope they loosen up for you.
When I 1st put the lift on the YJ they wouldn't rub for anything.
Now they rub alot.
Still stable on the road though.
Get that Flattie out on the trail more.
One of two things will happen.
You'll either get used to it or it will start to break in. R)

 

Would it be possible to remove the bottom 3 leafs? You would'nt lose any lift like a spring over axle would cause, but it may give the main and second leafs some extra flex capability.

Just a thought-I have the same springs on my now 9-10 year old undriven project. Got mine when Warn bought out Rugged trail and started Black Diamond.

 

I know it would probably be a PIA, but I would just load up the Jeep with ballast, and run it until the springs relax a bit. Take along all the junk and spare parts you never thought you could haul. When the springs finally sag a bit, you will probably miss the junk you used to drag along. The only alternative (other than living with the rough ride) will be heating up the springs, to pull the temper. Not a good idea - that would shorten their useful life.

 

I have to agree with most of the guys, they should "break in" after a while. Another trick is to put the Jeep on some stands with the axles hanging and shoot some grease between each one of the leaves. Concentrate on the tips of each spring. This obviously will reduce resistence and help you out a little.

As for removing leafs or heating the packs I would highly recommend NOT doing either one. By removing the lower suporting leaves you will loose lift and cause the springs to become very unhappy. Heating the springs if not done correctly could cause them to crack or worse yet break. Just my 2 hope it helps.

 

My brother's Superlifts springs were very stiff so we took the bottom leaf out of it and that helped with no drawbacks. I have taken the bottom leaf out of many Jeep sets with no drawbacks as far as handling. If the springs loosen up after a while put it back in.

 

Do you mean the top shortest leaf or the bottem long leaf??

 

I'm with you Glenn.
The only thing I do is put anti friction pads in between the leaves.

 

The bottom short spring is what I remove. The other idea is to take out one of the leaves and replace it with a thinner one.

 

X3

 

I'll give it a chance to break in - but it's gonna have to break waaayyy in to be resasonable. Thanks for the ideas/opinions though. I'll probably hold off on the leaf removal til I decide that I'm ready to get new ones - then try it as a last resort.

Shoot as long as Joel's jeep is down I have him for balast.

 

I ran the Black Diamond springs for 4 years, sorry to say that they never did "loosen up".

 

CAn somebody explain what are holbrook long leaves and where can i get them? how much?? all info is needed.