shortening leaf springs?

SJR · Mar 6, 2014

I have a 86 Dodge Dakota Im using the leaf springs on a shorter frame , whats the best way to shorten them? I want to shorten the rear section about 10" , can I just cut the eye off and weld it back on?

zukkev · Mar 6, 2014

O god No, spring steel is not something you want to weld and rely on, trail fix sure, but to run all the time, NO...What eye to eye length are you after?

NOISYBOY · Mar 6, 2014

zukkev said:
O god No, spring steel is not something you want to weld and rely on, trail fix sure, but to run all the time, NO...What eye to eye length are you after?

x2 not doable :eeek:

CHOP SHOP · Mar 6, 2014

Just weld that **** together. You got nothing to lose.

Anthony1 · Mar 6, 2014

Find the correct length spring. Don't try to weld it back together.

DHR Darren · Mar 6, 2014

If you want a shorter spring then shorten it and reroll the eye.

JAWS · Mar 6, 2014

The Fact that Chop Shop was the only one to say hell yeah welded it up... should be your answer..

Just get the right springs

whatthe? · Mar 6, 2014

Nah, I agree with Choppy. Weld it up. You should also heat the whole spring red hot and quench it in ice cold water.

Ed Bister · Mar 6, 2014

:corn::awesomework:

Avanteone · Mar 6, 2014

Cut it in half. Right in the middle. Shorten up, drill a couple holes, and bolt it back together.

SJR · Mar 6, 2014

Im looking for good solid advice, really don't know what to think with all these comments, if it can be done I would like to know how, if it cant I would like to know that

toyodaaddict · Mar 6, 2014

SJR said:
Im looking for good solid advice, really don't know what to think with all these comments, if it can be done I would like to know how, if it cant I would like to know that

cutting and welding a leaf spring is insane! cutting it and rerolling the eye may be possible it sound kinda reasonable? your best bet would be to talk to a spring shop or just get the right length spring to begin with

Glenn · Mar 6, 2014

Get the right size spring.

What do you think will happen if your cut and welded spring breaks while you are driving?

Avanteone · Mar 6, 2014

SJR said:
Im looking for good solid advice, really don't know what to think with all these comments, if it can be done I would like to know how, if it cant I would like to know that

Sorry, thought it was obvious that we were fawking with you by this point.

Buy the right length springs, period.

CHOP SHOP · Mar 6, 2014

My advice was on par for the project. :stirpot:

CHOP SHOP · Mar 6, 2014

SJR said:
Im looking for good solid advice

Good solid advice would be putting a diagonal bar on that contraption your kids ride in before the roof folds up on everybody inside.

Sometimes "hasher" is cute. Other times its just HASH.

On par for the course. :awesomework:

whatthe? · Mar 6, 2014

You can't be serious with that kind of question. If you are, your best bet is to go down and buy a Rubicon right off the lot and then contact the Around the Sound Jeep Club.

wilbilt · Mar 6, 2014

whatthe? said:
You can't be serious with that kind of question. If you are, your best bet is to go down and buy a Rubicon right off the lot and then contact the Around the Sound Jeep Club.

http://www.nw-wheelers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74507
Have you seen this guys work? :haha:

ain'tstuckjustresting · Mar 6, 2014

I really thought you had to be on Facebook to see a question this stupid.

Just find shorter spring you cheap bastard. Springs that are not commonly used for swaps are next to free most places.

zukkev · Mar 6, 2014

Ok Scott, I am pretty sure I said from the getgo...and I quote "OHell no"...
Someone on here posted to go talk to a spring shop. Good advice.:awesomework:
Go talk to Swift Enterprises in Everson. He can set you straight and maybe help you out...