Saggy Butt and grinding noise up front???

[Pigcat]

Hi All,
It's been far too long since I've shifted into 4Lo and met you out on the trail! I need some help with finding replacement leaf springs. I'm running the SLR AAL's with their 1" shackle combo in back with the SLR UCA's up front. Does anyone know part numbers or order info for me to get a replacement spring pack from Deaver or Alcan that would give me the correct ride height to match the front?

I've also got a bad grind/binding noise when wheels are turned to full lock? CV Joint??

Thanks and I hope to see you on the trail soon!
Tom

[Soylent Yellow]

Hey Tom,

I don't know about the springs but on the grinding noise you might try greasing up the wheel stops real good and see if that takes care of it. It they get dry they have a tendency to make noise when cranked. Let me know if it works.

[Aperion]

I've also got a bad grind/binding noise when wheels are turned to full lock? CV Joint??

Let me guess, only under full wheel lock when the suspension travels? Yeah I got hat too, scares people when it happens

the end caps of the steering stops are worn down and the bolt is scrapping against the stop plate. greasing it up does help, but only for so long.

[onewaysoldier]

I've also got a bad grind/binding noise when wheels are turned to full lock? CV Joint??

Let me guess, only under full wheel lock when the suspension travels? Yeah I got hat too, scares people when it happens

the end caps of the steering stops are worn down and the bolt is scrapping against the stop plate. greasing it up does help, but only for so long.

I had the same problem and same fix.  funny how greasing the stops fixed such a loud popping sound.

[Pigcat]

I haven't greased it up yet but I also get a "click" when I initially move forward after the truck has been sitting for a few hours??? Its almost the "click" you get when the hubs engage.  But that "click" is definately a different sound then the grind.  I'll grease it up tomorrow after a good night's sleep! 

Anyone have suggestions on the springpack?  I guess I can just call Deaver or Alcan and tell them I need a springpack that will give me about 2 1/2" inch lift but I looked on each website and they don't make a pack specifically for the X. 

Thanks for the feedback.
Tom

[onewaysoldier]

Back when SLR was in business they had Deaver making custom 10pks. for the Xterra w/ 3" of lift.  I got a pair for $600.  Deaver may still have the Xterra specs on hand or you might be able to refer to SLR's old account and find out what  specs they used for the 10pk.  Just an idea.

The 10pk ride is much nice than the stock springs.  No regrets whatsoever.

[Bobby B.]

What's up Tom,

I would take a look at Alcan Spring in Colorado.

Great service, price and product.  The thing about flexy spring packs is that they will start to sag under loads.  If I remember correctly, many of the folks with the Deavers who carried a bunch of weight had some saggage.

Before dropping a bunch of $ on random springs, you may want to have the X weighed (loaded and unloaded), call Alcan and tell them how high you want it.  If you're going custom, may as well do it right.

[fleury123]

Back when SLR was in business they had Deaver making custom 10pks. for the Xterra w/ 3" of lift.  I got a pair for $600.  Deaver may still have the Xterra specs on hand or you might be able to refer to SLR's old account and find out what  specs they used for the 10pk.  Just an idea.

The 10pk ride is much nice than the stock springs.  No regrets whatsoever.

nice like stiffer offraod ?or softer onroad/offraod?  Define your nice if you could.

[onewaysoldier]

Back when SLR was in business they had Deaver making custom 10pks. for the Xterra w/ 3" of lift.  I got a pair for $600.  Deaver may still have the Xterra specs on hand or you might be able to refer to SLR's old account and find out what  specs they used for the 10pk.  Just an idea.

The 10pk ride is much nice than the stock springs.  No regrets whatsoever.

nice like stiffer offraod ?or softer onroad/offraod?  Define your nice if you could.

Both...  The first 1/3 ish of the pack is softer on compression while the last 1/3 on compression is pretty tight.  It makes for a nice on-road ride.  Speed bumps feel a lot lot softer.  Body roll is less dramatic because the springs push the truck more. 
The springs droop out easily and handle ruts well off-road.  The springs don't sag as much when the X is loaded as the stock springs did.

If you can afford it, go with a custom pack from either Alcan or Deaver.  The ride quality is worth it.

[Pigcat]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  I don't know how many posts I've read over the last 4 1/2 years about greasing the steering stops but DUH  it gets rid of the grinding noise!  I had greased em up years ago but DUH  the grease wears off!!!  No more grind/binding noise. 

And thanks about the springs.  I got full skids, sliders and running 32's plus my recovery box and hi-lift so I'm guessing an extra 450 -500lbs out back.  Don't know if I should also add to the stock weight for the front skids and shrock bumper?  Any thoughts?
Tom

[Soylent Yellow]

Good deal on the noise.  Keep us posted on the spring situation.  And how's the cattle guard thing working out for you?

[Pigcat]

Had any wonder why I haven't been around for the last 6months - REHAB.  I feel I'm now ready to face painted and real guards!!!  But baby steps for a few runs please - I'm still a little vulnerable

[ultrapc40]

same as oneway, I recommend getting the full pack from Deaver.  They have the spec.  Just tell them you want the SLR pack.

If you don't want to spend the 600 or 700 for a full pack, you can still get the deaver 3pack AAL at 4x4parts.com

Again I recommend getting the full pack.

[FrankB]

Had any wonder why I haven't been around for the last 6months - REHAB.  I feel I'm now ready to face painted and real guards!!!  But baby steps for a few runs please - I'm still a little vulnerable

Hi Tom, it's been a long time.  Join us for the November 22nd Sandstone Canyon run . . . no cattle guards at all (well, except for that one on Hwy 79 going past the casino). And, there is that big-ass rock towards the back of the canyon to crawl over again. Hope you can make it.

As for springs locally, you might want to talk to Greg over at PRG, he mostly works on 2nd Gen trucks, but he may have some ideas. He worked with Deaver on that mini-pack that I got from him, and I think he has had them make a full pack as well. Those are both for the 2nd Gens, but it might be worth a call.

[Bobby B.]

If you go with Deaver, make sure you let them know what kind of loads you're carrying.  If that is not taken into account, you'll, most likely, just run into the same problem down the road but be poorer for it.

Case and point -- BrianB. has that same pack.  His sagged.  We had to take them apart and add an additional leaf to boost it back up a bit, similar to what I had to do with my Calmini packs. 

Also, on his, they had the locating pin in the wrong place, forcing his axle forward and into the fender plastic.  Deaver said they wouldn't fix it unless he wanted to pay for it; he had to use an adapter to relocate it back.  So they said, tfrom the last batch of springs sent to SLR.  I'd make sure that was correct before accepting delivery or just ordering to some spec they have on file.