1st Gen Leaf Spring Replacements?

CaptainMorgan_SOS

CaptainMorgan_SOS

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Alamogordo, NM
What are some good full pack replacement leaf springs (not add a leaf) that would work in the rear of a 1st gen to lift it up a few inches? I know you can do a 63" Chevy spring pack like Grandpa, but are there any other options? Mine are getting flat and I need to lift the rear higher than replacement stock leaves can do. Again, I am not talking about add-a-leafs, because I am pretty sure my leaf springs are shot so no point in doing add-a-leaf to them. I've heard that second gen leaves will work and will raise the height as well (like these https://ruggedrocksoffroad.com/15-l...011-nissan-xterra-by-old-man-emu-p-36019.html ), can anyone confirm?

Keep in mind, this will be for my X when the SAS is completed/while it is being completed. Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
yellowx16

yellowx16

Need Bigger Tires
Founding Member
Location
Rochester, NY
sub'd, interested to see what options are out there.

I have also heard that second gen leaf springs will work. I believe lbishop has second gen leaves in his pack.
 
D

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Xterror04 has gen 2 leafs on his gen1. I would say go all new.. You can have a pack built to your needs. Also if you have a shop near you they can be re-arched too
 
Cameron23

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
Okay so after searching like a good boy I came to this thread. Last night I parked next to a seemingly stock 1st gen and noticed I was sitting fairly lower than he was now I do have some stuff in the back but only like 50 lbs worth. Could it be that my LS are flattening out? If so what are my options


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XTorrey

XTorrey

First Fill-Up (of many)
Location
Grand Junction, CO
Alcan is a good product (and local for us!) and highly customizable depending on what you want in a leaf pack, unfortunately at the time my leaf springs needed to be replaced I couldn't justify the added expense so we went with the savings of using an OEM part. There was definitely a bit of rake after the new springs were installed, but after they settled in it was no longer noticeable. So yes, you will get a bit of lift in the rear with the OEM but it's only temporary.
 
SpongeX

SpongeX

Bought an X
Location
Grand Junction, CO
I think I was quoted between 500 and 600 for our first gen. It can be more if you go with some of the options. I plan on getting the orbital eyes when I get the pack made for my second gen.

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SpongeX

SpongeX

Bought an X
Location
Grand Junction, CO
They will work with you to figure out what it is you need. They can add more cargo capacity and a little lift if you want. OEM is always OK though they just don't flex as well and can't be customized.

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Cameron23

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
Hmmm 500 seems steep idk I guess I don't need them but I did seem much lower than the other X


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Cameron23

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
Idk how bad mine currently are. Could be cracked, in that case add a leaf wouldn't do much


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Cameron23

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
SpongeX said:
If you have a good floor jack and jack stands its not tough at all. Just don't forget new u bolts.

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Click to expand...

Is there a how to? And what would the costs be then if you have any idea


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SpongeX

SpongeX

Bought an X
Location
Grand Junction, CO
I didnt write up a how too but basically you jack the truck up by the rear axle and support the truck with jackstands. Let the axle back down and support it with your floor jack while you unbolt the rear of the leaf spring at the shackle. Then I undid the ubolts and then the front bolt on the leaf pack. Reinstall in reverse order. The one big thing to watch out for is your brake lines. You can over extend them if you let your axle travel too far with the leafs unbolted. If you have the tools Id say its only another 30 or so more dollars on top of the cost of leafs for ubolts and anti seize for the other bolts. Its a very easy fix if you have a decent work space and good tools. One note I have is make sure your jackstands are tall enough as that axle will come down quite a bit once its unloaded.
 
granitex

granitex

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Columbus OH
replacing a spring pack is not bad at all, in fact rebuilding one is not bad. I am running a combo of first, second gen and aal in mine. Last time that I had to take everything down I had it all down, apart, back together in under two hours.

Air tools help but are not really needed, but jack stands are.
 
CaptainMorgan_SOS

CaptainMorgan_SOS

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Alamogordo, NM
I hit up Alcans today to see what a set would run... we shall see. I asked about just a regular leaf pack with 1.5" over stock leaves and also a set with their Orbit Eyes and the shackles needed for them. I am debating on getting a full leaf pack or just going with an add-a-leaf pack, but I still am doubting how much more life these stock leaf springs have left in them. Especially after some heavy wheeling...
 
Cameron23

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
CaptainMorgan_SOS said:
I hit up Alcans today to see what a set would run... we shall see. I asked about just a regular leaf pack with 1.5" over stock leaves and also a set with their Orbit Eyes and the shackles needed for them. I am debating on getting a full leaf pack or just going with an add-a-leaf pack, but I still am doubting how much more life these stock leaf springs have left in them. Especially after some heavy wheeling...
Click to expand...

No idea what any of that stuff means


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SpongeX

SpongeX

Bought an X
Location
Grand Junction, CO
Only thing really different than normal leafs would be the orbital eyes. They allow for more flex without the leaf having to twist.

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Prime

Prime

Shut up Baby, I know it!
Admin
Location
Denver Adjacent
Speaking of Alcan. I was just looking at their Web form. How much do the front/rear bumpers weigh over stock? I'm thinking about getting a price as well.
 
SpongeX

SpongeX

Bought an X
Location
Grand Junction, CO
Alcan works off corner weights so best thing to do is weigh your rig at full load with all your gas and gear. Supply them with that and desired height and they will figure it out. We live just down the road so if they need a truck to look at we can provide that. I know they've done plenty of 2nd gens but I'm not sure how much they've done with first gens. Seeing as how we have one of each I can make them available.

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CaptainMorgan_SOS

CaptainMorgan_SOS

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Alamogordo, NM
Ugh... I got the price from Alcans. I know they are awesome, but I think I'll have to wait to do that for a bit. $$$!! Instead, NMTerras gave me the idea of just taking them to a spring shop, have them re-arch the stock ones and then add another leaf. That's what he did on Terra (his 1st gen).
 
Cameron23

Cameron23

Skid Plates
Founding Member
Location
Kansas
CaptainMorgan_SOS said:
Ugh... I got the price from Alcans. I know they are awesome, but I think I'll have to wait to do that for a bit. $$$!! Instead, NMTerras gave me the idea of just taking them to a spring shop, have them re-arch the stock ones and then add another leaf. That's what he did on Terra (his 1st gen).
Click to expand...

Curious as to what you were quoted


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