AAL for SOA?

Joopin · #1 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Im gathering parts for the Soa, and I read that if you keep the stock springs the soa will just wear them out faster and eventually go into a negative arch!?! I want to avoid this so I was thinking of going for an AAL. Is it actually necessary though? Has anyone experienced a failing spring? Your thoughts are appreciated...[addsig]

Tug-n-pull · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Mr Snitty did a once over on his stock springs useing some chevy truck springs added to the orginal packs. He may have your answer. I have a set of really worn out stock springs fo of my YJ I do not know if they would be any help to you at all but if you could use them pay the shipping and figure out how to get them there and they are yours. Another opption is to by just springs from on of the many lift companys out there. I know Rubicon Express will sell there heavy duty springs with out all the extra stuff. Might be a thought anyway. tug[addsig]

TommyJeep · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

I've toasted a set of springs about every six months (rears). Stock springs aren't up to the task, and neither are AAL added to stock springs IMHO. the AAL will make them last a bit longer, but they're still going to fail. Thing is, the springs were never designed to go negative like that (when you flex). Repeted negative arches will form them to a new shape. Now, if you don't flex them out very often, they'll last a bit longer.

Realize I'm not your average wheel'r on this board. I'm out almost every weekend in the rocks. But I finally gave up on the failing springs and went 4-link and coil-overs.[addsig]

far_right · #4 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

hey tommy, i saw your jeep on 4x4tv a couple of weeks ago, i belive it was a prorock event, but i could be wrong[addsig]

Joopin · #5 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Well I don't do much rock stuff... and when i do go offroad its in the mud most likley... I think I will probably do the AAL and just see how it goes... how does it ride once the springs collapse?[addsig]

TommyJeep · #6 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Quote:

hey tommy, i saw your jeep on 4x4tv a couple of weeks ago, i belive it was a prorock event, but i could be wrong

Yeah, actually that was a CRCA event from last October (2002). They also filmed this past January and March, but I haven't heard anything about airing those episodes.[addsig]

TommyJeep · #7 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Well I don't do much rock stuff... and when i do go offroad its in the mud most likley... I think I will probably do the AAL and just see how it goes... how does it ride once the springs collapse?

After the springs collapse, they gradually get lower and lower, but my experience is they don't do it equally. All of the sudden you'll notice the Jeep leaning over to one side, and it just gets worse and worse.

Go for the AAL and form your own opinion though. Your driving habits, and preferred terrain might just work out fine on that setup.[addsig]

Bounty__Hunter · #8 (**permalink**) 07-20-2003, 08:00 PM

Put a spring-wrap bar on the rear axle to keep the springs from wrapping up under torque, and they will last a LOT longer.[addsig]