Spring-over-axle conversion lifts a vehicle by moving the axle under the leaf spring, adding ground clearance. Additional lift can be achieved by adding springs or re-cambering the pack. Aftermarket lift kits can be used for maximum lift.
The term spring over axis refers to the position of the leaf spring in relation to the axis. Applied on four-wheel drive suspension systems, a spring-over-axle conversion is performed to achieve additional ground clearance and lift the vehicle. On many four-wheel drive vehicles, the axle sits on top of the leaf spring. This eliminates the full measurement of the spring pack and half the thickness of the axle tube when it comes to lift. Typically, a new set of spring/axle pads are welded to the axle housing to allow the axle to ride under the leaf spring; Once assembled, the original spring cushions are removed.
The spring-on-axle conversion is often considered the easiest and most cost-effective method of raising a vehicle. The actual movement of the axle toward the bottom of the spring pack is usually enough to add two or three tire sizes to the vehicle without any interference. Additional lift can be added to the spring over the axle configuration, however it often involves adding additional springs to the original spring pack or re-cambering the spring pack. Commonly, a combination of all of these methods is used on full-time ATVs. This configuration is especially useful on vehicles with springs on the front and rear axles.
On vehicles with rear springs only, it is common to fit a taller coil spring in the front suspension to match the elevated spring height above the axle in the rear. On torsion bar front suspensions, the torsion bar is set to its highest height to match the spring conversion on the axle rear suspension. If the torsion bar suspension cannot be adjusted high enough, then an aftermarket lift kit specially designed for the torsion bar suspension is installed in the front of the vehicle to obtain the required height needed for the torsion bar suspension. that matches the rear over-axle spring system.
It is very common for the owner of a vehicle with an over-axle spring system to add longer spring shackles to the leaf springs to gain additional height on the vehicle. To get the maximum amount of lift with a spring over axle suspension, aftermarket vehicle lift kits can be purchased at most auto supply stores and installed with common hand tools. Lift kits are commonly installed in about a weekend with the help of a helper to complete the installation.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
