Flipped second leaf?

[jaybee]

I just ran across a reference to lowering a car by flipping just the second leaf, placing it so it opposes the arch of the main leaf and they compress opposite each other. Evidently it lowers the suspension some while also softening the spring rate. This one is new to me. Has anyone tried it? Any down sides?

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Never heard of flipping a leaf upside down like that

[jaybee]

Never heard of flipping a leaf upside down like that

Evidently almost no one has! I was able to find a short thread on the HAMB about it. No one could agree whether it increased spring rate, decreased spring rate, works like a charm, or is a dangerous modification sure to create a spring failure.

[enjenjo]

I have heard of it in the past. If the spring has a moderate arch I can see it  working  at a small degree, but it would definitely increase the strain on the main leaf leaving it unsupported by the second leaf. With the relative ease of de-arching springs I think that would be a wiser choice.

[jaybee]

The longer I think about it the more I believe it's a shortcut which is ill advised. If you want to do something for very low dollar it makes more sense to do a garage rehab that can include a do it yourself re-arch and slip plate lube.