Yes, 1/4" plate will bend, even with the bent up ends, I have the remnants of a flip kit from a well known vendor in frnt that has basically formed itself around the springs in about 4 years of use. Its about 1/4" thick steel bent up ends. I have flat 1/2" plate in back, but will be replacing that with 3/8" thick w/ bent ends front and rear.

And use a large diameter u-bolt, I run 5/8" front and rear and they have held up great, after wearing out/stripping 1/2" and 9/16" bolts, I only run 5/8" now.

And the bent up ends also help prevent stressing the leaves at the transition, if you had a nice sharp edge, the stress would concentrate there and fatigue the springs. Rounding the edge or bending it let the spring flex naturally at that point.

<small>[ March 05, 2003, 10:23 AM: Message edited by: 4Crawler ]</small>