Got the front end cut off.

[Bearcamp]

I have here a before and after pic. I'm wondering if coil over shocks will support the front axle. I removed the ugly 2x4 and air bags and the air bags actually supported the axle. Now if I leave it down off the jack stands the axle will go way up til the chassis sets on the floor. Will coil overs work to correct that?
I would really like to run a leaf spring but the front axle at one time had paralell springs on the and for one the batwings partically cover the old mount hole and the other is how would I mount a tranverse spring to this axle? Really neeb some help on this one.

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

Probably not what you want to hear, but I am sure you know it already. That whole setup is ugly, cumbersome and most importantly unsafe. The radius rods, drag link and tie rod shouldn't be driven down a driveway, much yet a public road. You have already cut the ugly off the frame, so why not ditch the axle too? You want a transverse sprung axle and you are halfway there. It will look and function WAY better than what you had.

Hopefully you braced that in some way before making the cut to keep the frame rails aligned, but beyond that you could put a crossmember and spring perch right across the front. Save your pennies for a little while this winter and order a complete front end from Speedway or RPM and put it back together. It's easy, not that expensive and the results are well worth it. You will have a MUCH better and cleaner looking truck plus keep you and others on the road safer.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Looking at that second picture, I would have to say all that stuff needs to be removed, redesigned, and replaced. The drag link has a kink built in to it with a wrench?! Gotta go! Looks like the hairpins are kinda short too. The batwings look way tall... I'm not very suspension smart, but I can see a lot wrong with that set up...

 

[Bonehead]

As usual, I agree with the B.E.D.
Another plus is you get a chance to switch to disc brakes if you want them.
(While you are pondering, look at a quarter eliptical spring style.)

 

[Bearcamp]

Already have plans on the drag link, panhard bar and radius rods going. I aggree they're unsafe and fugly. I am installing a 2 inch round stock 1/4 inch thick accross in front of the grill and was planning on making a spring perch for it. As far as the front axle,,,,I'd like to make it work either with coil overs or a transverse spring with gas shocks as i really like the looks of the axle. And yes I did brace the frame before cutting.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Post up a side shot too. I think, if at all possible, the kick up need to be cut off completely. I'd probably remove the headers and grill too - those need to be worked around the suspension, not the other way around.

 

[Bearcamp]

Sounds good, I'll get other pics up.

 

[Bearcamp]

Here's some I hope it helps. I can take more if need just let me know.

 

[Bearcamp]

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Front-...Axle,7768.html
Thinking about going with this from Speedway but this one is 48 inches and mine is 50. Also need to find out what mine is to see if my spindles will fit.

 

[rainman]

One other thing if you can get some triangulation on you're rods,
you may not need any type panhard bar!! As is it looks awfully close to hitting the frame!!