Issue with my radius rods?!?!?!

[bob w]

Unkl Ian has it right above. The shackles need to aim down from the spring pivots to the spring eyes at approximately a 45 degree angle when viewed from the front with the full weight of the vehicle on the suspension. Get those jack stands out of there and see what you've got. Inquiring minds want to know!

 

[Unkl Ian]

Posies makes springs in 28 1/4" ,29",30",31",31 1/2",33 1/2" widths.
http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/images/pages115.pdf
I'm assuming those dimensions are when the spring is loaded, not free.

Maybe they will sell you a longer main leaf.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Is it possible, and/or safe to get longer shackles? All he'd need are longer links. Anyone?

 

[kelseydum]

I'll get back to it this morning after I take my daughter to school and get some breakfast. I really appreciate all the help with this. I'll try to get a nut on the pivot and get the jack stands out from underneath it to see where we are at.

 

[kelseydum]

Well, hopefully a nut and washer fixed it. It's back on the ground and the rods and pivots look like they should.

Thanks for all the help. Hopefully I can get a chance to take her out today or tomorrow (bad weather) and see how she drives with the new radius rods. I sure feel better about having some clearance... and I learned that my welds are good and strong.

I couldn't get a good angle on the pivots but they look good now.

 

[Lightning]

Keep a eye on the pivot points, with the extra nut for spacing, the center of your main pivot is farther away from the plate and may cause a little extra stress on the threaded shaft,causing it to bend. Just a word of caution. Take a measurement between the radius arm and the inside of the pivot bushing before driving it , then after.

 

[kelseydum]

Thanks for the tip, Lightning. If this seems like it's too much stress I'll have to get a new spring... when I can afford it.

Thanks agian.

 

[Unkl Ian]

Why do you need a transvese leaf AND coilovers ? [S [S

Are you running one of those Blastolene tank motors,
and need the extra springs to support the weight ?

 

[CORPO]

Why do you need a transvese leaf AND coilovers ? [S [S


Been wondering that myself...

 

[kelseydum]

Lots of people run shocks with their trans leaf up front. These actually came from a motorcycle so they are not quite as heavy duty as car coil overs. I was following instructions from my father-in-law when I built this truck (my first build). I would guess it mainly just "helps" the leaf spring and give it a little smoother ride.

 

[EnglishBob]

Shocks yes but I've never seen coilovers and a leaf.

 

[IAM-LDS-2]

Most trans spring set ups have only a shock . They each perform a different function . I would think the extra spring would stiffen up the front end and therefore make the ride less comfortable . Have you tried it with only a shock ? Shouldn't be too hard too do and you would know for sure if the extra spring is necessary . Any body else done this experiment ? If the extra spring makes for a better ride , there are a lot of guys who would benefit from this info. I for one would add the spring if I knew it would improve the ride of my traditional 32 Ford front axle set up .Went back and looked at your pic again , In it's stock - like Henry did it - configeration the shock is attached to the axle , I don't know if attaching the shock/coilover shock and spring combo to the spring hanger as you have done changes any thing . it seems like it might be adding stress to those spring hangers that they were not designed to take .

 

[TiredIronGRB]

I would get a longer main spring and get rid of the nut/spacer which is a weak spot. Better to be on the safe side.

 

[kelseydum]

I will eventually get a wider spring (won't drive it much till then). I might change the location of the spring pivot and mount it going through the wishbone. I think the thickness would take up that space... I also need to raise the front end now the way it is to adjust the caster by a couple of degrees.

On the shocks issue. I bought these for $2 so for the price I'm just using these for now. I will eventually swap to a pro shock (maybe adjustable) to see if it rides better, but for $2 I couldn't pass these up for the time being. I have seen other rods using these types of shocks on the front though. I would like to hear if any one has done BOTH and which rides better.

This is some good info.

 

[kelseydum]

Okay, I think I got it now. I made my own bracket and welded them on top. I used a much thicker plate and welded a 3/4" OD tube with a 1/2" ID to help eat up the space. No need for a nut on the pivot now. I feel much better with this set up.

It raised my front end up some, but I'm still going to put like a 1" block under my front spring to help set my caster. It's at about 8-9 degrees right now (which isn't too bad) but would like to lower it to about 7-8. I can always adjust it more later if it's not riding real smooth.

My welds are looking MUCH better now too... I'm kinda proud.

I made a spot to mount the pivot through the wishbone but the pivot shank isn't long enough. If anyone knows where to get a pivot with a longer shank let me know.

Pics...

 

[kelseydum]

one more...

 

[Unkl Ian]

Much better.

And now you have more room to put the
Tie Rod on back where it belongs.