52in spring swap issue and shocks

[Stomis]

Well I got my crossover installed today and finally feel like I've got a real ready truck not seeing the stock steering under there (even though its been double locked on a flexy suspension for a while).

So I'm considering adding 52s to the list of mods done now that the most expensive hump to get over (x-over) is done. I've got a few problems with this though. For one my winch mount buts right against my spring hanger. There is no room for the L bracket to be relocated forward in front of the hang as shown in the article. What should I do here?

Secondly I already have ford shock towers that I sorta did my own thing with. They are not vertical like most people mount them. Rather I put them on the same angle as the stock ones so I could utilize the stock shock mounts but raise up the mount about 4-6in. Obviously I'm gonna need new shocks since these damn gabriels are shot in less than a year. What the best bang for the buck 15in travel shock around?

 

[chevysmithz71]

I don't know how your winch mount is made but how about make your own mount bracket. I just made mine into my bumper and came out just perfect for me.

 

[BGKYK5]

You may be able to get Kert's B52s to fit in the rear position.

Pics of shock mounts?

 

[Stomis]

I'll snap some pics when I reclock my pitman arm today.

 

[MTBLAZER89]

Here is what I did with mine.

Just trimmed some off each side. It still has 3 1/2" bolts per side holding it on.

The shock mounts shouldn't be a big deal. Just move them if you have too. I have the Pro-Comp 9000's in 15" travel. They are ok.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Moving your rear upper shackle hanger (like most people do with 52's) will make the suspension MUCH flexier, its where most of that extra flex come from (longer springs always flex better but they wrap more too).

If I were you that's what I would do first, see how you like it. You'll probably like it and then you'll have a better approach angle (my 52's are beat to crap from being pushed over rocks).


As for shocks, I got mine super cheap (14" travel, $10-12 a piece) from the superlift scratch and dent store on ebay.

 

[Stomis]

Moving your rear upper shackle hanger (like most people do with 52's) will make the suspension MUCH flexier, its where most of that extra flex come from (longer springs always flex better but they wrap more too).

If I were you that's what I would do first, see how you like it. You'll probably like it and then you'll have a better approach angle (my 52's are beat to crap from being pushed over rocks).


As for shocks, I got mine super cheap (14" travel, $10-12 a piece) from the superlift scratch and dent store on ebay.

I already fixed my shackle angle big time. It rolls and the nose dips on hard braking I've learned to drive with it. i just though it would get alot worse.


And heres another cross over related question. I'm having trouble getting my steering wheel centered and be able to turn lock to lock. When i had my wheel centered before I lost like half my right turning. Any idea? I dropped the pitman to make sure it was centered on the box travel today and it is now.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I already fixed my shackle angle big time. It rolls and the nose dips on hard braking I've learned to drive with it. i just though it would get alot worse.

Ok, like i said longer springs are a trade off. If you want more flex you're looking at longer leaves or coils/coilovers. Both have their advantages/disadvantages (leaves are easy but have much worse clearance and axle wrap issues, links are much more time and money)

And heres another cross over related question. I'm having trouble getting my steering wheel centered and be able to turn lock to lock. When i had my wheel centered before I lost like half my right turning. Any idea? I dropped the pitman to make sure it was centered on the box travel today and it is now.

When your wheel was centered before, did you have crossover steering? It sounds like you don't have the draglink adjusted right yet.

 

[Stomis]

Ok, like i said longer springs are a trade off. If you want more flex you're looking at longer leaves or coils/coilovers. Both have their advantages/disadvantages (leaves are easy but have much worse clearance and axle wrap issues, links are much more time and money)





When your wheel was centered before, did you have crossover steering? It sounds like you don't have the draglink adjusted right yet.

Yeah I had it centered at first and was no where near reaching right lock. So I dropped the pitman arm off think that those dolts from advance did give me a box that had the sector shaft half way through the travel. I locked the wheels all the way right and then locked the steering wheel all the way right. Then I reinstalled the pitman arm and adjusted it so I had full steering left and right.