73redblaze
1/2 ton status
hey can i just cut the ends off leaf springs and use them as bushings?? like keep the metal casing to weld to? come on im cheap.
CK5
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anti axle wrap set up
- Thread starter 73redblaze
- Start date
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
anyone?
I wouldn't, the foot of tubing you'll need is only a couple dollars.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
but then i need to buy the bushings correct? those are expensive so why not just cut them off leaf springs and have a casing and bushing for free??
shaun89
1/2 ton status
my brother has done exactly what your talking about. He cut off the end of old leaf springs welded the ends shut and then used tubing with the shackle and cross member just like blue traction bar you have a pic of. Working great so far and it still flexes a lot.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
sweet i just dont want to pay 13.00 a set at DIY when i need 6 of them ya know?? plus i need more stuff than that so i dont want to pay a fortune to get it done.
im shaun89's bro.. and yeah i understand the budget thing, im a college kid, making not much money so it has worked out so far! I know real bushings would be great but that 100sumthing bucks for just bushings could be used for my heavy duty tie rod end, hydro assist, diff cover or anything like that. works great so far. Ill take pics tmrow if you need.
Why would you need six sets? You'll only need three at the most.
And like I said, weld up the axle tubes or you'll spin them.
question on welding up the axle tubing.. the center piece is cast correct? so in order to weld up the axle tubes do i need to pre-heat the cast to like 500degrees or sumthing crazy?
Supposedly GM center sections are grey iron (tough to weld) while Dana center sections are nodular iron (easy to weld).
I mig'd my axle tubes (GM 14 bolt, no pre or post heat), they didn't crack when I welded them. They've held up in my buggy so far.
Here's some more info.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
i have 6 contact points so i need 6 bushings
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
no not 6 sets 6 total 3 sets at 13.50 a set.... so about $40
You only need one bar on one side, hence three rather than six.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
by george your right!! man i have all the stuff i need right here. thanks bro for all your help. your a smart guy
Seriously though, weld the axle tubes. Everyone who wheels their truck should do this IMO, but its WAY more important with link suspensions and suspensions with tractions bars.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
thats the first thing i will do when i start this project
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
is there any reason why you should point the shackle up instead of down? it seems like up would be better but i dont know. the first pic is up the second is down
In this application, tension or compression (up or down) won't really make a difference.
73redblaze
1/2 ton status
sweet. i want to point the shackle down so its not better one way or the other?
No real strength difference, if one is easier to fit than the other than go with it.
