Did the 52" front spring swap today...56K beware!

[BadDog]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Man, those welds are sweet. Do you have a pic from the side? Just currious how much overhang you have from tire to the front of the frame... Your front perches area about 1" further forward than mine (mine are directly below the core mounts) but I've considered doing the 52" springs on mine. My biggest concern is that I have almost 90* approach right now. IIRC, the 52s are going to push my axle back about 3" more. 57" F150 springs would push me back only about 2" or so.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

You've been discovered again! Get yourself some ford towers!! /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[BadDog]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Sorry, but I have no idea what your talking about... I've had 5012s and Ford towers on the front for the last 2+ (3?) years...

 

[Twiz]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

[ QUOTE ]
With the tire turned the other way, it's pretty obvious it would hit the firewall. Gonna have to clearnace the firewall, and possibly move the axle forward another 1.5"..


[/ QUOTE ]
If you move the axle and spring forward, you won't have to extend the shackle.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

[ QUOTE ]
Sorry, but I have no idea what your talking about... I've had 5012s and Ford towers on the front for the last 2+ (3?) years...

[/ QUOTE ]

Not you Russ, Joe! Supersize75 caught his blocks, now I spy shocks in stock mounts. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[BadDog]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Hey, long time no see Eric.

Only problem with that is that he may wind up with a bad shackle angle depending on how it sets with full weight on it. But I wouldn't change anything with it until the engine is in place along with the front cap (or weight to simulate) so that you can figure out the static ride height.

Also, longer shackles (within reason) give a longer flatter arc with more consistent spring rates, so it’s probably worth doing new shackles anyway, maybe with a relocate on the top depending on where things settle. And slightly longer shackles won’t hurt the pinion angle or caster much as long as the spring eye is moved down just enough to clear the frame on compression. Longer shackles (with the flatter arc) also mean that the spring eye will not need to be down quite as far to clear the frame (since it won't move up as much going back). Lots of stuff going on when leaf suspensions cycle...

 

[jac6695]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Do you get the idea that someone tries too hard to make a comment around here? /forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

 

[Zeus33rd]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Russ- This is the best picture I have from the side..

I can get more if need be. Almost 90* too. I'm gonna loose a bit more off the front of the frame too...so it'll get better.

So whats the consensus on shackle length? Ya'all think 5" on center is enough? 5.5"? 6"? These shackels are a pain in the ass to make with the little spacers on them, don't want to be makin a bunch of useless shackles.

Sandman- You run a caddy? Since when? Or do I just live in a cave?
/forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif /forums/images/graemlins/whistling.gif

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

My shackles are 7". I measured and that is what it would take to keep the spring eyes off the frame at full compression.

 

[BadDog]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Mine are around 7", but looking at yours, I don't think you need that much unless the springs settle quite a bit, but they may. I would seriously think about waiting to fix that until you get some weight on it. Otherwise, if you have luck like mine, you'll be making another set...

My frame stops right flush with the core support mounts and the spring hangers are right under that. I guess I'll have to ponder whether the extra flex is worth the extra bit of over hang. Even with no more than I have, I've had to grind my spring hangers up some of these waterfalls to get the tire onto the surface, so and inch or two could make the difference... not sure if it's worth it...

 

[m j]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

in this picture the shackle is already acting as a limiting strap

 

[Zeus33rd]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Damn mj...You can be an abrasive ass sometimes, but you sure know your [darn]. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

I'm just gonna take a shot in the dark and make some 6" shackles and see what happens. I'll stack some weight on the front for testing too. What does a big block weigh w/aluminum intake? 500lbs? I guess I could set the bare block up there...maybe a 14b. ha! /forums/images/graemlins/histerical.gif

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

Re: Did the 52\" front spring swap today...56K beware!

Measure your springs from one eye, all the way along the bottom and to the other eye. This will get you a total measurement of what would be the, "circumference" if a leaf spring were a complete circle. Then measure from your front spring eye back that distance and note it. Measure from your shackle hanger to that point and that will tell you how long your shackle will need to be to keep your springs from hitting the frame under compression.

I doubt 6" will be enough but it might be just enough.