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Help with fine tuning my spring set up.

S

SHAPER

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I have decided to go with 56 inch Chevy springs on all four corners. Mainly because a junk yard near me has two sets for dirt cheap. My question is really related to shackle length between the front and rear to keep the truck as level as possible without using zero rates or an add-a-leaf.

I will using Kurt's products (when the money becomes available) B52 kit in front and shackle flip in the rear. I have searched the archives but I can't find anyone who has done this exact set up and or someone who has posted their shackle lengths for what ever reason.

I noticed that alot have used 7.25 in the front, and the rear has varied depending on which flip they used and where they mounted it it seems. I want to use the stock location in the rear with the short side forward.

Also, would my rear shackle length need to change (once I decide to flip the rear springs around) to help address pinion angles due to the offset being rearward, as well as to keep the ride hight level?
 
That's going to be a tough question to answer directly.

You're ride height is going to be based on the sprung weight of YOUR truck and the actual spring rate of the 56" springs you end up installing.

I think at best, you might find some general examples of what people have done but without some very exact weight and spring rate information you won't be able to calculate it ahead of time. My guess is that you're going to have to jump in and start the installation and make adjustments to shackle lengths when you can finally see how the truck is sitting on those new springs.... :thinking:


:usaflag:
 
Greg72 said:
That's going to be a tough question to answer directly.

You're ride height is going to be based on the sprung weight of YOUR truck and the actual spring rate of the 56" springs you end up installing.

I think at best, you might find some general examples of what people have done but without some very exact weight and spring rate information you won't be able to calculate it ahead of time. My guess is that you're going to have to jump in and start the installation and make adjustments to shackle lengths when you can finally see how the truck is sitting on those new springs.... :thinking:


:usaflag:
Click to expand...

If I have to I will...I am just trying to cut down on costs from having to buy 3 or four different shackles before I finally get it right.

Both sets are from a 74 and a 76 1/2 ton 2wd. All have 8 leaves including the overload if that helps. I assumed that they all had the same spring rate being that they were so similar.

Anyone here running all 56's that can chime in?
 
I'm gonna do the same thing. 56's all the way around, but I'm gonna run 4" liffted spring to try to achieve 8 inches of lift. I guess the shackle thing is just gonna be a guessing game.

Mark
 
If it were me, the way I'd approach it is to install the springs on the truck but leave the shackle end disconnected (temporarily)...maybe put a small piece of square tube under the frame and on top of the spring eye to simulate the shackle?

Once the weight of the truck is on the springs, they will flatten out to the static ride height and you can measure the eye-to-eye distance. From there you will know how far back to position the shackle (for the angle you want) and it will also give you a sense of how level the truck is sitting...which will help you determine what shackle length to use.

The nice thing is that shackles are simple to make, so with a little flat stock, and a drill bit you can do some experimenting and get everything dialed-in the way you want. It should cost you less than $20 in materials and a little bit of your own time. :thinking:


:usaflag:
 
I appreciate the helpful ideas, Greg72. I will certainly apply those techniques if I can't get in the ballpark by modeling a previous build. Thank you.

I just figured I would save myself some headache to see if any of the guys here with more experience has been through the same delima that I now face.
 
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I've asked this before, but just to clarify. The 56 inch measurement comes from the distance from eye to eye on an unloaded spring?

Mark
 
Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that it is the measurement along the length of the main leaf eye-to-eye, yes?
 
SHAPER said:
Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that it is the measurement along the length of the main leaf eye-to-eye, yes?
Click to expand...

I've heard it being measure that way too. I'm unclear about the proper way.

But if it was the length of the mainleaf the lifted spring would seem to be too short, eye to eye, to bolt back up. :dunno:
 
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