How far is too far? Front axle placement with leafs

[Gibby56]

My k5 currently has 52’s in the front with the front hanger mod similar to the write up on here that was done by a PO. The front passenger hanger is crooked and causing some issues. I decided to go with the B52 brackets on the front. I am also removing the overload and plan on putting in a zero rate to keep the same spring height.

I am looking at how far forward I can move the front axle while I am doing all of this and was wondering how far is considered too far? I searched and found a lot of information for those who are running high steer. Currently have the standard ORD crossover and the original crossmember. I will be running 6” shackles. The goal for the truck is to have a streetable off-road rig on 40’s, so fenders will be getting cut. I am just trying to reduce modifications to the firewall.

Can I run the springs in the B52’s as far forward as possible and push the front axle forward more with the zero rate or would it be better to run the zero rate without any offset? What have you guys done?

 

[nvrenuf]

Not sure how far is too far but my axle is moved forward 3.25” and the crossover seemed fine with that, I have since gone to high steer and that’s been a struggle as the 2 bars can rub/bind when the suspension is flexed.

 

[Bent77]

I’m at 2” forward, with some minor interference toward the end of the spring travel. They flex a lot

I didn’t relocate the rear hanger tag the shackle, but am running a 6” shackle

 

[GWeakland620]

 

[Gibby56]

Not sure how far is too far but my axle is moved forward 3.25” and the crossover seemed fine with that, I have since gone to high steer and that’s been a struggle as the 2 bars can rub/bind when the suspension is flexed.

Looking through your build thread, it looks like you did 52’s (with a slight lift?) and mounted them in the most forward hole on the b52 bracket. Did you do anything else where it connects to the axle? What length shackle are you running?

I’m at 2” forward, with some minor interference toward the end of the spring travel. They flex a lot

I didn’t relocate the rear hanger tag the shackle, but am running a 6” shackle

I tried to look through your build thread and couldn’t find how you setup your front axle.. Tons of great information though! Would you mind running me through how you set yours up? I’m not planning on relocating the rear upper shackle hanger. Seems like that gives too much angle for any kind of street use

 

[K85 Octane]

My shackle and B52’s location won’t help you because my 52s are drilled different. I estimate 2”-2.25” forward. Crossover drag link is 90* to the frame. I run 40” Toyos and look to be ok at the firewall. The front however will need more cutting. When I had 37s, the amount of rub was perfect at full travel, no bumpstops. I have not had a chance to wheel the 40s.

ps- 5” suspension 1” BL

 

[Bent77]

Looking through your build thread, it looks like you did 52’s (with a slight lift?) and mounted them in the most forward hole on the b52 bracket. Did you do anything else where it connects to the axle? What length shackle are you running?



I tried to look through your build thread and couldn’t find how you setup your front axle.. Tons of great information though! Would you mind running me through how you set yours up? I’m not planning on relocating the rear upper shackle hanger. Seems like that gives too much angle for any kind of street use

I knocked the rivets out and reused the factory hangers, moving the bolt hole forward 4”
There was a bit of farm engineering to make it reliable

using the cross over kit from ORD, no high street

 

[HankScorpio]

I am at 2" forward on 4" springs with 37" and major fender cut. No issue at the firewall, 40"s should clear, that's my plan after a gearing change. Crossmember touches drag link at full stuff but not terrible, crossover steering.

 

[nvrenuf]

Looking through your build thread, it looks like you did 52’s (with a slight lift?) and mounted them in the most forward hole on the b52 bracket. Did you do anything else where it connects to the axle? What length shackle are you running?

Yeah I’ve got the B52’s, they are bolted on in the forward holes so I could still move them forward 1”. The springs are 2” lift 52’s plus a Zero Rate so the total lift is around 7”. I’m using 6” shackles with the hanger rolled forward to improve the shackle angle. The Zero Rates have the center pin in the stock position so no shift from them.

 

[Bent77]

I knocked the rivets out and reused the factory hangers, moving the bolt hole forward 4”
There was a bit of farm engineering to make it reliable

using the cross over kit from ORD, no high street

No zero rate, 6 leaf spring pack. Appx 5” lift

 

[Gibby56]

Thanks for all the info fellas!

Well, I held up the b-52 bracket next to my current setup and it looks like with the b-52’s mounted as far forward as possible, the front set of spring holes line up pretty dang close to what I have now. I’m going to gamble and run the zero rate 1” forward. I’ll post it in my build thread and also here just to add a data point for someone searching later.

 

[Gibby56]

Alright so results are in!

I think i am at the limit of functionality before running into issues with the pitman arm at full bump.

i went with 5 leaf 52’s and removed the overload
EZ Inch installed for 1” forward
B52 brackets mounted in the forward position
Front leaf in the second hole from the front
And rear hangers in the stock location with 6” shackles


I think it’s a respectable stretch and still have a good shackle angle. So far pretty happy

 

[nvrenuf]

How far forward did the axle end up?

 

[Gibby56]

a little over 3”