wheelbase problem

[olblue60@aol.com]

I'm wondering if someone can help me out ,perhaps linking me to a thread or just personal knowledge. I'm assuming that my problem is one that has been faced many times before me.
I recently purchased a 1968 3/4 ton 4wd pickup truck with a 6 inch lift. I really like the truck, but as I get older, I'm wishing more and more that it is just a normal height chassis.It wouldnt be a problem except for the fact that the 68 body is on a 1973 frame. I'm sure that most know that the wheelbase on the 1968 model is 127 inches. My problem is that the 1973 drivetrain is 129 inches. It works fine with the 6 inch lift, but in order to lower the body, I somehow need to move the front rear back 2 inches to fit the wheelwells. Does anyone know what needs to be done? Easier the better. Thanks for reading this post. Hope someone can help me out. Thanks,

John

[Frizzle Fry]

leaf or coil rear?

[olblue60@aol.com]

Moderator,
If I have listed this in the wrong forum, could you move it please?

[crazy longhorn]

You are more than 2" off....unless sombody cut that frame its 131.5 wb. other than sliding the spring hangers ahead to compensate, I cant offer much help. Best of luck,crazyL

[olblue60@aol.com]

I dont really know what was done so far. The rear is leafsprings. The rear rear, is located correctly in place. Although the chassis is a 73, They used a bolt on rear shock mount, due to the fact that they used a 72 front and rear rears and needed to get rid of the opposing shock mounts. The front frame horns have been cut off. The wheelbase measures 129, (however it got that way). Does this only mean that I can move the front spring mounts back, or can the leaf springs be re-drilled and a new pin be located to hold the front rear in place?? I dunno????? Thanks

John

[olblue60@aol.com]

Help!!

[Frizzle Fry]

I would think moving the hangers forward would be the best/easiest solution.

[crazy longhorn]

I think I missread that post.....the rear diff is centered in the wheel opening? If the front diff is off, whitch way does it need to move?(Im guessing rearward?) crazyL

[Frizzle Fry]

Got Pics???

[olblue60@aol.com]

yes, it would need to be moved rearward. Do you think thats easier than perhaps drilling the leafs and installing another pin through them to keep the differental mounts in place? Is it ever done this way. I know that moving the mounts doesnt look to be that hard either. ??

[ND_guy]

If you are only off by two inches put the factory springs back in and then use off-designs zero-rate add-a-leaves they have offset mounting holes to allow for 1'' of forward or back placement. They aren't really add-a-leaves they are 1'' lift blocks. 1'' higher than stock with standard size tires shouldn't be obvious.

It will not completely center you tires in your wheelwells, it is just a cheap idea.

[olblue60@aol.com]

Thats an interesting approach. I'm wondering about perhaps fabricating a plate, about 6 inches long or so, the same width as the leaf springs, that will mount on the top of the leafs with a hole drilled in one end to go over the existing locating pin and a new pin 2 inches back to recieve the differental and re install the rear and u bolts to hold it together?? Does it sound like it would work? or a dangerous misteak?? Maybe ,cut a section off another old set of springs, drill a hole to go over the old pin, and weld in place with the new pin location 2 inches back?? is the location of the differental an engeneered placement or would the location, 2 inches back, not be a problem? Thanks

[olblue60@aol.com]

Your opinion is appreciated

[jbarron]

I saw that extact offset plate idea on some website(sorry forgot where it was at). Basically it had two holes in it to move the diff back/forward 2". It was only about the thickness of the exposed pin.

[olblue60@aol.com]

There are many people on this site that are far smarter than I. So I guess that I'm not the first with this idea. My question now is, How safe does this idea sound? Should the plate be welded in place , or can I trust the U bolts? Could relocating the differental back on the springs cause any safety issues? All the imput on this matter is greatly appreciated. Thanks

John

[Rokcrln]

I feel moving it back 2" with a plate would be safe to do. First check to make sure that you will not have any engine to diff clearance problems by sliding the diff back 2". You will also need new springs since you want to lower it back to stock. You might want to pull a tape on the new spring because I remember alot of 4x4 springs had the pin off center to start with and who knows maybe you will get lucky and can just flip it around. As far as it being designed this way, yes it was and you may get a rougher or softer ride since you are changing the leverage rate's on the spring but it will be safe non the less. Good luck.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[jerry moss]

one thing to consider, your draglink will probably not extend an extra 2 inches. i don't see any danger in moving the diff back a couple inches, not all leaf springs have the pin in the center from the factory.

[olblue60@aol.com]

To everyone who has read and answered this thread, Many thanks!! I now have the confidence to go ahead with this plan.As far as the drag link, I hadn't even considered this before, but I'll start measuring things out. Your knowledge has been invaluable.

John