Front Suspension Weights

[RICKSRAT]

Well after ordering the Santhuff springs (5" dia. 18" long and 250# rate ; 2,200-2,300# front end) for the front I decided to go ahead and pull the front suspension parts off and clean and weigh all parts while I'm installing springs. The truck sat for 6 years and thought it could use some cleaning/paint and greasing everything. Searched site for separate weights on pieces and didn't really find anything. Still pulling parts to weigh so if anyone has weights for ?? marks please let me know. Will not be pulling main crossmember so does anyone have a bare weight for this?

23# Spindle
9# Upper control arm - stock
25# Lower control arm - stock
29# Rotor - stock
12# Caliper w/pads,bolts
13# 1" drop Spring 3/4" dia. x 12 1/2 long
3# Shock
?? Manual gearbox w/pitman arm
?? Center link w/ inner/outer tie rods and idler arm
?? Main cross member bare

Have been looking at Jim Meyer , Scott's systems but really would like to see how much weight difference. I would rather put the $2, 500 - $3,000 in the motor.

[Super73]

Rick,

Thanks for sharing weights. This is what I have come up with from others and weighing my own stuff..

Spindle 27lbs
Upper control arm with out cross shaft 10lbs
Lower control arm minus cross shaft 22lbs
Caliper 9lbs
Pads 1lb
Rotor 26lbs
Spring 15lbs
Shock 10lbs
Front cross member bare 69lbs

Here is a thread with some bare front x-member weights: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=286986

Here are a couple threads of a cross member I fabbed up. Was able to shave 20lbs. Definately could have made it lighter, but had that metal in the shop:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=297716
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300964

[RICKSRAT]

Hey thanks for the links. Really just want to get rid of the factory crossmember. Something similar to your crossmember is more of what I would like to do with tubular arms.Really not interested in a rack or coilovers with the aftermarket systems. First I will put back together with the new springs and make a decision later.Really dont want truck to be down to long.

[kpeztruck]

I do know that the front suspension, brakes, and steering weigh in close to 380lbs. I had a knew suspension built for mine that puts all of the above around 160lbs. Quite the weight savings, and still less expensive than an aluminum engine block! Additionally, a larger weight savings than the engine block. Paul Baxter

[Wild83C10]

The center link on the 73+ is 19.5 lbs.
Steering box is 35 lbs.

[Super73]

Paul, is that front end ready for sale yet? Got a price yet??

[softballnrd27]

Originally Posted by kpeztruck

I do know that the front suspension, brakes, and steering weigh in close to 380lbs. I had a knew suspension built for mine that puts all of the above around 160lbs. Quite the weight savings, and still less expensive than an aluminum engine block! Additionally, a larger weight savings than the engine block. Paul Baxter

KPEZTRUCK-When does the suspension hit the market?

[kpeztruck]

Wow guys, I am thankful that so many are desiring this system. We are waiting on the waterjet cutters to cut out the pieces and produce a couple of systems. We want to trial fit a couple to ensure the nesc. fit and quality. Should be ready in a couple of months at the most. It should come in right at 3000.00 complete. We are priced between the Mustang II, and Jim Meyer systems, and offer more for your dollar. I have to advertise on this site in order to sell, so be watching for that soon. Thanks guys, Paul

[kpeztruck]

Some photos taken tonight! Let me know what you think. Paul

[kpeztruck]

Couple more. All systems will be powder coated as well. Mine will get coated over the winter. Paul

[Super73]

Paul looks good. I do have a question or two..

Why is the shock mounted at such an angle. The more angle to it the less control it has. Any way to stand it up more? Obviously it is a balancing act since moving it on the LCA would put a leverage ratio on it not helping either. Could the top be moved out towards the upper ball joint?

The third picture makes it look like the tie rod end links from the rack are at a major backward sloping angle. Is that the case or an optical illuzion (other pics don't look like that)? I would be able to tell if the top pic wasn't soo dark

Have any bumpsteer numbers?

Motor plate only deal? Not that it would effect me but it might others.

[kpeztruck]

The shocks are at that angle to gain wheel travel with the shorter shock. We are limited to space available. The valving in the shocks have proven capable of controlling movement well. We just run a heavier spring rate. The tie rods are angle back some, but bump steer is less than 1/8" anywhere in the travel. We have some engine mounts working right now, but as you can see, I don't use them with my application. Thanks for asking more about the system. It will be a great improvement over the stock parts for sure. Thanks, Paul

[RICKSRAT]

Paul looks great. When do you expect to take it to the track.

[softballnrd27]

Do you have an estimated weight savings?

[kpeztruck]

Yes, I plan to get to the track in the next month or so with the truck. The weight savings is just over 200 lbs. Paul Baxter

[chevytruck1970]

Paul are you running the stock steering column? Do you have any pics of how the rack hooks to the column?

[kpeztruck]

Originally Posted by chevytruck1970

Paul are you running the stock steering column? Do you have any pics of how the rack hooks to the column?

I am still using the stock steering column. I used the proper spline-to-double D u-joint on both ends. Just had to lightly clearance the upper part of the frame rail to clear the steering shaft. I will try to get some more photos in the coming days. Please be patient, as we had a good friend pass away Friday, and the funeral is Sunday. So it may be Monday evening before I can get back to the shop. Thanks, Paul

[chevytruck1970]

Paul no rush just curious