CalTrac install nightmare

[Speedracer39]

I just finished up with my c notch install on my 72 c10. Decided to start my flip kit and CalTrac install all was going well except the install of the CalTrac pivot assembly it will not fit properly in my spring mount. I was able to squeeze it in but it will not pivot as designed I will be in contact with them tomorrow has anyone else had any install issues????

[54Caddy]

I wonder if caltracs is aware of the different width leaf springs compared to 73 on up.

[Speedracer39]

I have seen online that others have installed these on the older trucks such as mine so I'm hoping that it is something minor so I can get things rolling again.

[Mike C]

Did you buy CalTracs for the 2.25" springs or for the 2.5" springs? I had no issues on mine.

I've heard of others having to grind on the spring mount but mine didn't require it.

[Speedracer39]

Yes- it is the correct one for my springs. My leaf fits inside the pivot assembly correctly but the problem is when I try to bolt all of this into my spring pocket on the frame. I do think I could grind a little for clearance and that might work as someone suggested but I will see what response I get from the manufacturer.

[Mike C]

Have you tried assembling it the rest of the way? If memory serves, the upper link rotates down where the roller is almost on the leaf spring top.

I'd finish putting the lower link on and adjust according to the instructions and see where you are at. Or is down the problem. I can't tell exactly from the pics.

[Speedracer39]

The only way I am able to get the pivot assembly into the frame mount is with a rubber mallet the bolt that goes through the spring needs the same and if you tighten the nut just a little the part that pivots is solid no movement seems like this is wrong for the frame mounting bracket. If this mounting bracket was square shaped and not rounded I do think it would work as designed.

[KQQL IT]

I'd open up the spring hangar with a big Cresent and see if they fit better.

[Mike C]

I'd put it together and try it out. If it would make you feel better, you could spread it some. Could be a PO overtightened the front bolt and tweaked it.

[Speedracer39]

Nothing has been done to correct the problem. I sent pics to Calvert and the first reply I got back from them was them saying that I had lowering springs and they would have to make special parts for me. I sent them pics of the leaf spring and told them they were a new set of stock/ standard springs. No response for 1 day and today they say that I would have to grind my front leaf spring mount for this to work. If that is the case I would have to do a lot of grinding and would be afraid that it would not be structually safe by the time it would fit. While all this back and forth is going on a friend sends me a link to this site and another person had the same problem. Calvert recognized this and send him a new leaf spring mount to bolt to the frame. Problem solved -- I just sent the link and will see what kind of reply I get. So far I'm not very happy with there product or customer service. Here is a pic of what the old mount looks like compared to the one that corrected the problem

[Mike C]

Cool. Interesting that there appears to be different hangers.

[Speedracer39]

I copied and pasted Calverts last reply -------That is a standard eye, and those are the correct pivot plates for the standard eye, the front hangar corners would need to be ground to clear the plates under load. We post this on the site, as the front hangars do not seem to be identical truck to truck, but have had to grind for clearance on others. ------- This coming from the person who said I had the wrong springs on to begin with. As I mentioned earlier the outside of my bracket is nice and square the inside part is rounded. I have no problem doing a little grinding but after looking at it I think it's best to see what kind of a new hanger would fit better instead of butchering mine up.