Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bighead · 06-17-2007, 07:18 PM

I'm thinking about trying to put together a drag truck chassis from the scrap pile. I'd be running a 454/TH400 hoping for low 7 second 1/8 mile passes. Here's my question: I'd like to shorten a leaf spring rear frame and use it. Is there any advantage racing a coil rear truck over a leaf rear truck? Do you think there is much weight difference? Which will try to hook up better? Thanks for your input! big

cooters · 06-17-2007, 07:35 PM

its really hard to put power to the ground in a leaf spring truck. Coil springs all the way.

1968SWBBigBlock · 06-17-2007, 07:41 PM

Thats an 11 second truck. I would read up on the NHRA/IHRA rules when you go to build your truck. I agree coil springs would be the way to fly with lots of rubber in the bacl to make it hook
Good Luck

bighead · 06-18-2007, 07:06 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys! I may still use the leaf frame and convert it to coils while shortening.

cooters · 06-18-2007, 08:57 AM

i like the leaf spring frames, they have a little more room for bigger tires. Why not use a factory coil frame and race with it instead of buying ladder bars or four link?

bigjimzlll · 06-18-2007, 09:26 AM

Low 7's is haulin the mail...as stated thats a low 11 second 1/4 mile truck. Factory coil spring set up can get you there. Gear it, high stall converter and some big meats and let her eat....

nitrofn · 06-18-2007, 12:16 PM

I put ladder bars on mine, Plus did a backhalf

streetstar · 06-18-2007, 03:40 PM

yeah, i've been told by several racers to scrap my leaf spring rear end and 4 link it if i wanna go fast ---- but also the factory coil spring setup is supposed to be pretty good as well if you want a narrower tire setup.

Ultimately, i think im going for ladder bars too because setting up a 4 link would most likely just confuse the heck out of me

Greg2 · 06-18-2007, 03:53 PM

If you decide to use the leaf springs, check out http://www.calvertracing.com/. They make the Cal-Tracs traction bars. There are some very fast drag cars/trucks using their bars.

bighead · 06-18-2007, 10:48 PM

Thanks for all the good info guys!

06-17-2007, 07:18 PM	#1
bighead Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: McKinney, Texas Posts: 465	Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? I'm thinking about trying to put together a drag truck chassis from the scrap pile. I'd be running a 454/TH400 hoping for low 7 second 1/8 mile passes. Here's my question: I'd like to shorten a leaf spring rear frame and use it. Is there any advantage racing a coil rear truck over a leaf rear truck? Do you think there is much weight difference? Which will try to hook up better? Thanks for your input! big

06-17-2007, 07:35 PM	#2
cooters Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 458	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? its really hard to put power to the ground in a leaf spring truck. Coil springs all the way.

06-17-2007, 07:41 PM	#3
1968SWBBigBlock Active Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,643	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? Thats an 11 second truck. I would read up on the NHRA/IHRA rules when you go to build your truck. I agree coil springs would be the way to fly with lots of rubber in the bacl to make it hook Good Luck __________________ 1968 SWB 454 + .040, 490HP x 540 FT pounds of Torque 10-1 Kb Forged pistons, recon rods w/ ARP wave loc bolts 781 heads Ported with 2.19/1.88 SSTvalves Lunati 60204 cam, Micro Trol lifters, Ported Edelbrock Performer Rpm manifold armor coated, Pertronix Triple Strike Ignition Holley 770 Street Avenger carb,Headers armor coated Built by Watson Ruppel Performance in Sarahsville Ohio. Hardshift Tranny Built Turbo 350,TSI 10" 3000 stall 12 Bolt Eaton Posi 4.10 Richmond Gears moser axles 18.5" x 31" Hoosier Pro Street Radials ET Classic 5 Wheels - polished Power Steering, Power Brakes,Disc Brakes,Tach & Gauge Dash, Tilt,Factory Air (gone) Custom Paint & Body Work Special thanks to my wife, my son and my money tree

06-18-2007, 07:06 AM	#4
bighead Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: McKinney, Texas Posts: 465	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? Thanks for the feedback guys! I may still use the leaf frame and convert it to coils while shortening.

06-18-2007, 08:57 AM	#5
cooters Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 458	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? i like the leaf spring frames, they have a little more room for bigger tires. Why not use a factory coil frame and race with it instead of buying ladder bars or four link?

06-18-2007, 09:26 AM	#6
bigjimzlll Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Redding,CA...USA Posts: 4,736	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? Low 7's is haulin the mail...as stated thats a low 11 second 1/4 mile truck. Factory coil spring set up can get you there. Gear it, high stall converter and some big meats and let her eat.... __________________ It's called "drag racing" if they called it "tic..tic..WHAM!..BANG! F*&K!!!", they'd have to keep the magazines under the counter with the other men's publications click the clicky to join the site.... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/payments.php 67 lwb..first hotrod in 25 years..540 best ET is 9.45 @ 141.44 Anderson,CA

06-18-2007, 12:16 PM	#7
nitrofn Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Santa Fe Posts: 42	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? I put ladder bars on mine, Plus did a backhalf

06-18-2007, 03:40 PM	#8
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? yeah, i've been told by several racers to scrap my leaf spring rear end and 4 link it if i wanna go fast ---- but also the factory coil spring setup is supposed to be pretty good as well if you want a narrower tire setup. Ultimately, i think im going for ladder bars too because setting up a 4 link would most likely just confuse the heck out of me

06-18-2007, 03:53 PM	#9
Greg2 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 11	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? If you decide to use the leaf springs, check out http://www.calvertracing.com/. They make the Cal-Tracs traction bars. There are some very fast drag cars/trucks using their bars.

06-18-2007, 10:48 PM	#10
bighead Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: McKinney, Texas Posts: 465	Re: Hey Drag Racers I've got ??? Thanks for all the good info guys!



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.