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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Clinton, MO
Posts: 29
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I am looking to update the leaf spring setup on my 54 (47-53 frame) and was curious as to what other guys have used. I want to go with a wider spring and use new mounts and brackets. Basically build my version of the TCI leaf spring kit for less money.
I thought about using s10 leafs and buying new leaf spring hangers. They would mount closer to the frame and give me a couple inch drop. I would try to mount it high enough to keep from c-notching. Here is the hanger style I was thinking about. http://www.barnes4wd.com/Heavy-Duty-...ir_p_109.html# Or I could just go with a 4 link.... Springs would be suitable for cheaper though. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: concord ca
Posts: 170
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
I have the TCI on my 56 and like it, simple to install. I would have gone 4 link but everbody I priced when I was doing mine was back ordered.I didn;t want to wait. Paul Horten welder series looks nice for a 4 link and several guys have done them here as well.
https://welderseries.com/blog/#!/Rea...=0&sort=normal |
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#3 |
Man of Mini-Talents
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 4,295
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
So... what did you wind up doing?
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Steve Project - Ruth 66 Skylark Project - Lola 60 Biscayne Project - Iron Ox 54 GMC 100 Project - Darth 69 Camaro |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Nevada City, CA
Posts: 908
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
Probably an IFS.
Near as I can tell, the high points of the best you can do with a stock front axle: Flip springs end for end so the shackle is in the rear Add a steering shock Put the box-to-axle steering arm on the passenger's side (if you can find the space, crossover steering is more accurate than other solid axle setups) Get to 5* or so of caster Tapered roller bearings + disc brakes Power steering Refresh / rebuild springs & bushings. I would probably start with a square body 4wd front spring to get something with a rubber bushing in it and run a panhard rod if I later felt the need. Brass is great but it doesn't absorb road noise worth a darn.
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"Over my head" 1957 Chevy 3200, big rear window & 6 lug. Front disc, power steering, Vortec 4.8 / 4L60E swap, hydro boost brakes & patina. |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Macungie, PA
Posts: 43
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
Not sure what you mean by this line:
Put the box-to-axle steering arm on the passenger's side (if you can find the space, crossover steering is more accurate than other solid axle setups). Are you saying the steering box is somehow mounted on the pass. side? - George |
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#6 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
Posts: 15,502
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
Quote:
This off the Speedway catalog for Early Fords but the principle is the same and the diagram shows what he is saying. ![]() I've been wanting to figure out a simple cross steer setup for AD trucks that uses common easy to get pieces for quite a while but am not really set up to work on anything like that right now.
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Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Macungie, PA
Posts: 43
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
Okay I got it, I wasn't being creative enough in my head and I was just considering the stock box design vs. the box that would be on say my camaro or 1990's GMC.
Thanks for showing me the way. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Clinton, MO
Posts: 29
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
I havent been able to work on the truck as much as I would like and I have been installing m2 which has also delayed the rear suspension. I will probably use s10 leafs and a dodge caravan front spring mount. Still unsure for the rear mount. Might just buy the whole rear suspension from a pre 96 caravan and call it good.
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Nevada City, CA
Posts: 908
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Re: Leaf spring setup- upgrade
__________________
"Over my head" 1957 Chevy 3200, big rear window & 6 lug. Front disc, power steering, Vortec 4.8 / 4L60E swap, hydro boost brakes & patina. |
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Tags |
hanger, leaf spring swap, suspension upgrade. |
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