1 ton 52's

[nvrenuf]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

But you can't move the shackle frame mount forward with 52" springs, it has to move back.

No, the shackle gets moved forward to create a better shackle angle with 52's.

Theres a million spring + axle location combos that can vary the placement of that shackle hanger but typically that hanger is rolled forward for the 52" spring swap.

[74CustomK20]

So it gets rolled up the frame, Instead of rolled back...

[nvrenuf]

Usually, yes, it's rolled forward pivoting on the front lower rivot hole. I'll post a pic of mine when I get home.

The hangers location really depends on where you want the axle to end up. My hanger is moved forward plus I'm using DIY4X's "B52" adjustable front spring hangers, this combo will push the axle 2" forward.

[74CustomK20]

This is making more sence... although I'm going to try n keep mine in the same spot... or center of wheel well...

[nvrenuf]

Here are pics of my set up -

The front adjustable "B52" hangers from DIY4X.com (same pic CrewCab59 previously posted)


My rear hanger rolled forward (reusing what is now the lower rear bolt hole) with 6" shackles.


Side shot showing the axle 2" forward. (I've since changed wheels and cut the wheel openings larger)

[74CustomK20]

It looks like too though, that you have the leaves in the front hole, and it's still 2" forward? Now to find a way to center it, and use the factory L bracket...

[nvrenuf]

Imo... If you're looking to improve the ride and not trying to achieve bigger travel, I'd go with a custom built, softer, stock length spring like those Off Road Design offers.

The 52" (or longer) swap really dominos into other potential upgrades, not all of which are required depending on final axle location but they are all possible;

* crossover steering because push/pull will work but doesn't offer operating angles equal to the travel of the longer springs (resulting in a loss of steering at full suspension droop).
* longer travel shocks (with possible upper mount changes)
* longer brake hoses
* longer travel front driveshaft (although it's not as drastic as many write ups would have you believe)

I think it should also be said that, while a 1 ton frame may have thicker material and the rails are deeper under the cab, the section forward of the body mount under the front floorboard is more or less identical to the 1/2 & 3/4 ton counterparts. All of the brackets are located the same and will interchange.

[nvrenuf]

Originally Posted by 74CustomK20

It looks like too though, that you have the leaves in the front hole, and it's still 2" forward? Now to find a way to center it, and use the factory L bracket...

Just to say it out loud, I'm running 2" lift Superlift 52's.

Yes, I'm roughly 2" forward. The B52's have 2 sets of frame mounting holes, I have mine in the "stock" position but I could use the other set of holes and move the brackets forward another inch.

I can't remember how the swap goes to retain stock axle position. It seems like leave the hangers alone and go with a longer rear shackle (??). I'll keep searching...

Also, Obijuan touched on one reason the rear hanger gets moved - impoved shackle angle for better travel and ride quality. In stock form the shackle is close to vertical which doesn't do much for absorbing suspension movement.

[74CustomK20]

I will agree. I have 6" shackles in the rear now, and they are vertical. They also like to go different ways in regards to front to back so the will make the truck dogwalk... so I have 6" shackles I will be using

[nvrenuf]

I may get in trouble but here's enough 52" swap info to scramble your brain.

http://ck5.com/forums/threads/all-th...t-here.148725/

[74CustomK20]

Hmm also brings into question the amount of leaves... jeez all this flexing stuff gets complicated quick lol

[74CustomK20]

Update. I got some free time tomorrow, gonna wake up good n early to start work on the 1 ton frame, grinding and drilling and such. Will keep this thread updated with pics and all... it'll be slow going but it'll get done eventually lol hope to sell my powerstroke to be able to really fund n kick this into OD...

On edit this is coming to mind. How does the 52 and 64 spring swaps do for towing. I'll have front swaybar... power brakes...

[obijuan]

63s squat real bad usually so an airbag or overload system should be very helpful with a load.

[BigRed76]

Originally Posted by nvrenuf

Here are pics of my set up -

The front adjustable "B52" hangers from DIY4X.com (same pic CrewCab59 previously posted)


My rear hanger rolled forward (reusing what is now the lower rear bolt hole) with 6" shackles.


Side shot showing the axle 2" forward. (I've since changed wheels and cut the wheel openings larger)

So with your setup, you have the spring bolted in the forward most hole on the front hanger, and you axle is 2" forward, with the shackle hanger moved forward, so to retain stock axle position couldn't you move the front of the spring back a couple holes, then leave the rear hanger in the stock position with a longer shackle to keep a decent shackle angle like you've got?

[nvrenuf]

Originally Posted by BigRed76

So with your setup, you have the spring bolted in the forward most hole on the front hanger, and you axle is 2" forward, with the shackle hanger moved forward, so to retain stock axle position couldn't you move the front of the spring back a couple holes, then leave the rear hanger in the stock position with a longer shackle to keep a decent shackle angle like you've got?

Yes, I'm about 2" forward. What you're saying sounds right. I never tried to set it up in the stock location but, you're right, there's plenty of adjustment in the front hanger to move the axle back to the stock spot and leave the rear hanger alone.

[74CustomK20]

That's good. Update, got my 1 ton leaf springs dug out of my shed, and they measure 54" from eyelet to eye, centered. So I'm going to try n run with these before I she'll out coin for new or other leaf springs. Which got me thinking of something. What if you used the top leaf from a 4" lift kit springs, but under that one you used springs out the rear set? Anyone have input on that?

[74CustomK20]

Update, got one side done, and tossing around more ideas... old Toyota pickups were straight axle and I got to looking online, and the rear springs are almost 48" from eye to eye...anyone have any thoughts on this? Or tried it even? I'm just spit-balling but am really curious...

[obijuan]

They are far too light duty. They are in the rear of my cj7 and are practically flat unloaded. And they are a high offset centerpin.

[74CustomK20]

Ahh. Good to know. I was just poking around my brain thinking if there was a leaf spring pack, with the same load capacity but around 48" it would be more of a drop in... ahh well. I got one side rear hanger ground out, aaand that's it lol

[SunSoaked]

52" M1008 springs with ORD HD 6' shackles on my 69 K10.

[74CustomK20]

And on your setup all you did was bolt on the ord front piece correct SunSoaked

[obijuan]

M1008 should be 56" rears

[SunSoaked]

Obijuan- Rears may be 56" I don't recall.

I took the entire suspension off the 1008 and mounted it to the 69 frame, hangers and all. I reinforced the front hangers and added a 2" steel spacer to give it a "built in" lift of two inches in the front. Only the shackles are ORD (6"), this leveled the front springs and restored the pinon angle on the D60. The rear swap was straightforward- Center the wheels in the wheel wells, drill the frame and bolt up the brackets. The only PITA I ran into was the front X member and the lack of provision for mounting the swaybar I pulled of the 1008. I'll run it without and see how it handles, if I need a swaybar, I'll have to fab a new crossmember to mount it too.

[SunSoaked]

Another issue. The front spring hangers wont work with the factory attached core support bracket, because those have to stay where they're at while the spring perches move fwd.

[74CustomK20]

Sounds like that's a few problems then. Figured. Us Square body guys can never have a bolt on deal like everyone else. Anyway it's back to work for me. I plan on having one side rear mount moved it it's new location done by Sunday... I hope.