85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

[82streetshow]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Moving back to the front, it was time to install the front sway bar correctly. Keep in mind that this was the first "kit" to roll out the door, so some parts were missing. With my input, to the RideTech staff adjustments are being made. As an example, they changed the style of the front bar and added stands for the bushing clamps to mount to very similar to what the factory offers. So much so that the stand actually mounts in the factory holes.

Previously I had mounted the bushing clamps directly to the frame and this created a dramatic angle on the end links. Chase noted the issue when inspecting it at Goodguys and shipped the brackets out right away.

In typical guys fashion a glanced at the instructions and "assumed" I knew what was what. After mocking it up I still had a issue with the angle of the end links. I looked closer at the instructions and determined I had them backwards. Once they were mounted correctly everything fell in to place.

so the problem with the sway bar was where you mounted it to the frame? I have had this kit mounted on my truck since January with the sway bar mounted directly to the frame and so far so good.

[82streetshow]

Here's what I have

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 82streetshow

Here's what I have

On trucks lowered 5" in front, I always mount the sway bar to the frame so it's not necessarily an issue if your end link angle is correct. I had used the front hole and drilled the rear hole placing the bar too far forward, creating an end link angle that could have caused failure.

RideTech wants the kit to cover all options so they provide the bushing stands that bolt in the factory holes. This ensures proper end link angle no matter what the ride height is set at.
Not that it's relivent but your sway bar is an earlier style that's been updated in this kit. The end link tabs have been changed on the new version.

[SCOTI]

What changed on the end-links? The end of your bar looks like the last one I purchased from them.

[82streetshow]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

On trucks lowered 5" in front, I always mount the sway bar to the frame so it's not necessarily an issue if your end link angle is correct. I had used the front hole and drilled the rear hole placing the bar too far forward, creating an end link angle that could have caused failure.

RideTech wants the kit to cover all options so they provide the bushing stands that bolt in the factory holes. This ensures proper end link angle no matter what the ride height is set at.
Not that it's relivent but your sway bar is an earlier style that's been updated in this kit. The end link tabs have been changed on the new version.

Is anything else changed on this kit for the front? Mine sits quite a bit lower than yours, too low in fact. I thought that it was just preload on the coil but Im aleady adjusted at .5 over 0. Anymore and im affraid it will ride like a tank

EDIT: I think i see the issue, the lower arms look like the coilover mounts higher up on yours, making ride height higher

[Mattkeetley]

where do you find those tie rod end connectors or sleeves ? doing the same kit and wanna change mine from factory .. Thanks

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Mattkeetley

where do you find those tie rod end connectors or sleeves ? doing the same kit and wanna change mine from factory .. Thanks

If you look closely you can see the RideTech logo on them. They are located here LINK on the RideTech site

[1957 Chief]

Ken, did you cut your stock shock mounts off your rearend? I don't see em.
I cut mine tonight and just noticed that you posted pics.

Truck looks great too.

Bubba

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 1957 Chief

Ken, did you cut your stock shock mounts off your rearend? I don't see em. I cut mine tonight and just noticed that you posted pics. Truck looks great too. Bubba

Good eye Bubba. I cut the factory lower shock mounts off of the axle and ground it smooth. I dont know if its mandatory, but I wanted to make room for the lower sway bar mounts and clean things up a bit.

[JohnJ@RideTech]

Ok, sorry for the slow response but I think I can help out here.
Ken has a pre-production prototype.
The bar that Ken has is a larger diameter than our previous design. Due to the increase in diameter, the end treatment had to be modified to work on the existing a-arms.
The new bar was designed so that these trucks can be pushed harder through corners, decreasing body roll and improving overall feel and control.
The change in PosiLink (end link) mounting points was solely due to an increase in tube diameter and that is why the MuscleBar is aesthetically different.
I hope that helps clarify things.

[82streetshow]

so if things are going to keep changing, how long should I wait to order the 4 link? The front kit I have is less than a year old and they have already re-designed the arms and discontinued the coil overs, and the sway bar is a couple months old and has been redeisgned and none of these parts even have any miles on them yet just been sitting on the lift with the rearend out waiting on the 4 link.

[JohnJ@RideTech]

Originally Posted by 82streetshow

so if things are going to keep changing, how long should I wait to order the 4 link? The front kit I have is less than a year old and they have already re-designed the arms and discontinued the coil overs, and the sway bar is a couple months old and has been redeisgned and none of these parts even have any miles on them yet just been sitting on the lift with the rearend out waiting on the 4 link.

The 4-Link is good to go and your front end components are more than adequate. You shouldn't have any issues at all.

[UKNOWME]

Look at this famous guy!!!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=guno7FsE4b0

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Id like to see yours. So far I’m not that excited about how low this setup will go. Are you saying they are making their strong arms for shockwaves for 73-87 too?

This kit was not designed to go as low as the RideTech air suspension kits. It will go lower than a traditional 5/7 drop but tire height will be a limiting factor. The kit that utilizes the Shockwave in front is no longer available.

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Look at this famous guy!!!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=guno7FsE4b0

That was a nice surprise in last weeks RideTech email.

VIDEO: 1973-1987 C10 Coilover Suspension System
We’re here to make 1973-1987 Chevrolet C10 pickups even more awesome with our new 4-Link based coilover suspension system. CAD engineered and developed on our exclusive test track, our new kit will transform your Square Fender into a legitimate muscle truck with handling and ride quality that will rival many muscle cars. We designed the kit for easy, bolt-on installation with minimal cutting and zero welding required

[aggie91]

Great job and congrats on the features of Scarlet.

I am interested in the tire/wheel fitment you have on Scarlet. If I remember correctly you are running 22" wheels. Can't recall (or feel like trying looking up) the tire sizes, but I know that John at RideTech stated the set up safely fits 255/40-18 tires in the front, and 275/40-18 in the rear, but no wheel measurements where given.

How is the fitment on Scarlet and what wheel and tire sizes/specs do you have?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

Great job and congrats on the features of Scarlet.

I am interested in the tire/wheel fitment you have on Scarlet. If I remember correctly you are running 22" wheels. Can't recall (or feel like trying looking up) the tire sizes, but I know that John at RideTech stated the set up safely fits 255/40-18 tires in the front, and 275/40-18 in the rear, but no wheel measurements where given.

How is the fitment on Scarlet and what wheel and tire sizes/specs do you have?

Im running 22x8.5 with 265/35/22 in front and 22x10.5 with 285/35/22 in the rear. I had minor rubbing issues to the inside with the stock tubs. Nothing that would cause damage, just annoying.
With the Mild Tubz I had no issues with the 5/7 drop. So far the RideTech suspension has not changed that.

[StorminNorman]

Just read thru this. That is one beauty truck you have restored.
One question, In the beginning it looks like the truck had a rear flip kit plus a spacer block possibly ? But no C-notch at that point. How did it ride ?

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by StorminNorman

Just read thru this. That is one beauty truck you have restored.
One question, In the beginning it looks like the truck had a rear flip kit plus a spacer block possibly ? But no C-notch at that point. How did it ride ?

Thanks for joining in on the adventures of Scarlett. You are correct, that was the original set up in the rear. That system worked fine for the intended purpose. The rear shocks were too soft so it would bottom out. Replacing them along with the broken U bolt and cracked leaf made a huge difference.

[UKNOWME]

Well..... what’s next for Scarlett? Also what’s up with the 77? LST 18 is fastly approaching.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Well..... what’s next for Scarlett? Also what’s up with the 77? LST 18 is fastly approaching.

Scarlett is a complete package now. She needs some minor refinements, but shes done.

The 77 is up next and I'm at least a month behind. It WILL be at LST 2018, and it will probably be finished at the last minute as well.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Scarlett is a complete package now. She needs some minor refinements, but shes done.

They’re never done!

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

The 77 is up next and I'm at least a month behind. It WILL be at LST 2018, and it will probably be finished at the last minute as well.

If it were easy, everyone would do it!

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

They’re never done!
If it were easy, everyone would do it!

They are officially done when they roll out of the driveway with the new owner inside. I am taking applications for that position now.

[1957 Chief]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

They are officially done when they roll out of the driveway with the new owner inside. I am taking applications for that position now.

Ha Ha

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

They are officially done when they roll out of the driveway with the new owner inside. I am taking applications for that position now.

True that!

[gringoloco]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

...The 77 is up next and I'm at least a month behind. It WILL be at LST 2018, and it will probably be finished at the last minute as well.

Rebirth of an icon