Need Help! from Suspension Experts

[LowRodder]

After well over a year of dealing with a “buddy” , who claimed to know what he was doing and could help me with a rear notch/wishbone setup , I’m no further along then I would have been on my own.

So I’m taking matters into my own hands and trying to finish up this rear set up on my own. That being said, I could really use some pointers.

My two main questions right now are;

# 1 What is good way to be sure that I am “setting” the rear axle square in the frame rails? keeping in mind that I have never done anything like this before, and the extent of my measurement tools would be measuring tape, level, square, and a plumb bob.

#2 Should I set the truck at the desired ride height or full slam when trying to figure out where the axle needs to sit? I want the wheels to be centered in the wheel wells at full slam, but also want to make sure that I set the correct pinion angle for ride height.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[LowRodder]

Few pics for reference

[LowRodder]

Anyone ? ? ?
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[N2TRUX]

Can you give us more details on exactly what you have there? I see the lower bars for what I assume is a 4-link. I see mounting tabs for the upper bars. Is this going to be a true 4-link with a panhard bar? I don't see any front mounts for the upper links, so its hard to tell if its a 4-link or wishbone upper.

[N2TRUX]

Wait, now I see the wishbone leaning against the wall. Is the tubing next to it a D-shaft hoop and front crossmember or....?

[LowRodder]

Yes. It will be a wishbone for the top links. I had to pull it off because it was tacked on wrong. I may be building a whole new wishbone.
Spent most the day measuring. And remeasuring. And it looks like from what I can tell that the lower links weren't right either So I cut the tacks on one side and I think I'm getting closer
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[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by LowRodder

....Spent most the day measuring. And remeasuring. And it looks like from what I can tell that the lower links weren't right either So I cut the tacks on one side and I think I'm getting closer

That's what it going to take. You need a reference point on the frame that is common to both sides. Once you have that set you can measure and cross measure to get the axle center-line established.

Take your time and tell us what you come up with. Most of us have been where you are right now. Some of us have been there several times....

[lolife99]

I would tack your axle tubes to your notch (with some scrap metal),... once you get them correctly located.
(correct pinion angle at your selected ride height)
Then nothing will move while you are installing your lower link bars and upper wishbone.

If you need a suspension expert,... contact member Porterbuilt.
Actually I think it would be pretty easy to just install his PB trailing arm crossmember and trailing arm kit.
You already have the notch welded in.

[PBFAB.COM]

Feel free to give me a buzz on Monday or shoot me your number and I will call you. I am happy to answer any questions you have.

I did notice that it looks like your lower link bars are made from "electric weld" tubing. Its a type of tubing that has a seam and is welded up in the manufacturing process. This type of tubing is not recommended for a link bar. You will want to go with a DOM material (drawn over mandrel... its formed without a seam).

Take some more detailed pics of the components and we can see if it makes sense to try and use some of what is already there.

Nate

[DZL1]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

Feel free to give me a buzz on Monday or shoot me your number and I will call you. I am happy to answer any questions you have.

I did notice that it looks like your lower link bars are made from "electric weld" tubing. Its a type of tubing that has a seam and is welded up in the manufacturing process. This type of tubing is not recommended for a link bar. You will want to go with a DOM material (drawn over mandrel... its formed without a seam).

Take some more detailed pics of the components and we can see if it makes sense to try and use some of what is already there.

Nate

This is why Nate is a special person. It doesnt matter if you didnt purchase anything from him. He is always willing to lend a helping hand.

DZL1.

[LowRodder]

Thanks for the replys, here are a few more pics of the lower links up close.

gonna be back out in the garage so more today, staring at it, measuring, remeasuring, staring some more... I knew I should have paid better attention in geometry class

[LowRodder]

Using this bolt whole as the same reference point on both sides of the frame, this is what I came up with.

let me know if I’m on the right track or shoot holes in it. Whatever you think might help, I want to feel good about where the axle is sitting before I tack the tabs back on.

[PBFAB.COM]

Looks like you have the dimensioning all figured out. I would recommend cross-checking your measurements off another reference point, just to make sure they jive.

Nate

[LowRodder]

Thanks for your help Nate!