73-87 SWB 1/2 ton Lowered Trucks

[RPOZ11]

Ok, so I searched out threads here but didn't find anything.

This thread is regarding what we do when we drop or lower our trucks.

My comments here are regarding static drops.

My truck, in a link in my signature, was lowered using 2-1/2" drop spindles up front;
Tubular a-arms, aftermarket front sway bar, stock front disc brakes.

The way I have the front suspension dropped works very well.
It handles very well, but I'd like to get a little bit more anti-dive out of it.

What suggestions do you all have for enhancing this?

On the rear suspension, I have custom made drop leaf springs.
On normal driving, street, highway, it rides well.

Again, my issue is the same for the rear.
It seems to either be too soft thru dips or speed bumps, as it wants to hop or rebound too much.

So, I am looking for suggestions to improving the rear suspension rebounding.

Available aftermarket I've seen air bags, air shocks, shocks with added coils around the shock body, or possibly coil over shocks.

Eventually I will adding a small rear sway bar.

What all have you guys done with these set-ups?

Thanx

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by RPOZ11

Ok, so I searched out threads here but didn't find anything.
This thread is regarding what we do when we drop or lower our trucks.
My comments here are regarding static drops.
My truck, in a link in my signature, was lowered using 2-1/2" drop spindles up front;
Tubular a-arms, aftermarket front sway bar, stock front disc brakes.

The way I have the front suspension dropped works very well.
It handles very well, but I'd like to get a little bit more anti-dive out of it.
What suggestions do you all have for enhancing this?

On the rear suspension, I have custom made drop leaf springs.
On normal driving, street, highway, it rides well.

Again, my issue is the same for the rear.
It seems to either be too soft thru dips or speed bumps, as it wants to hop or rebound too much.
So, I am looking for suggestions to improving the rear suspension rebounding.

Available aftermarket I've seen air bags, air shocks, shocks with added coils around the shock body, or possibly coil over shocks.
Eventually I will adding a small rear sway bar.
What all have you guys done with these set-ups?

Thanx

Can any of the real suspension Guru's help with these two questions?

[bdiamond]

Other than changing geometry of the upper control arm shaft I don't believe theres much you can do to fix "anti-dive". I would think stiffer front springs would help though.

[eldogg]

I looked through your build thread and it looks like your upper ball joints are mounted to the bottom of the A-arms. Every aftermarket a-arm I've seen mounts them on top. I think that should give you a little more caster.

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by eldogg

I looked through your build thread and it looks like your upper ball joints are mounted to the bottom of the A-arms. Every aftermarket a-arm I've seen mounts them on top. I think that should give you a little more caster.

I'll go and give that a look see.
Thanx

[N2TRUX]

I assume since you mention adding a rear bar that you have a front bar, but if you dont have a front sway bar get one. Beyond that I would consider a top quality billet shock with adjustable valving. This will allow you to fine tune to your desired firmness.

On the rear, I will speculate that the leaves are too soft. I have not heard postive results from soft rear leaves on these trucks. The adjustable billet shocks would apply here too.

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by eldogg

I looked through your build thread and it looks like your upper ball joints are mounted to the bottom of the A-arms. Every aftermarket a-arm I've seen mounts them on top. I think that should give you a little more caster.

I never noticed that but I will check into it.
I will contact the manufacturer an inquire about this!
If I recall correctly, they may be designed with 4-5* positive caster.
If I change these to the top side of the A-Arms,
What advantages will that resolve other than the caster correction?

[RPOZ11]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I assume since you mention adding a rear bar that you have a front bar, but if you dont have a front sway bar get one. Beyond that I would consider a top quality billet shock with adjustable valving. This will allow you to fine tune to your desired firmness.

On the rear, I will speculate that the leaves are too soft. I have not heard postive results from soft rear leaves on these trucks. The adjustable billet shocks would apply here too.

The rear bar idea I have has 2 directions to go with.
I have two 3/4 ton sway bars as a basis to work with.
I am also considering a frame mounted type.
I haven't done it yet.
On the rear I am looking for less travel speed up & down thru the spring travel.
That's where I was thinking of a coil-over shock.
The rear springs were custom made.
I'll give them a call to see what spring rate they made them to.

Thanx for your replies!!!

[sduckworth13]

N2Trux, who makes billet shocks?
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[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

N2Trux, who makes billet shocks?
Posted via Mobile Device

Ride Tech.

[sduckworth13]

Ok, I didn't know if there was another company that made a different style. I bought the Ride Tech Q series shocks. I have the RQ shocks.
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[sduckworth13]

I think the HQ are the adjustable ones.
Posted via Mobile Device

[RPOZ11]

Looking at the www.ridetech.com website.
I think if I am to use their products, I will need to contact them about what I have in relationship to what they offer.
I sent off an email inquiring on what they could help me with.
I gave them my specifications.
Let's see what they respond with...

Here is their 73-87 suspension link :
http://www.ridetech.com/store/trucks...hash=V260.V328

Here is another possible option :
http://www.ridetech.com/store/40-05-...-rear-kit.html

[RPOZ11]

No response from ridetech.
May look into other options...

[sduckworth13]

I got my Ride Tech shocks this week and the only part that is billet is the end caps, I was wanting a billet shock body. Sooooo not real happy that I didn't inquire more about them before I purchased them. I was expecting a billet shock body.
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[sduckworth13]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

I got my Ride Tech shocks this week and the only part that is billet is the end caps, I was wanting a billet shock body. Sooooo not real happy that I didn't inquire more about them before I purchased them. I was expecting a billet shock body. I forgot to mention the shock body is painted grey. The picture on ride tech site makes it appear as if the shock body is aluminum or billet looking. Looks aside I'm sure they are a outstanding shock.
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[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by sduckworth13

I got my Ride Tech shocks this week and the only part that is billet is the end caps, I was wanting a billet shock body. Sooooo not real happy that I didn't inquire more about them before I purchased them. I was expecting a billet shock body.
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Why the requirement for the 'billet' shock body?

[sduckworth13]

Just for looks. I'm going to be powdercoating my frame and my PB suspension parts.
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