IFS shock upgrade question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

BKWDco · 07-09-2015, 11:07 AM

I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for shocks/springs to upgrade my TCI front end. The set up that came with doesn't seem to be "absorbing" any of the shock. Its pretty jarring.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

dag19 · 07-12-2015, 09:33 PM

Not related to your question... but I am about ready to put a new front end in my 55. How do you like the TCI? Was the install decent? Do you recommend it?

mphudak · 07-12-2015, 11:25 PM

Can you elaborate on the ride issues and what drivetrain you have. I'm wondering if it could be related to the wrong coil spring rate and not the shocks.

**G&R's57GMC** · 07-12-2015, 11:40 PM

BTW the shocks job is to dampen the spring motion.

If you have a jarring ride you have to heavy of a spring for the load on it.

mphudak · 07-12-2015, 11:59 PM

For coils you might give Eaton Detroit Springs or Deaver suspension a call. They can build you custom coils for your setup for a very reasonable price. This is the route I'm going on my build once i have my drivetrain figured out.

BKWDco · 07-13-2015, 12:05 AM

The install on the TCI front end was pretty easy. They put together a pretty comprehensive installation guide. This is my first project and the first big upgrade, so far, I have been really happy.

Springs might be the bigger issue. Stupid question, can i adjust them? Or do I need softer springs?

I have a small block 350, with a 350 turbo tran. I put the rear end from a 72 c-10 on it. I didnt want to drop the truck, so I went with the stock height spindles.

**Rickysnickers** · 07-13-2015, 09:45 AM

I have a TCI in mine and I have the opposite problem, it's too bouncy.

47 Fasttoys · 07-13-2015, 06:06 PM

FWIW, I have the Fatman,s Fabrication kit under my '46 and it is similar to the TCI, Scotts, etc.. most are Mustang II based,with the exception of the lower control arms which are "A" arm style. Fatman's recommended the Mustang V-6 spring when running a small block and the Mustang V-8 spring when running a big block. I have the V-6 springs and mine rides good but sits lower then I prefer. In my case spacers above the springs should fix my issue. The main thing to look at is your lower "A" arms should be close to level at normal ride height. You may want to check out Speedway motors as they have a lot of different spring rates available.
Rob

07-09-2015, 11:07 AM	#1
BKWDco Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: PORTLAND Posts: 43	IFS shock upgrade question I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for shocks/springs to upgrade my TCI front end. The set up that came with doesn't seem to be "absorbing" any of the shock. Its pretty jarring. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

07-12-2015, 09:33 PM	#2
dag19 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Austin TX Posts: 135	Re: IFS shock upgrade question Not related to your question... but I am about ready to put a new front end in my 55. How do you like the TCI? Was the install decent? Do you recommend it?

07-12-2015, 11:25 PM	#3
mphudak Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canton, GA Posts: 196	Re: IFS shock upgrade question Can you elaborate on the ride issues and what drivetrain you have. I'm wondering if it could be related to the wrong coil spring rate and not the shocks. __________________ 55.1 GMC Suburban Hydramatic

07-12-2015, 11:40 PM	#4
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,624	Re: IFS shock upgrade question BTW the shocks job is to dampen the spring motion. If you have a jarring ride you have to heavy of a spring for the load on it. __________________ Glen & Jane's Rides ‘57 GMC NAPCO Long Bed V8 4 speed Bought 2008 7 other cars & trucks , 5 trailers '56 Chevy Long Bed I6, 4 speed Bought 1990 Sold 8.22.2020 ’56 GMC Suburban Pickup V8, 4 speed Hydramatic Bought 1996 Sold 10.11.2020 My Other Tinkerings http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...75#post8967275

07-12-2015, 11:59 PM	#5
mphudak Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Canton, GA Posts: 196	Re: IFS shock upgrade question For coils you might give Eaton Detroit Springs or Deaver suspension a call. They can build you custom coils for your setup for a very reasonable price. This is the route I'm going on my build once i have my drivetrain figured out. __________________ 55.1 GMC Suburban Hydramatic

07-13-2015, 12:05 AM	#6
BKWDco Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: PORTLAND Posts: 43	Re: IFS shock upgrade question The install on the TCI front end was pretty easy. They put together a pretty comprehensive installation guide. This is my first project and the first big upgrade, so far, I have been really happy. Springs might be the bigger issue. Stupid question, can i adjust them? Or do I need softer springs? I have a small block 350, with a 350 turbo tran. I put the rear end from a 72 c-10 on it. I didnt want to drop the truck, so I went with the stock height spindles.

07-13-2015, 09:45 AM	#7
Rickysnickers Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Eagle, ID Posts: 3,058	Re: IFS shock upgrade question I have a TCI in mine and I have the opposite problem, it's too bouncy.

07-13-2015, 06:06 PM	#8
47 Fasttoys Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Westminster, SC Posts: 933	Re: IFS shock upgrade question FWIW, I have the Fatman,s Fabrication kit under my '46 and it is similar to the TCI, Scotts, etc.. most are Mustang II based,with the exception of the lower control arms which are "A" arm style. Fatman's recommended the Mustang V-6 spring when running a small block and the Mustang V-8 spring when running a big block. I have the V-6 springs and mine rides good but sits lower then I prefer. In my case spacers above the springs should fix my issue. The main thing to look at is your lower "A" arms should be close to level at normal ride height. You may want to check out Speedway motors as they have a lot of different spring rates available. Rob __________________ My '47 C.O.E build



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