[actionjackson]

I couldn't find the old thread where we were talking about removing one of the bolts in our lower control arms to get better flex. I finally did an RTI test with the pin out and it was just insane how much more flex I got. My shock was completely maxed out in this pic so it probably could have unloaded a bit more. The Slee 6" spring was completely unsprung and it lowered 4 more inches beyond that point and was just hanging freely so this is as much flex as these springs will do.

Hope this helps ppl know how much more flex you can get by taking one of the pins out.



With my truck flexed this is how much the arm rotated



More pics here:
http://actionjackson.com/cruiser/tra...?TrailRunID=40

The real reason I was on the RTI ramp today was to take measurements for my new 3-link project. There is another thread I started a few weeks ago here:
3-link front on FJ80

I've already ordered all my parts and will be starting my 3-link hopefully next week. Can't wait to see how it turns out. Anyone need some good lower arms? Stay tuned

[turbocruiser]

Holy Moly!!!!

[Tools R Us]

What shocks are you running and are they connected?

[actionjackson]

Originally Posted by Tools R Us

What shocks are you running and are they connected?

I'm still using my L shocks from OME. However I have lowered the top mounting position down 5 inches. Yes the shocks were still connected but maxed out in this pic. There is a pic of the new mounting position on my old page here:

http://actionjackson.com/cruiser/mods/20041231.asp

I thought I was going to need new shocks for my 3 link but now I'm thinking these L shocks will be just fine. At least that saves me some $$

[yellowchaosfj80]

MR Jackson have you thought about longer coils , I've found the same thing with the 6" springs with a gap of 3-4" and runnig 32" procomp gas charged shocks . looking at 9" coils to solve problem...

[Gumby]

Why go with a three link?

That's what you have right there. Flip the arms and I think you'll be golden.

How are the road manners?

[reffug]

[Cruiserhead05]

I wanna know how he's running stock front control arms and only CC bushings.!!!!!!

BTW, very sweet.

[Uncle Ben]

That is amazing! The flex in the remaining two bushing on each side had to be very extreme!!!

[fj803fe]

Originally Posted by Cruiserhead05

I wanna know how he's running stock front control arms and only CC bushings.!!!!!!

BTW, very sweet.

Easy... install and drive...

[2badfjs]

shawn,
what keeps your axle from twisting up(axle wrap) when you remove the bolts.

i'd love to hook up and wheel again with you.
holy cross was a blast!!

jim

[CruisinGA]

Originally Posted by 2badfjs

shawn,
what keeps your axle from twisting up(axle wrap) when you remove the bolts.

i'd love to hook up and wheel again with you.
holy cross was a blast!!

jim

Hes only removing one of the bolts. So, the second bolt on the other control arm controls wrap.

Could probably do a little better by cutting off the front bushing of each control arm and running a third short arm with heims from the top of the axle to one of the control arms. This would give you adjustable caster and more flex. (The fewer of those big bushings in the control arm the better for flex)

[green_machine]

before you go much further, you should retain those springs. You will still get the flex, yet your control will go up exponentially. Also, how much bumpstop did you ad over stock to not compress the shocks, or is this compression limited by the spring compression?

[Tools R Us]

I have given some thought to cutting the front bushing off my left arm. The flex would be greatly improved and caster would be somewhat easier to deal with, by only having one locating point. There are three main issues that need to be addressed;

First is the arm brackets, the twisting, drive, caster would all be handled by one arm and the shortened arm is only handling the locating force, but with only one bolt location. So both brackets would need substantial reinforcing.

Second is the shocks, the factory pin-pin mounts don't flex well, putting big side load on the shock seals and internal bushing/pistion when flexed. They would need to be changed to loop-loop mounts for good shock life. Requiring new shock mounts to be fabed, but would allow a switch to better quality shocks.

Third is the axle end swaybar mount, it's very wimpy and wouldn't handle the additional twisting load for long. It's a simple bracket to fab and weld on.

[actionjackson]

Thanks for the replies. Yes I may go with some longer springs for the front but finding some that are rated for our trucks may be difficult. For now I will probably keep the Slee 6" and use limiting straps until I can afford some coil overs if they make them heavy enough to support our vehicles.

The stress in the other 2 bushings was incredible. I'm sure the bushings wouldn't hold up to that kind of abuse for long.

My 3-link will have arms going over the tie rod with Johnny Joints all around. It should be a fun project.

[actionjackson]

Originally Posted by yellowchaosfj80

MR Jackson have you thought about longer coils , I've found the same thing with the 6" springs with a gap of 3-4" and runnig 32" procomp gas charged shocks . looking at 9" coils to solve problem...

If you find your 9" springs let me know. Thanks! Do you know if fox coil overs would support the weight of our vehicle? I know they are way expensive but still it would be nice to have.

[Tools R Us]

Urethane becomes hard much faster with age and doesn't handle extreme flex well. Switching back to the factory rubber bushings and dealing with the caster in the brackets would be better for a 3 bolt setup.

When I talked to the ARB rep at SEMA, he said that they do make some progressive springs where the lighter coils stay compressed in normal operation and only open with flex to keep them seated, wouldn't give any more info other than there for racing applications down under.

For crawling applications solidly retaining the springs top and bottom may be better, making a stable ride and still getting most of the usable flex?

[sleeoffroad]

I am pretty sure they make coil overs that can support the weight. If they can use them on F250's and F350's it should work. However coil over has no negative spring rate like a retained coil spring and it makes the trucks very floppy.

[green_machine]

you will definitely want those springs retained on a 3-link. I speak from experience on that one.

[trojan_knight]

sick

i like it but i would be scared of bending the mounting point. it was built to have both bolts in it so you probobly reduced it strength significantly.

yet again... SICK