refer to post 130
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How do you like your set up, do you feel there are big gains going three link on OEM spring set up ? was worth it. How does it drive on the street.refer to post 130
Thanks for the feedback.I love the 3link hands down. The 3 link gives me full control on adjustments i my garage.
The ride is as good or better than the stock set up.
Travel is a 9+ over the stock.
Ground clearance is awesome, no under axle hang ups.
Worth every penny and Time I put in.
Only thing I would change is, going to Coil overs,ONLY for room to do Pan hard/other bracketry.
It’s a lot of work and I’ve been getting alot of help from friends. It’ll be awesome when it’s all done. But I genuinely think that the front end needs to be a complete project if you don’t want to be disappointedGood to see you are making progress and seem to understand what you are doing. I was thinking about a set of those knuckles being that my axle is out and disassembled but you have convinced me not to do that. I think that for an 80, I’m at the point of diminishing returns already.
I just looked at your set up. I definitely explored that option. I’d get into the oil pan at ride height. I was told that I needed to match the 3 degree slope of the drag link and the axle side mount had to be a bit higher than yours. I also think my ride height is substantially lower than yoursJust curious, why people think they have to keep the Pan hard bar on top of the front axle??
Axle top limits travel as Squeegee has pointed out.
Options for the pan hard are variable, on top of the axle or move it REAR ward.
I opted to put it behind the axle.
The frame side mount is behind the steering box, and crosses next to the front diff.
My pics are very dark now, will up load tomorrow.
I'm debating between the Hellfire knuckles vs the Front Range keyed knuckles. It seems like @Squeegee has some slightly negative feedback about them from what I read but that was only regarding the unfinished machining process and lack of space with stock coils. Any issues with hardware coming loose or sheering?
I appreciate it. I did some research but it's good to have an informative opinion such as yours. Purchasing the Hellfire knuckles as we type.Just saw your PM, was going to reply with a link to this thread as there's a lot of good info here. As to your question, if I were to start all over I would still choose HellFire as I believe they are a superior design over Front Range. I have the original before RuffStuff took over and have been running them since 2015. Never had any fasteners loosen up. And RuffStuff has improved a few things vs when Billy was selling them on Pirate.
If you look at them side by side, HellFire adds a lot more material where it counts, up top where the steering arm attaches. I also prefer the 6 vs 4 mounting studs.
View attachment 3447196
No issues with the robustness of the knuckles. Just picky stuff on the QC and finishing. I just tell people to get hellfires at this point though. You get find 10% off ruffstuff coupons online and you can get them cheaper, or wait for blackfriday, ruffstuff did a pretty good deal on them last year.I'm debating between the Hellfire knuckles vs the Front Range keyed knuckles. It seems like @Squeegee has some slightly negative feedback about them from what I read but that was only regarding the unfinished machining process and lack of space with stock coils. Any issues with hardware coming loose or sheering?
$.02 is always appreciated, I can always cancel my order but I'm all ears if you have burning info about why the HF knuckles won't manageWell since you have already made your purchase, I won't put my two cents in.
You gave it less then a hour
I do appreciate your input. I'm curious about their machining process. How tight is the tolerance of the "keyed" feature. If there is any play, then I'd suspect loose steering arm studs (eventually). From their website, "Since there is still some load on the steering studs, the kit is supplied with a set or our famous black ARP steering knuckle studs!" So in my mind, I'd rather have 6 studs over 4. Similar to why people like the 6 shooters from TG.They will manage just fine.
I just have a different opinion then others.
A keyed steering arm is much stronger therefore you don’t need all the extra material around the bolts and why you don’t need six bolts.
With the keyed style the bolts only hold the steering arm down they are not there to resist sheer, if the bolts are resisting sheer they need more material around them and more bolts are better.
I personally think the keyed system is stronger and I prefer them.
I would also be interested in what you’re trying to accomplish.
IMHO if you’re not doing a three link I think it’s best to leave the steering in the back.
Luckily resale is always an option if I figure I don't like them.No I’m not running them.
But my best friend and wheeling buddy has them and sold his hellfire’s to get them.
I don’t think you will have any issues with the hellfires there both good, it just comes down to personal preference.
Do you have to run custom axles with the 9.5 3rd and diamond housing ?
Is it a OEM E locker ?