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I will test fit to make sure I relieved it enough prior to boxing in up. Once I know I have enough clearance, I can measure and get Tom Woods to make up a new front DS.
Also installed the grade 8 hardware for front shocks and axel support of HA ram. Next week will upgrade tie and relay rods and TRE's.
If you are talking about not going crazy like me, then I would say to get a functional running truck the only issue would be the front DS longer slip and notching the transfer case crossmember on late model trucks (with spacer in the tranny, same length as 5-speed) mid 85 and later. On early 60's to early 85 (without the spacer in the tranny) you don't have to mod the crossmember. If you install springs with the SR you should still consider a longer slip on the front DS if you want to utilize the articulation as well as keeping your DS from separating or shoving into the transfercase under hard use. All that being said if you limit articulation and travel you prolly don't have to do anything beyond installing the kit. Hope that helps? My .02
Researched and notched the crossmember.
After all was said and done, a custom mini truck DS with long splines was ordered. One issue for this choice was the DS angle at full droop. I am at 30* full droop and springs still could go more just can't get it there yet. Most DS will not tolerate that much angle, the mini after Tom is done can go 40* Removed my companion flanges from the front axel and transfer case and sent to him for re-drill to match mini truck flange bolt pattern. Most of the day was fighting the pinion nut at the front axel But after creating a tool to hold the flange from rotating I could use a 4' cheater bar to break it loose! Will have the new DS prolly next Monday Also recieved my rebuild gasket kit for the power steering box from the contact Mace provided Now I can finish the PS Box and get it installed and finish the HA ram. Also re-installed the notched crossmember looks good very close at full droop! If I need a little mosre fudge factor I will turn the DS around and get room that way.The only items left are the new larger tie and relay rods, TRE's and the rear spring block to slide the rear axel back 1". Decided to get Marsh Racing Wheels thinking about doing 17X8's with a 2 or 2.5" backset. This will allow me to run 10.50 or maybe 12.00" tires without hitting my shocks. Anyway, keep you all posted as Frankenstein develops further, keep those cards and letters coming
Oh yea, a few of you have asked about how this compares to OME system with SR. In all honesty can't say, never owned OME. But I am expecting much more supple and gads of articulation, yet great lift and stiff enough. Based on Dave's indications I'm expecting the supple nature of the ride to be similar to trophy truck suspension. One thing I don't personally like is overtly stiff suspensions. OME tends to be that way, the aussies typically like that style So don't know if that helps but the best I can offer right now. The evaluation and my opinions of the system is forthcoming
, relay on back orderHopefully this weekend can get tie rod installed work on the tie rod attachment to new rod and some TRE's, and get the rear axel pushed back. Also Put back together the ported PS box and may install this weekend also
installed 555 TRE's and lightly installed and test fit the HA ram. Tie rod is huge compared to stock and about 1/2" clearance off front of pumpkin Definitely HD enough to handle the ram. Getting a PSC 1-3/8" clamp system for tie rod attachment of ram. This will allow fine tune adjustment, ease of install and looks clean!
Installed the longer u-bolts made by Deaver Suspension and will cut to fit. Installed the Bilstein 5125's on the rear axel.
Tightened up nuts and bolts. I like how the rear tire sits in the wheel well under normal load as well as freeing up slip in the DS since moving the axel back 1". The new front DS from Tom Woods should be coming this up coming week. Guess I can start the order for the Marsh Racing Wheels think I'll go with the 17" with a 2" BS. This will let me use wider tires and clear the shock bodies on the front end under articulation.
