Funny.
What I know I know through trial and error. I’ve build a lot of leaf spring trucks. I’ve tried them all. I even helped design the HFS years ago (it’s totally wrong)
Seeking Advice for Suspension Upgrade
- Thread starter MatthewMcD
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- springs suspension
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What I know I know through trial and error. I’ve build a lot of leaf spring trucks. I’ve tried them all. I even helped design the HFS years ago (it’s totally wrong)
RevISK
SILVER Star
You shouldn’t have to drill out the spring pack, that sounds gnarly. Also, you measure what you need first as far as caster if you have a 4” lift and your big ol shackles
. You might even need 6*Shameless plug: I have a brand new uninstalled set of steal 6* shims from Valley Hybrids up for grabs.
Thanks! I’ll see what I need and let you know. The kicker is that I sold some 4” TPI springs and had some on there. However the new owner still hasn’t picked up the springs.You shouldn’t have to drill out the spring pack, that sounds gnarly. Also, you measure what you need first as far as caster if you have a 4” lift and your big ol shackles
Shameless plug: I have a brand new uninstalled set of steal 6* shims from Valley Hybrids up for grabs.
Let those go
Also good to know I don’t have to drill my spring pack. That was the one that was killing me the most because I don’t want to have to remove the springs.
I am! I do have a separate question for you on vacuum lines if you don’t mind
That’s what I’m trying to do but have a Frankenstein.
RevISK
SILVER Star
To put the shims on you don’t have to completely remove the springs but you’ll need to get a bit funky down there. Definitely easier to install the shims on the springs on a bench while standing.
RevISK
SILVER Star
RevISK
SILVER Star
@MatthewMcD
Back to the topic at hand…
Start spraying all your junky nuts and bolts with CorrosionX/PB Blaster/Kroil/Capri Sun now in anticipation of how bad your junk is seized up.
Back to the topic at hand…
Start spraying all your junky nuts and bolts with CorrosionX/PB Blaster/Kroil/Capri Sun now in anticipation of how bad your junk is seized up.
I’ll tag you on what I have going on so I don’t continue to highjack this thread. Give me a few.
No. They can be easily installed in under an hour per corner on the vehicle, much less for the slip fit type. Springs definitely don't have to come off.
77mustard40
SILVER Star
Lots of solutions out there if you need longer center pins for shims. The choice of shim should be based on ending up with 2-4 degrees positive caster on the front springs, and restoring the rear pinion flange to the same angle as the output flange on your TC for the rear springs to prevent DS vibes. For me I measured caster and drive angles after the springs were on the truck in order to buy the correct shims. But that was a long time ago, I’m sure the Georg’s and Kurt’s know the proper correction given how common the 2.5” lifts have become.
I like to install a longer center pin before installing the springs, then the shims can be set on each spring as it’s installed before you finish installing the u-bolts.
I like to install a longer center pin before installing the springs, then the shims can be set on each spring as it’s installed before you finish installing the u-bolts.
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Chungas Revenge
SILVER Star
MatthewMcD
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- Thread starter
- #76
You read my mind!
MatthewMcD
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #77
@cruiseroutfit I followed up with another email, in case it makes a difference. My front end has a mini truck conversion to disk brakes. I believe it's from a '82 60 series. I'll send photos if you need more info.
1MOA
SILVER Star
I would suggest a sawzall and a blowtorch.
OlYellr
SILVER Star
Don't know how I missed this thread. Well never mind, I do.
I learned about shims on @wngrog build thread & I did the 4* shims this year when putting on hardware. What a difference in drivability. I did the Dobinsons setup and I am the other unhappy Dobinsons owner @RevISK mentioned earlier in this thread. I have the IMS shock and I like them = I love a softer ride. I had OME heavy - and I got mediums of Dobinsons springs.
What I don't like are the springs. I am filing a warranty claim against Dobinsons today. The military wrap on all of them are too large and they are constantly rubbing/touching the frame/bracket. On my passenger rear, you can see where the wrap has rubbed the metal of the fixed pin bracket and it stressed the frame (IE I have a new tear on the frame around that bracket - though that is a common weak point, I am convinced the stress of constant rubbing/touching made a notoriously weak area worse since putting these springs on) . I cannot slide a piece of paper between any of the wraps and bracket/frame nor get a constant bead of light to shine though when held on opposite side.
I'm now in the midst of what to do for frame repair.
I will post more details etc on my thread vs not bother the group except the bottom line of my experience with the Dobinsons springs I got. As Ian said, maybe we got a bad batch. Bad experience with their springs.
@MatthewMcD - what about a 4plus flip kit? Since you are there with the springs etc. I was chatting with Dave yesterday over email, he is around.
I learned about shims on @wngrog build thread & I did the 4* shims this year when putting on hardware. What a difference in drivability. I did the Dobinsons setup and I am the other unhappy Dobinsons owner @RevISK mentioned earlier in this thread. I have the IMS shock and I like them = I love a softer ride. I had OME heavy - and I got mediums of Dobinsons springs.
What I don't like are the springs. I am filing a warranty claim against Dobinsons today. The military wrap on all of them are too large and they are constantly rubbing/touching the frame/bracket. On my passenger rear, you can see where the wrap has rubbed the metal of the fixed pin bracket and it stressed the frame (IE I have a new tear on the frame around that bracket - though that is a common weak point, I am convinced the stress of constant rubbing/touching made a notoriously weak area worse since putting these springs on) . I cannot slide a piece of paper between any of the wraps and bracket/frame nor get a constant bead of light to shine though when held on opposite side.
I'm now in the midst of what to do for frame repair.
I will post more details etc on my thread vs not bother the group except the bottom line of my experience with the Dobinsons springs I got. As Ian said, maybe we got a bad batch. Bad experience with their springs.
@MatthewMcD - what about a 4plus flip kit? Since you are there with the springs etc. I was chatting with Dave yesterday over email, he is around.
MatthewMcD
SILVER Star
- Thread starter
- #80
I don't know what that is.
