use of 60/62 springs to lift my 40

[lukebz]

is there anything wrong with using some 60/62 springs to lift my 40 about 4 inches and stretching the wheelbase a bit?
with new, longer shackles is this a pretty basic way of gaining a few inches of lift and or wheelbase?
if so, what else will i need to complete this job and what will i need to do to make this work? any details are appreciated. first 40 lift.

thanks

 

[Mark W]

stock '60/'62 spring will not give that much lift... very little.


Mark...

 

[lukebz]

actual springs i had in mind

these are the ones i was thinking?

 

[ocdbeetle]

Those are what I have on my 62 courtesy of the PO.....Wondered what they be like on my 40 although I'll never find out.....I could go measure the eye to eye lengths if thats the only issue though.......I'm not so keen on things that I havent worked on yet.....

 

[lukebz]

thats exactly where i am at right now...heard thats a way to go, but was hoping to get more info on this job

 

[FJFOOL]

I put med. (2 1/2") lift OME 60 series rear springs on my 40(rear) and pretty much got 2 1/2" lift.Utilized stock spring hangers, made 6" center to center shackles. Had to lengthen drive line, lengthen brake line, re-doo shock mounts. Oh, also, the wheel-wells will need a bit of massaging(as in metal removal).Other than that, pretty straight forward. The plus side, a smoother ride and more articulation.

 

[lukebz]

ok!!! now we are talking...anybody else have some thoughts!?!? thanks Fool!

 

[Mark W]

I have '55 rear springs (basically the same as '6- springs) on the front of my '40 and '5 rears under the back... very soft ride and great articulation... carries loads better than the stock springs too.

I was going to move to OMEs of each of these springs, but instead I am adapting Chevy 55 inch 3/4 and 1 ton springs under the rig.

anyway... '60 springs are a nice mod for a '40.


Mark...

 

[muddy40]

The 60 front springs are about the same length (and curve) as a 40, but with the pin centred - so you won't get much lift, but will move the axle forward about 1 1/2 in - possibly within the range of the driveshaft slip-joint, but best to lengthen the driveshaft. Shock mounts also need to be moved - or you could use the 60 series U-bolt plates with the shock mounts on them to allow a longer shock to be fitted for better articulation as well. It also increases caster a little, which would allow slightly longer shackles if you wanted.

The 60 rear springs are about 4in longer with the pin 4in further back - so you need a longer driveshaft (or put a 5 speed gearbox in and keep the same driveshaft), the shock mounts need to be moved to the back of the crossmember, and the rear shackle mount on the chassis needs to be flipped so it is further back to match the longer spring. Longer shackles work really well with this as well.

 

[Mark W]

You do not really need to move the shackle hanger. even if you use rear springs at both ends.

In the rear... a longer shackle will give a nice shallow angle and will work very well. In the front it will too, but a guide to prevent side to side shackle deflection at normal ride height is almost a must for regular road us.


Mark...

 

[lukebz]

ok

The 60 front springs are about the same length (and curve) as a 40, but with the pin centred - so you won't get much lift, but will move the axle forward about 1 1/2 in - possibly within the range of the driveshaft slip-joint, but best to lengthen the driveshaft. Shock mounts also need to be moved - or you could use the 60 series U-bolt plates with the shock mounts on them to allow a longer shock to be fitted for better articulation as well. It also increases caster a little, which would allow slightly longer shackles if you wanted.

The 60 rear springs are about 4in longer with the pin 4in further back - so you need a longer driveshaft (or put a 5 speed gearbox in and keep the same driveshaft), the shock mounts need to be moved to the back of the crossmember, and the rear shackle mount on the chassis needs to be flipped so it is further back to match the longer spring. Longer shackles work really well with this as well.

i am using a 700r4(long a** tranny) with an AA adapter and a 76 4spd TC, this will be one long combo as is so i don't mind getting a longer driveshaft if need be, but will it still be necessary with this setup?

thanks guys

 

[lukebz]

i assumed i might have to shorten it...whats left of it that is, i have a driveshaft of only a few inches...pretty lame in my book