71 4X4 Frame off Restoration

[DWilbur]

After installing my front leaf springs I noticed that they are way short the shackle is in the wrong position. Even back in September with the stock shackles they are the same. I bought the 6" lift from 4 Wheel Parts about 2 years ago. Does anybody have dimension of the spring bolt centers. my spring measure 41-1/4" center of bolt to center of bolt. I think they should be around 45" for the correct shackle angle.

[ryanroo]

i would bet they look better with the body and drivetrain squishing them. all i have around here for reference is 4" springs and 2.5"

[DWilbur]

Originally Posted by ryanroo

i would bet they look better with the body and drivetrain squishing them. all i have around here for reference is 4" springs and 2.5"

Could you measure the center to center as a reference point.
I called ORD this morning a Chris said the stock springs are 44" measuring along the curve. I measured 41" straight across. I will check the dimension along the curve after work.

[mud.man.rj]

I just wonder about the "real" length of the springs and shackle angle with the weight of the truck and engine on them, length should increase because they will flatten out and lose some arc ans shackle will move back further also, pretty much a given.

[swamp rat]

I When i ordered my BDS springs the offroad place had me measure eye to eye but follow the length of the arc and not straight across, they couldn't tell me if i should follow the bottom spring or the top spring and i could never get an exact measurement the spec sheet listed. Here's a link to my front springs part # 001402, they list eyelet to eyelet at 43"

http://bds-suspension.com/product-display?sr=001402

Here's a pic of my truck with the BDS springs installed with ORD shackles, they do lean slightly forward at the bottom. Next pic is the old Rancho 4" springs with the stock shackles, then also have slightly more forward tilt at the bottom. Makes me wanna see a pic of the stock springs and shackles for comparison. One thing i learned was the actual eye to eye dimension never matched the mfgr spec exactly.

Once you get the truck assembled and on its feet the springs will settle (obviously) with the weight, they will settle a little more after its driven a bit too. If you need me too i can go out back and measure the old Rancho springs this weekend.

[mud.man.rj]

A bit screwy trying to figure this out, not many stock trucks around anymore for a reference plus they would have a lot of miles on them for an example.

[ryanroo]

ill measure what i have a bit later. gonna head out to the garage in a few

[swamp rat]

I grabbed one of my 18 year old 4" Rancho springs and measured it 3 ways:

Straight across eye ctr to eye ctr: 42 9/16"
Following the inside upper spring arch eye to eye ctr: 43 9/16
Following the outside spring pack arch eye to eye ctr: 44 1/4""

EDIT: The last dimension was how the offroad place told me to measure the springs, also keep in mind that after 18 years the springs probably flattened out a little.

[msgross]

I second the thought of adding drivetrain and some settling time before worrying about the springs.

Here are my stocks 1/2ton HD springs

[DWilbur]

Thanks for all the replies and the pictures. From what I see in the pictures everybody sent your shackles are just about straight down no load. Mine lean forward 2.5" and after loading the springs they will still be leaning forward. If my eye center to center measurement was 44 inches the shackles would hang straight down. I'm convinced that my springs are short. I will call Superlift Tuesday and see what they say.

[DWilbur]

Got the rear springs installed today and worked on finishing up the break, clutch peddle assembly. the break peddle bushings are still made by Chevy picture of part number. I finally found the parking break peddle today after looking for it for the last 3 week. It was right where I left it on the shelf. Dam I think I just had a senior moment. the rear shackles are straight down as they should be. I ordered 4 degree wedges for the front and rear axles today for proper angle adjustment. The rear block had the 4 degrees built in and with the shackle flip I don't need the block any more.

[mud.man.rj]

Just went out and looked at my 86 with 6" lift springs and hanger is as the picture, straight up and down so believe you are right on them being to short, makes sense.

[DWilbur]

I talked to Chris and Luke at skyjacker Monday and they said the dimension for the 6" lift front springs are 22-1/4" from the center pin each way fallowing the ark of the spring. I checked my springs a they are 22 1/4" each way. looking at other pictures of truck with lift kits fully loaded the shackles are about straight down. so I will see after loading the rest of the parts on to see what happens.

[mud.man.rj]

Guess all you can do is wait and try them loaded, hope it all goes well.

[ryanroo]

Glad you got some info. i just got the pile in my garage moved enough to get to those springs tonight, but i wont dig em out from under the bench. my garage is a mess... haha

the details are spectacular. this will be a sweet rig!

[DWilbur]

Originally Posted by ryanroo

Glad you got some info. i just got the pile in my garage moved enough to get to those springs tonight, but i wont dig em out from under the bench. my garage is a mess... haha

the details are spectacular. this will be a sweet rig!

You and me both have messy garages. as I get part installed on the frame it does free up some space. This week end my Nephew and I are installing engine and trans in my 73 Plymouth satellite this will free up enough room so I can R & R my D60 the fallowing week. Then it's time to clean up the garage for round 4.

[DWilbur]

I installed the 4 degree shims today so I can install the rear end Thursday. I'm working swing shift for the next 3 & half months. so I figured out if I get up early I can work on my truck for about 2 or 3 hours before heading off of work.

[mud.man.rj]

That is dedication, good for you.

[Dieselwrencher]

It's really looking nice!

[jandlcars]

that is quite a bit of work
I made a 6 door burb used the back door section and used a 6' box took some time
thing was long as a freight train
sorry never took pics

[DWilbur]

Originally Posted by jandlcars

that is quite a bit of work
I made a 6 door burb used the back door section and used a 6' box took some time
thing was long as a freight train
sorry never took pics

That's cool 6 door burb. to bad you don't have pictures.

[jandlcars]

it ran around San Rafael for a while

[DWilbur]

I spent last week end replacing the engine and trans in my Plymouth Satellite and things did not go well. The rag joint was trashed and ended up making one out of 2 universal ones. Then we fought the headers and oil pan. ended up removing the engine and trans from the car pulled the oil pan and spent 2 hour Monday cutting an 1" off the front and back of the lower part of the pan. The engine mounts I bought ended up the wrong ones and had to order some online. Hopefully we will get it stuffed back in this coming week end and I can get back on the truck.

[7dee2]

I hear ya, it's tough with all the side projects to move forward at times.

[mud.man.rj]

Positive side is you got a bunch done on the Plymouth and know what you need to continue, so a great thing.