Author Topic: how can i get more flex in back? (Read 13289 times)

Hoogie409 · « **on:** May 28, 2011, 09:17:22 AM »

so in the back of my 82 i have the double shackles and chevy springs. the guy that had it before said that if i replaced the shocks i could get more flex. is that really all i need to do to get better flex or would i need to build some rear hoops to acomidate the bigger shocks? i would like to match the 14in Bilsteins i have in the front with some in the back. ill post up some pictures to show you what im gettin so far.
thanks
Sam

Hoogie409 · « **Reply #1 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:26:01 AM »

79coyotefrg · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2011, 11:52:20 AM »

one thing would be to get a rear axle from a 86-95 truck or 86-92 runner. they are 3 inches wider and a bit beefier. the extra width gives more leverage to flex and also gives a better stance for those side hills.

then either wheel spacers up front or ifs hubs

sweetmeat · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2011, 08:39:53 PM »

Quote from: 79coyotefrg on May 28, 2011, 11:52:20 AM

one thing would be to get a rear axle from a 86-95 truck or 86-92 runner. they are 3 inches wider and a bit beefier. the extra width gives more leverage to flex and also gives a better stance for those side hills.

then either wheel spacers up front or ifs hubs

Agree, also you can inboard your rear springs. This will give you more flex also

86bobbedtoy · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2011, 09:05:45 PM »

but bad road manners

Rocksurfer · « **Reply #5 on:** May 29, 2011, 01:05:25 AM »

If the shocks are maxed out on full extension then yes by getting longer shocks will help but may bottom out quicker too. One trick is to move the top of the shocks more inboard to accomodate the longer shocks like this.... / \ or run a mount through the bed. If they are maxed try taking the shocks off on the rear and see if it gives you more flex, if it does then you could use a longer shock.

OOPS · « **Reply #6 on:** May 30, 2011, 07:44:56 PM »

Quote from: Rocksurfer on May 29, 2011, 01:05:25 AM

If the shocks are maxed out on full extension then yes by getting longer shocks will help but may bottom out quicker too. One trick is to move the top of the shocks more inboard to accomodate the longer shocks like this.... / \ or run a mount through the bed. If they are maxed try taking the shocks off on the rear and see if it gives you more flex, if it does then you could use a longer shock.

The only problem with mounting your shocks that way is they are less efficient and you get more body roll. How do I know, mine are mounted that way.

SamuelEngelking · « **Reply #7 on:** May 30, 2011, 08:06:55 PM »

Sharp looking truck.

Rockin4Runner · « **Reply #8 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 11:10:04 AM »

Get rid of those leaf springs and 3 link it.

blackdiamond · « **Reply #9 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 11:30:50 AM »

I think you flex looks adequate for more wheeling. Because the trucks are so light in the back it's difficult to get a lot of flex in the springs without going so soft that you lose stability. Shocks can limit the travel in the same way that bump stops and limiting straps do, but they don't change how the spring flexes. I have never run Chevy springs but would anticipate that the leaves are fairly thick to handle a full size load making them less flexible than a comparable mini truck spring.

Alcan springs are the best way to go for both control and flex, but if you went with an All Pro rear spring I think you'd get more flex as well.

Do you have any pictures of the double shackles in full compression and extension? It's difficult to see them in the pictures you have posted.

GloNDark · « **Reply #10 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 03:13:41 PM »

Quote from: blackdiamond on Jun 07, 2011, 11:30:50 AM

I think you flex looks adequate for more wheeling. Because the trucks are so light in the back it's difficult to get a lot of flex in the springs without going so soft that you lose stability.

This is my problem with my 88. When i'm loaded light for trail riding it flexes alright but when loaded heavier for Rubicon or camping/wheeling trips it's flexes great. hahaha I think without going to a 4 link rear it's going to be hard to tune the leaves in for the amount of flex you're after.

OOPS · « **Reply #11 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 04:39:09 PM »

Quote

I have never run Chevy springs but would anticipate that the leaves are fairly thick to handle a full size load making them less flexible than a comparable mini truck spring.

Chevy springs are some of the flexest that you can put on the rear. This is with a single shackle.

twistedtoy92 · « **Reply #12 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 05:45:47 PM »

thats what I'm runnin, 3 leaf 63''chevys, 6'' shackles, Johnny Joint shackle mounts, daystar bushings with the greaseable 18mm bolts and 14'' shocks. flexes like a champ!

blackdiamond · « **Reply #13 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 06:57:39 PM »

Quote from: OOPS on Jun 07, 2011, 04:39:09 PM

Chevy springs are some of the flexest that you can put on the rear. This is with a single shackle.

So what's so different between your rear springs and those of the OP? If you have some kind of a flexible shackle/mount then I'm not as impressed, but otherwise they look great.

Quote from: twistedtoy92 on Jun 07, 2011, 05:45:47 PM

thats what I'm runnin, 3 leaf 63''chevys, 6'' shackles, Johnny Joint shackle mounts, daystar bushings with the greaseable 18mm bolts and 14'' shocks. flexes like a champ!

Johnny Joint shackle mounts would make any leaf spring look flexible.

OOPS · « **Reply #14 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 07:59:05 PM »

First off that is not my rig, it is a friend of mines old rig, he now has a 97 runner that is linked F & R. We put those springs on at least eleven years ago, maybe longer, it was the first time I had ever seen them used.

They are mounted like any other spring, hard mount in front, hard mount in the rear for the shackle. So I guess you are impressed.

blackdiamond · « **Reply #15 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 09:58:32 PM »

Quote from: OOPS on Jun 07, 2011, 07:59:05 PM

So I guess you are impressed.

That's impressive.

Nimyad · « **Reply #16 on:** Jun 07, 2011, 11:08:08 PM »

This is with an 8 in travel shock, hard mount front and rear shackle mount. Single shackle. 3 leaf pack with overload still in.

twistedtoy92 · « **Reply #17 on:** Jun 09, 2011, 12:24:50 AM »

Quote from: blackdiamond on Jun 07, 2011, 06:57:39 PM

So what's so different between your rear springs and those of the OP? If you have some kind of a flexible shackle/mount then I'm not as impressed, but otherwise they look great.

Johnny Joint shackle mounts would make any leaf spring look flexible.

they do more than look flexible, they let the spring twist more instead of binding thus allowing more articulation. This is a proven fact!

Sparkplug · « **Reply #18 on:** Jun 09, 2011, 12:35:20 AM »

Agreed that chevies flex like a SOB. Also double shackle allows more droop and from my expereience if setup right is not loud or unstable on downhill, Johnny joints from what ive seen do allow more twist to the suspension.

Op needs to get some better pics of the shocks, if they are maxed out, thats the problem.

Cheesemaker · « **Reply #19 on:** Jun 09, 2011, 06:37:59 AM »

Sorry for the thread jack, but how much lift does a 63" give over stock? This is one thing I can't remember If I've heard before. Cause all I've been told is RUF's and 63's. And how do they do with a load for handling? Cause I haul wood and rock quite a bit in my truck.

twistedtoy92 · « **Reply #20 on:** Jun 09, 2011, 07:07:22 PM »

what is it like 3-4'' of lift with a 6'' shackle? I frenched my 63's front hanger into the frame... way nicer than hangin up on crap. if you run a 4 leaf chevy pack you can haul a decent amount!

mtm · « **Reply #21 on:** Jun 15, 2011, 12:48:31 PM »

nice mk1 you have there but have to agree with others bin the leafs and go with a 3 or 4 link. i have coils with dislocation cones on the rear of mine

twistedtoy92 · « **Reply #22 on:** Jun 15, 2011, 03:45:10 PM »

To me that doesnt look like much flex for 3link with coils? Do you have a build on this?

sweetmeat · « **Reply #23 on:** Jun 15, 2011, 04:59:42 PM »

Quote from: twistedtoy92 on Jun 15, 2011, 03:45:10 PM

To me that doesnt look like much flex for 3link with coils? Do you have a build on this?

x2

4RunnerChevy · « **Reply #24 on:** Jun 15, 2011, 05:25:55 PM »

Quote from: twistedtoy92 on Jun 15, 2011, 03:45:10 PM

To me that doesnt look like much flex for 3link with coils? Do you have a build on this?

I am confused on the last 2 pics. I haven't done much with links. ? There are lots of 3 link builds on this site, and they seem to get more flex and less roll. Is that an aluminum skid on the rear pumpkin ? Like the truck !

Peterbuilt84 · « **Reply #25 on:** Jun 15, 2011, 06:18:37 PM »

Shock placement doesn't look right to me; doesn't look like they're doing much and are also limiting flex.

twistedtoy92 · « **Reply #26 on:** Jun 15, 2011, 09:03:15 PM »

with leafs in the front and 3 link rear you should at least yield this much flex.....
but this is with leafs and the rear will stuff further once the wheel wells are tubbed

Hoogie409 · « **Reply #27 on:** Jun 23, 2011, 11:24:42 PM »

Quote from: blackdiamond on Jun 07, 2011, 06:57:39 PM

So what's so different between your rear springs and those of the OP? If you have some kind of a flexible shackle/mount then I'm not as impressed, but otherwise they look great.

Johnny Joint shackle mounts would make any leaf spring look flexible.

you hacve some 14inch schocks in the back? i am thinking about moving my bilstein 5125's to the back and getting some 5150's for the front. would that give me anything? or just a lighter wallet?

Nimyad · « **Reply #28 on:** Jun 24, 2011, 09:03:10 AM »

Quote from: Hoogie409 on Jun 23, 2011, 11:24:42 PM

you hacve some 14inch schocks in the back? i am thinking about moving my bilstein 5125's to the back and getting some 5150's for the front. would that give me anything? or just a lighter wallet?

It would give u a longer shock out back so more flex. But from what I've heard don't get 5150s, I've heard of people having then leak at the reservoir.

mtm · « **Reply #29 on:** Jun 24, 2011, 04:13:59 PM »

Quote from: twistedtoy92 on Jun 15, 2011, 03:45:10 PM

To me that doesnt look like much flex for 3link with coils? Do you have a build on this?

that was the first setup i worked with and yes the upper shock mounts were wrong which have now been altered.
the 3 link has loads mor fles than in them pics. i have gone through several coil spring to get the setup that works best. my plan was to use air shocks or coilovers the the cost prohibited that at the moment.
i now have a removeble upper coil mount/shock mount. with some landcruiser coils which seams to be working these are larger the the first lot so i had to make up a spacer for the lower mount. i have also played with the dislocation cone being on the top and the bottom and have settled for it to be on the top.
the next thing to do is the front end with a 3link as the front leafs are the limiting factor now.

new upper coil/shock mount

lower mount

Hoogie409 [OP]

Hoogie409 [OP]

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