moving front axle forward

[slowpoksdrvr]

would it hurt any thing to just drill another hole in the spring and use that as the centering pin? or would that make the spring too weak?

[mr4x42u]

I think its might make it weak but know its been done before..The other problem is springs are no fun to drill..Very hard,,takes forever..rill the hole in your front end perch to move it foward..

[jeffs84runner]

Yes, at least from what Ive heard that redrilling the spring pack can make it weak in the old spot.  Redrilling the spring perches is the best way, plus it's easier than drilling the springs.
If all you need is 1.5" or less then spring perchs are the way to go.
Luke Miller has a good write up on his;
http://hometown.aol.com/wgwonka/frontaxle.html

[Rock_Starr]

It will weaken the spring to drill it but this wouldn't make a difference if the section drilled and the previous center pin holes were confined between the u bolt because (in theory) this section of spring is not active.  However the amount of movement drilling the spring would allow for is minimal aka less than if you drill the perch. So drill the perch.  One last thing to keep in mind:  Leaf springs are designed with a specific mounting area in mind and with a large movement of the axle you can affect just about every characteristic of the leaf spring, from static ride height to wrap control characteristics to wheel travel.  I assume that you (slowpok) did not have intentions of moving the the axle more than a couple inches, so there shouldn't be any large effect on the springs' current characteristics.  
 
I just thought i would douse you with more information than needed and let you strain through it for what is relevent to you. :brush:

[slowpoksdrvr]

thanks guys.... next question.....
    if i made my own spring pirch that angled twatds the rear of the truck how would that affect it?





          

[Rock_Starr]

Im not really clear on which way you intend to change the angle.
Tilt pinion up or down?

Although i would encourage you to leave it as it sets because if you tilt the whole housing you mess with caster and steering axis inclination. If you do decide to mess with it,  moving it less than 10 degrees is advisable.

There are other options which are much more involved   . . .
Hope this helps,
-STARR