71 4X4 Frame off Restoration

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[swamp rat]

And also your not alone in the setbacks, there only temporary.

[DWilbur]

good news I picked up my high steer parts from my power coater and stopped by Sky's shop he started priming the bed this week.
Bad news another delay that happened Friday last week my house was flooded Friday afternoon when I got home. Today I was told they have to remove the marble bathroom floor do to moisture issues and I only have 1 bathroom so I won't be living at my house for the next 2or 3 weeks. my house cleaner left the shower on not realizing the city was working on the main water so when the water was turned on the shower sprayed water out side on the floor. water went down the hallway (hardwood floors) the 3 bedrooms and into the kitchen.

[Dieselwrencher]

Man, sorry to hear about the flood issues!

[swamp rat]

Oh man that sucks......

[cmabolt]

What a bummer! Hopefully that won't keep ya down for too long.

Chris