I understand that it is a good idea to have the two mounting points of a leaf spring level with eachother.

My question is... Why is this important? The reason i ask is that on my sas i am doing, the front spring hanger is about 2 inches higher than the front spring, rear shackle hanger.

What driving characteristics is this going to affect?
Should i just sacrifice the low lift and level the spring out?

Thanks for any input.

Joel

2"? thats not too bad. I'm not sure I would worry about it. Ideally, the eye's would be level, but you don't often reach that. Some stock setups aren't even this way. But what you want to avoid is an obvious slope.

In a front application, one thing this is going to effect is your caster. Another words, if the axle has 8* caster built into it assuming a level spring pad, having the spring slope is going to throw that number off.

-Rob

There is a 2" difference between the front spring eye, and the rear shackle hanger, so its more like a 4 inch difference between the eyes. Its noticable.
I have factored in the Caster angle according to how the springs are mounted. I was thinking, i can just lean the spring perches back a little bit, to get the correct caster angle. Or not a good idea??

It won't be that big of a deal to cut off the front spring hanger, and drop it another 2 inchs. I am just wondering if this is really necessary.
Thanks for the response.


Joel

Dunno if it'll be neccessary. I was able to adjust the way my springs sit (flat) using my shackles. I had really long shackles and was able to shorten them while still maintaining proper caster and handling. Right now, it's just about perfect for on-road driving (considering what else is going on there...) while still having shorter fangs up front.

This is what my current setup pretty much looks like:



And some design notes:



Feel free to use those if need be. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

- mike

yes, you can. but realize doing so sacrifices precious driveshaft angle (which is usually in short demand with isuzu SASs).

without going through the trouble of removing the knuckles and setting your own numbers, its a balancing act between existing caster and pinion angle.

if you're 4" difference, my advice would be to address this now. play with different shackle lengths like mike suggested or rework your hangers.

-Rob

It may also have an effect on how far your axle moves forward/backward on extension/compression <- this has an effect on pinion angle throughout susp movement and how much slip you use in your driveshaft. It will probably soak up bumps better, but brake dive may be a little more apparent.

I think with my shackles forward I will still end up with the shackle-side spring eye slightly above the fixed-end eye, but I think that may end up a good thing--caster might be better, axle may not move forward/backwards as much as susp moves, etc.

But, it is probably something that demands more attention on a street-driven rig than on a trail only rig. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thank you for the advice guys.

Mike did you do that drawing in AutoCAD? hahaha
Seeing your setup really helps even though you have the shackles up front.

I guess i will go ahead and add in more lift, and try to get the spring eyes as even as possible.

Another problem i think i might encounter by leaving them the way they are is, the steering. Even with a one inch spacer, i dont think the tie rod would clear the springs.

So i guess its back to the drawing board. Thats the fun part of doing a solid axle swap though, right??

Thanks again,

Joel

My first go at it (notice the slope):


Then SAS v2 (my later improvements):


-Rob

Hey Rob,
Thanks for the pictures. What was the difference in ride quality, when you repositioned the springs like that?

I was really hoping to avoid the Fangs, but i guess i cant do that..
Blast hahaha

Peace
Joel

Joel-

Why don't you sleeve through the frame for the shackle mount. That would bring the rear of the spring up considerably. Might be able to avoid the fangs.

Michael