Custom Drag Springs

[Foose04]

Plan to make some changes on the front end this year. Current setup is pretty horrible for 1/4 fun. 2inch lowering springs that are netting more around 3", just touching the bump stops. The front is very stiff, both pushing down and has almost zero recoil coming up. Struts are lakewood 90/10s.

Currently i'm looking at DJM lowering arms with two inch drop. Should save some weight and switch to a stock spring. I read the v6 springs have a longer coil, so I bought a used set figuring they may hold more energy when compressed.

However this got me thinking what about custom springs. I could then even go with 3-4 drop arms and install a longer spring that stores more energy but keeps the drop at 2". Thoughts?

Also read that trucks leave best if it they start level. It's currently at least 2-3" ass high. That also needs to be addressed. I'm thinking lowering shackles for that, the current slicks will tuck and I can use my load bags to bring it back up on the street. I'm getting about 4" lift in the rear so the Caltrac bars are doing there part putting weight on the axle.


Currently how the truck leaves with a 1.54, also got a 1.52 that day. Best is a few 1.51s.





Got a lot of info from a cal-trac thread over on YB. This guy seems like the only truck guy I can relate to. Runs Cals and multi-leafs. Was having problems with spinning before the 60 is up and unloading the rear. (same as me) He's leaving with turbo and trans brake at around 3500. Ass High and 3-4 inch of front end travel.




Update late on he says he got his shit level and some movement up front.

1.37x 60"

[Foose04]

After some more research looks like only the L camp seem to have it figured out. Hell those JDM drag springs look like they came off a damn Baja sand buggy. The actually raise the truck lol.

Chris you rocking a set of those? Any other L guys got any feedback on them? I'd like to see some installed pictures to get some idea's.

Every inch that bad boy is compressed is 100's of pounds of lift, per side! ..... guess that school bus didn't stop at the GM full size truck camp, I can't find no info drag springs. It's one thing if I didn't think about it, but hell all the chevy guys bitch about not hooking and no one seems to point out this possible solution.

JDM



My setup:




Looks like it's time to fab something up.

[LXtasy]

Can you add coilovers to your truck?

[Foose04]

I've asked around and searched, again no options without going full custom.

I'm wondering if a 3-4" drop control arm would allow that L spring to tuck in there. Then check ride height to see if any further trimming is needed to get a good ride height. Can always add a spacer to bring up if needed.

This isn't the actual arm, but you get the idea.

[chrisheltra]

I do have the JDM drag springs. Im not sure if their custom specific to JDM but they're very similar to V6 F150 springs. The V6 springs are way softer and way longer. Everyone has to cut at least one coil off of the drag springs but the longer you keep them the better they transfer weight and lift the front. IMO your going to start to see the limits of the caltracs and have to find an alternative like long bars or ladder bars. You can actually see your rear lifting in the vid in your post which is not what you want and that is due in part to the caltracs. Randy and I both had that issue with them before going with longbars. Do you have adjustable shocks yet?

You back from Germany?

[Foose04]

Hows the ride on them? Does it bounce around much?

As for Germany, still here for a bit. Ramstein isn't bad though. Got a sweet 2012 BMW 530 rental. The diesel has some grunt down low and the car has so many little gadgets it's crazy. I think it would wipe your butt if you asked it lol. Might try a A6 next month, see what it's all about.

Weather could be better though, this was from tonight. Bottom right..



And see a lot of this when it's time to head out..good old deicing



Now down range isn't as top notch lol, but always could be worse.

[chrisheltra]

Its a little bouncy because my suspension is pretty soft compared to stock but not unbearable. It can be adjusted out for the most part with the QA1's.

[Foose04]

Chris could I bother you for a spring installed picture whenever you get some free time. I been poking around over on LightningRodder (crazy how much good info you all got) and for the life of me can't find a installed picture. Just looking for the perch area and overall installed height.

As far as the Cals go, their all I got right now. I know for sure the front end setup is a unturned rock, after that I may look into other rear end work. That third video the guys is using cals and cuts in the 1.3's at a claimed weight of 4400. So in theory, it should be possible.

Thanks man

[chrisheltra]

Originally Posted by Foose04

Chris could I bother you for a spring installed picture whenever you get some free time. I been poking around over on LightningRodder (crazy how much good info you all got) and for the life of me can't find a installed picture. Just looking for the perch area and overall installed height.

As far as the Cals go, their all I got right now. I know for sure the front end setup is a unturned rock, after that I may look into other rear end work. That third video the guys is using cals and cuts in the 1.3's at a claimed weight of 4400. So in theory, it should be possible.

Thanks man

I dont think I have any pics of what your looking for but Ill see if I can dig one up for you.

[BigdaddyDupree]

park your all stock mustang and pull a tire and get the man a picture.



i love you chris

[chrisheltra]

Originally Posted by BigdaddyDupree

park your all stock mustang and pull a tire and get the man a picture.



i love you chris

That requires too much work when all I have to do is this.

http://www.lightningrodder.com/forum...ad.php?t=85284

[Foose04]

Shimmy.... thank u kind sir!

From those pictures it looks like this could be my best bet.

[chrisheltra]

Originally Posted by Foose04

Shimmy.... thank u kind sir!

From those pictures it looks like this could be my best bet.

[Foose04]

Recommend a good vender? Hope they don't put SVT stickers all over the box. Already going to have a good sit down talk with the truck before I attempt to adapt them over, along the lines of lets all get along. I'll call JDM Monday to make sure they don't see a problem with this or if they know someone who's already done it with or without problems.

It's a tough call on the what size drop arm to match them with. My best bet may be to install one and take measurements. Also sounds like the springs take a few miles to settle.

[chrisheltra]

Originally Posted by Foose04

Also sounds like the springs take a few miles to settle.

They do. Dont over cut them because the springs will settle over the coarse of a week or so and you dont want to have to buy another set because you cut too much. If it sits too high for your liking just remove them and take a little more off.

[1BAD4DR]

U can build a set of longbars for less than 200 bucks. Slow94 has a how to thread on lightning rodder and the links where u can buy the bars brackets bolts etc. These help tremendously along with springs and adjustable shocks. Chris is absolutely right about the springs...if u install them don't look at ur truck for a week to decide if u will be happy with the stance because they do settle quite a bit.

[1BAD4DR]

I am currently building a set for my truck so I will keep u posted.
http://www.lightningrodder.com/forum...ghlight=slow94

[spdracr0]

I have a set of JDM springs here right now that have to be installed. I was hoping to get a little more out of the 60ft to avenge my loss, but get'er right and lets do it again sometime. Would be cool to have 9000 lbs rolling down the 1/4 at around 20 secs combined...

[Foose04]

Sounds good man. Hope nothing jumps out in front of us lol....swerving or stopping...not likely.

[chrisheltra]

Originally Posted by spdracr0

I have a set of JDM springs here right now that have to be installed. I was hoping to get a little more out of the 60ft to avenge my loss, but get'er right and lets do it again sometime. Would be cool to have 9000 lbs rolling down the 1/4 at around 20 secs combined...

If he gets home in time before you install them you should let him borrow them to see if the will fit in his spring cups.