Competition Suspension Trick - Good or Bad?

[EdK]

Here's one for you suspension guys regarding our dedicated pulling truck...



Most of the pulls we attend in the area do not allow blocking the rear suspension in the street or "cheater" classes. In order to minimize wheel hop and suspension "squat" we've added two additional full length spring leaves each side and are adding 5 foot ladder bars this winter.



Here's the question (preparing for the flames ): What would be the effect of welding the rear spring shackles to the frame so they would not allow the springs to flex; that is, they would not allow the spring to compress because the shackle would not be able to move rearward?



The truck is NOT street driven any longer, so ride quality is not an issue.

 

[KSmid]

another trick

drill a hole through the pack at both ends of the pack (like centering pin) and put a steel pin through it. weld pin top and bottom grind in flush , a little rattle can black and good to go. Won't let leaves move at all.

 

[propuller]

drill a hole through the pack at both ends of the pack (like centering pin) and put a steel pin through it. weld pin top and bottom grind in flush , a little rattle can black and good to go. Won't let leaves move at all.

Cheater!!!

 

[EdK]

Cheater?

Cheater?... naw... that's havin' the edge!!! :-laf

 

[EdK]

Drill bit selection

Would a carbide bit be required to drill the spring steel? I think it can be done in steps with good cobalt bits and plenty of oil.

 

[RyanB]

Would a carbide bit be required to drill the spring steel? I think it can be done in steps with good cobalt bits and plenty of oil.

I was going to say just that... spring steel is Super Hard! If I were using it as a track only truck I think I would just break out the welder and on the inside of the pack I would weld beads the whole say up and down the leaves on every one... maybe some nice 2" beads at the ends too... that would make it one huge solid pack. Probably would cause cracking though but who cares... its a track truck!



On a side note though... maybe its time for you to jump up to the next class if your at this stage already and its no longer on the road???



RyanB

 

[RJWEST]

Probably break the spring at the front shackle, the spring has to elongate when compressed, Front eye becomes the weak link.
Just my guess, ( and experience breaking 2 springs by using a load enhancement device that reduced rearward movement )