Front suspension improvements

[landshark]

I am going to finally dive into making the suspension on my 69 better. In particular I have not been happy with the track bar riser, up travel, shock valving etc..

Have a few questions, but my order of attack is as follows:

1. Remove the track bar riser on the axle and move to a longer track bar across to the passenger knuckle.
2. Check up/down travel once track bar is moved remove old bump stops, add new air bumps to frame above long arms.
3. Look into shocks with larger rod diameter and better valving, shield shocks and reservoir from engine heat.

Question:
I already know I will have to fab something to the knuckle i have looked at several threads on CB.com and almost every one of them is using a Heim on the axle end due to clearance issues with the drag link. Is there any reason Why I cannot use a bushing on the frame side to help with vibration? Are there any other rod ends I should consider rather than a Heim joint?

[ZOSO]

Talk to digger on the valving. He got mine really close right outta the box.

[Digger]

I am going to finally dive into making the suspension on my 69 better. In particular I have not been happy with the track bar riser, up travel, shock valving etc..

Have a few questions, but my order of attack is as follows:

1. Remove the track bar riser on the axle and move to a longer track bar across to the passenger knuckle.
2. Check up/down travel once track bar is moved remove old bump stops, add new air bumps to frame above long arms.
3. Look into shocks with larger rod diameter and better valving, shield shocks and reservoir from engine heat.

Question:
I already know I will have to fab something to the knuckle i have looked at several threads on CB.com and almost every one of them is using a Heim on the axle end due to clearance issues with the drag link. Is there any reason Why I cannot use a bushing on the frame side to help with vibration? Are there any other rod ends I should consider rather than a Heim joint?

Any pictures? I know Photobucket turned on everyone, so many of lost ability to 3rd party host.

I'm curious about your trackbar riser. I made a hooked track bar to get around frame clearance issues.

[landshark]

Here you go. Main reason to remove the riser is it limits my uptravel when I hit any dips at speed and wallops my bump stops. Used to hit the frame until I moved the axle and bump stop.





It drives great with virtually no bumpsteer.

[Justin]

I'd suggest running a bushing on the frame side for the reasons you mentioned. I used a factory upper link bushing for a YJ.

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[landshark]

Thanks for the info Justin, I will be taking some measurements tomorrow and start ordering stuff up. With that being said - anyone have any extra DOM laying around? I think I will need no more than 40". Will have to call around to see if I can pick up a shorter length rather than the typical 8 or 10 feet..

[Justin]

What size?

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[landshark]

What size?

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OPPS! - pasted the wrong measurements in there.. lol

I want to run the same size as the rest of my steering, which should be 1.5" x .25" wall DOM

[Jesus_man]

I don't think you need more than 1.25", but I don't know what wall thickness. Roll cage is usually 1.75" x .120. I might go a might thicker on the track bar, but smaller OD.

I put a bushing at both ends mainly because that is what was there and fit into my overall plans.

[landshark]

I don't think you need more than 1.25", but I don't know what wall thickness. Roll cage is usually 1.75" x .120. I might go a might thicker on the track bar, but smaller OD.

I put a bushing at both ends mainly because that is what was there and fit into my overall plans.

I messed up - pasted the wrong measurements in -

I want to run the same size as the rest of my steering, which should be 1.5" x .25" wall DOM

I plan on running a Johnny joint on the frame side and either another Johnny joint if I can fit it, or a Heim joint on the axle side. Its going to be interesting trying to get the mount where I want it. Might require a change to the steering linkage as well

[Strike2]

Will have to call around to see if I can pick up a shorter length rather than the typical 8 or 10 feet..

Not sure where you get your metal, I really like K&K and they carry DOM and sell new by the foot and all surplus is by the lb., call ahead of time for stock. http://www.kksurplus.com/

[landshark]

Will have to call around to see if I can pick up a shorter length rather than the typical 8 or 10 feet..

Not sure where you get your metal, I really like K&K and they carry DOM and sell new by the foot and all surplus is by the lb., call ahead of time for stock. http://www.kksurplus.com/

Thanks, usually go to Hinton or one of the other Denver area metal places. I will give them a call as they are not too far from me.

[Jesus_man]

K&K is almost like a junkyard. You never know what you'll find!

[Justin]

Just looked and I'm out of that size. I think Hinton will do smaller pieces.

[cravenbronco]

I have a extra piece of DOM from when I built my roll cage.
Diameter of. OD = 1 1/2
ID = 1 1/4
.120 wall thickness
Length of = 7' 10"

[landshark]

Thanks guys. I just picked up a 5 ft stick and found my entire 1ton steering setup prior to going knuckle over so should have enough now! Just need to order the JJ And find one other bit to start in on it.

[Rox Crusher]

is anybody using these on their tie rod ends ?

If so, does it work as advertised (reduce the sloppy) ?

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/R1768.html

[landshark]

I am using it on the drag link down at the "Y" it helps reduce the roll of the TRE's when you steer from side to side. It doesn't eliminate it however, you have to fix the angle that the drag link and tie rod sit at so that the drag link doesn't push the tie rod over or roll.. if that makes sense. I had to remove the boot on the drag link to use it.It doesn't seal completely but I grease everything 3-4 times a year anyway.

[landshark]

By the way K&K surplus has a ton of selection, priced well and helpful. Found exactly what I needed and bought some plate and other stuff. Hinton is good too if your buying length/quantity.

And they are open on Saturday's until noon which was helpful this morning.

[landshark]

Got a bunch done even though I had to go out for a few things mid day. I will have to find a 8" 3/4 grade bolt for the frame heim as the 6" bolt is short. Other than that everything clears. Angle wise iam about 2.8 degrees off at ride height between the track bar and drag link. Don't want to drop the frame bracket so will see how it drives as is. If I need to I can change to a heim on the pitman arm and gain at least 2 degrees.

Anyway everything is tacked. Will weld and brace everything tomorrow and cut off the old riser.







Next iam going to build some heat shields for the shocks and measure for air bumps, might do what digger did as iam running out of room [emoji3]

[Kinder]

That is a interesting way to tie the axle end into the knuckle, I'd like to see your bracing when you are done. I'm having the same interference on BSD with the track bar riser and frame.

[landshark]

Have a little more welding to do but it should hold just fine. I have a bunch of photos from others who have done similar setups if your interested.

[Strike2]

The bracing you added looks good, I've never welded the C's did you have to preheat them?

[Kinder]

I have a bunch of photos from others who have done similar setups if your interested.

Yeah, I'm interested, also what is the material type & dimensions of the new attachment point / bolt sleeve that you are using?

[Jesus_man]

Looks good Chris. I hope it works well for you!

Do you have a Fastenal nearby for the bolts you need?

[landshark]

I will post up others photos and what I used to build it. Turned out great so far but still working on my list of to do's and haven't driven it. Hope to get it back on the road end of the week.

Ended up going to Fasental for the 8" 3/4 grade 8 bolt with nylon lock nut. Might drill a hole and use a castle nut later.

[landshark]

Realized I never posted photos of where i ended up. I think I might drop the track bar and re-enforce the mount to put it in plane with the drag link - have slight bumpsteer at speed , also noticed an increase in body roll and might consider a swar bar with quick disconnect..

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