it's probably not "bottoming out" but more like over extending. i would put a suspension limiting strap to prevent that, it will eventually make the strut fail
Good point! I forgot about that. Maybe the 250# springs are too much for the earlier model trucks. My truck only went up about an 1". But its newer/bigger and heavier than the older ones. I was wonder about this especially since slimbad posted the specs for the Mits springs are only160#'s and alot of members using these springs on older trucks are saying they are getting 2+ inches of lift out of them. It would be nice if someone with a early 90's model truck had their springs rated. I had to make about 2 dozen phone calls to find someone that had a spring rater. One could try to rate the springs themselves by using a bathroom scale and a hydraulic press to get a better idea of their rate. -Greg
Couldn't you just jack the truck up under the diff and see how much the suspension drops with the weight off of it?? I mean, it it's overextended just going over a two inch cement lip, that would mean it would pretty much be over extended just sitting there. I know Okie said he had to work to get the strut back into place. Just another thought...
True. One would think just bouncing the truck up and down you would be able to tell its happens on the rebound.
You guys are right. I was using the wrong wording "bottoming out". I meant overextended. I can no way bottom this thing out. Its just when the front wheel makes a short free fall off of a elevaited object. Wow that was a mouth full!!. Like backing out of the shop when it gets to the drop for the door it bangs. Could a person make an extension for the strut on top like we used to have on our shocks back it the day. Don't want to date myself too much. 69' Hemi
I checked around online and found limit straps as cheap as $15.00/ ea so if you decide to go that route it won't break the bank.
timetripper, would these straps limit the lower fork dropping? They should dampen the shock of overextension right? Where bouts you find em?
Links ho: http://www.oregonmotorsports2000.com/servlet/the-Suspension-cln-Limit-Straps/Categories http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Limit-Straps-p-1-c-747.html http://www.genright.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=SLSQXXX http://www.mooreparts.com/store/category/8/320/Limit-Straps--Latest-Rage/ http://www.mooreparts.com/store/category/8/283/Limit-Straps--Beard/ From reading some people swear by the brand below "Mastercraft" - better prices at http://www.racereadyproducts.com/limit-straps/ You need 1 - strap + 1 - adjuster clevis for each side and need to fab some mounts to something structuraly sound. I'm no expert, just good at finding s**t on the net
I have placed two "heavy" people in the cab and bounced the front end of the truck, trying to recreate the clunking sound, but have not been successful. I have not been able to reproduce the sound without the truck moving and even at that, there has been no rhyme or reason as to when the sound occurs. I'll have to do some more experimenting as time permits. Will 23" Carlisle tires clear the front fenders without a lift kit? If so, I might try removing the spacers to see what happens.
How about something like "coil spring controls", they are reversible and adjustable and can extend or shorten the coil springs. I am actually considering some of these to get about an inch or so lift on my front end......later, slim http://www.jegs.com/p/Mr.+Gasket/748852/10002/-1
i've used those in the past but they aren't the most reliable things. they have a tendancie to come loose. honestly the best way is with the limiting strap and the adjustable clevis. i've used those on cars that have as much as 24" of travel to keep them from ripping the shocks apart... they are the best bang for the buck and have just enough give to them that it's no like putting a solid stop anywhere and whill take some of the knock out of the suspension stops.
Milt, I agree with you that they are not the most reliable things. I'm just saying it would be an easy adjustable way to limit the spring from overextending the shocks. In the application that he would be using it - compressing the spring it is more reliable in that it encircles the coils and can't fall off. But yeah, in the way I would be using them to get the lift they are more prone to fall out during over extension as they are between the coils (but, it beats 2x4 wood blocks when I was young and experimenting). I was really suggesting it as a relatively cheap way to adjust and determine how much travel would be appropriate. To me, if you have to put a strap on it to limit the over extension, then the setup isn't right. Too much spring #, too much lift, shocks are too short, or a combination of all. Anyway might be some help in isolating the prob. Tab, If it's an over over extension prob vs bottoming out, putting two "heavy" people in it and bouncing it is "bass ackwards" to what you shud be trying to recreate in an "over extension" situation.......later,slim
Slim, I've used these b4. I don't think there is enough room between the strut body and inside of the spring for these. -Greg
not to get into a pissing contest with you, slim, but take a look at every high end sand car, race truck and all the truggies. they all run limiting straps. it's not because the set up isn't right it's to keep the un-sprung weight in check so it won't rip the suspension appart. you don't use them to compress the springs in the same way you are using those clamp things, they are just there to limit over-travel of the suspension. i've put them on everything from budget baja bugs all the way up to $100,000 pre runners (yes you read that right one hundred thousand dollar race cars)
Greg, You are prob right, I couldn't remember the exact size of the clamp things - it was just a suggestion. Milt, I was just trying to throw out a suggestion - as for as the "contest" WTF and why - just trying to help. Have a nice day....slim Besides - never seen a Grunt beat a Squid at that anyway (LOL).
i said i DON'T want to start a pissing constest.. sorry if you misunderstood, i was just reinforcing my point of what they are for, didn't want you to think i was trying to start an aguement, i thougt you misunderstood what the straps were for. cheers milt
Milt, No probs, just joking with you. My skin ain't that thin. As far as the straps - yeah I know what they are for to limit the travel. Sorta like the chain I have on my 73 dodge dart - keeps the 383 magnum from breaking the motor mounts from the engine torque (didn't need the chain with the 225 slant six). And as Greg pointed might not be enuff room anyway for my suggestion. Just thought if you "tamed" the spring down a little, might isolate the prob. All cool..........later, slim
Slim, I understand what you are saying. In my specific case, I had a couple people riding in the front of the truck and I was riding in the truck bed when we dipped off in a fairly minor depression in the ground and the clunk happened - so the suspension was in a compression mode when it clunked. I hopped out of the bed and tried to recreate the clunk by bouncing the suspension with the people in the cab, but I couldn't recreate the clunk. As I have said before, there seems to be no specific situation where I can get it to clunk every time - very random.
Well I just got home and I jacked up the front just enough to barely spin the front tire. I had a measurement of 25" from ground to fender top over tire. Now it is 25 3/4". Thats definitly not much travel. Even less when you consider the tire not compressed a little. I'm debating between new springs with a little less wt. or the straps.
if you only have 3/4" of travel the straps are going to give it a terrible ride, it sounds like you suspension is maxed out at the top. you really need to reconsider your choice of springs to get the most of your suspension.
Yea, Milt. I have a problem Houston control!! I think I will pull the springs and try to sell them and just go with the lift kit. I'm looking into some shock extensions that fit a bilsten shock. They are 12mm and 2" extension. I don't know yet what the struts are. This would give me 3" of extension travel overall if they will fit. Or I could set down and make a set.
you could always just cut one coil off each and see where that puts you. i think using a spring to get the suspension sitting comfortable in the middle of the strut travel will be much nicer than just putting in a "lift kit" and riding around on soggy old spring.... JMHO
Hijet front springs I have ordered in a 2" lift kit for my 93 Hijet. Then I'll finally be able to mount my 13" tires and wheels. I have bottomed out the front shocks a couple of times and this is not good. I have seen small air ride bags on the market and I think with the lift kit there may be room for these bags between the frame and the arm at the bottom of the strut. The bags can then be inflated at what ever pressure you would want, shouldn't be bouncy if not over inflated. I'll let you know how I make out.
I would like to thank you guys for the advice, I bought a set of springs from A-Cell? racing springs the 250 lb set, easy to install, although the passenger side required that I put the spring compressor back on to get the bolts in. I already had a two inch lift, and gained about another one and three quarter inches body lift, nice stance, no bottoming rides better than before.
