front axle/suspension question (fixed!)

[fireguywtc]

This front end dosen't look quite right to me. I don't think this pinion angle is right so I need all the expert advice I can get. The other thing that alludes to a problem is both shocks are disconnected and come up short. I am not sure if they are the wrong shocks or what the deal is. I ordered some new shocks for this truck but I am not sure if they are going to fit. All help is appreciated and I can get more pics if you all need. tia

[averagef250]

The springs are shot and the shackles are a couple inches longer than they should be.

[fireguywtc]

looks like I get to buy some new springs!

[4x4freakfe427]

On factory high boys the front pinion is pointed down a little bit from the factory. But what some one did on your truck is gave it a shackle lift, which gives it like an inch or so of lift because it only lifts it from one side, this isn't going to hurt anything. I cant see why the shocks would not work, maybe there not the factory style?

[fireguywtc]

Not sure about the shocks exactly but they are about 3" too short and they won't pull out any further.

[4x4freakfe427]

hmm, thats quiet abit shorter than what I was thinking. It is to bad you orded new shocks. You mite have to go with some thing in a 4" lift shocks or try to find some that will work in the working area of what you are looking for.

[fireguywtc]

I will try the new shocks when I get them. This truck dosen't look to me like it sits more then stock height so I don't know why they would be short. If they don't work I will take them back and get what I need. Since I am looking to get new springs I want to see what I need spring wise to get the truck close to level, or maybe with a slight rake. Thanks guys!

[fireguywtc]

I ordered this kit today, I should get it in a week and will level out my truck! I looks like a decent deal. http://4wheelonline.com/Rancho_1967-197 ... 0092.91999

[averagef250]

On factory high boys the front pinion is pointed down a little bit from the factory. But what some one did on your truck is gave it a shackle lift, which gives it like an inch or so of lift because it only lifts it from one side, this isn't going to hurt anything. I cant see why the shocks would not work, maybe there not the factory style?

Actually it will wear U-joints very fast and the truck will be very difficult to steer. The pinion angle on a ford highboy is 5 degrees down. 5 degrees down compliments the angles of the engine, transmission and transfercase. The front kingpins have to have 4 degrees negative caster. More negative castor and steering will be difficult as the wheels will fight to stay centered more than they should.

I hate seeing stuff like that because it's clear whoever did it was practicing knowing just enough to be dangerous.

The stock shocks would reach that. The front end of that truck is sagged several inches from where it should sit.

[4x4freakfe427]

On factory high boys the front pinion is pointed down a little bit from the factory. But what some one did on your truck is gave it a shackle lift, which gives it like an inch or so of lift because it only lifts it from one side, this isn't going to hurt anything. I cant see why the shocks would not work, maybe there not the factory style?

Actually it will wear U-joints very fast and the truck will be very difficult to steer. The pinion angle on a ford highboy is 5 degrees down. 5 degrees down compliments the angles of the engine, transmission and transfercase. The front kingpins have to have 4 degrees negative caster. More negative castor and steering will be difficult as the wheels will fight to stay centered more than they should.

I hate seeing stuff like that because it's clear whoever did it was practicing knowing just enough to be dangerous.

The stock shocks would reach that. The front end of that truck is sagged several inches from where it should sit.

Thanks for the heads up. I do no about the caster angles, I was always told to have 4-7 degrees negative caster and it is better to have more negative than positive, I no about that and been there before on my scout 2.

[fireguywtc]

I ordered this kit today, I should get it in a week and will level out my truck! I looks like a decent deal. http://4wheelonline.com/Rancho_1967-197 ... 0092.91999

This place called me back after I ordered them and said they were discontinued. I have my suspicions that they accidently advertised the pair for that price and didn't want to sell them to me. They offered me a skyjacker kit for $660ish, comes with front springs, u bolts, and an add a leaf for the back. Or do you all think I should just go for the replacement system. Its a bit of 1k

If anyone has any other ideas or sources I would appreciate that too!

Heres the kit http://4wheelonline.com/Products.aspx?C ... ctId=71404

Heres the system http://4wheelonline.com/Products.aspx?C ... ctID=28524

[Wes]

fireguywtc, I used the Skyjacker 4" lift on our 67, got the whole kit from summit racing. I only used the springs none of the hardware was correct. It seemed the hardware kit is for dentsides. I used all my old hardware. here's link some of the picture links are broken. http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =9&t=15700 Make sure you ask if they have all the pieces in stock before you order. Talk to the gal here http://www.rockymountainsusp.com/. If I had to do it again I think I would try to find other springs to make work from donors. Maybe get yours re-arched. Just some info to consider.

[Wes]

I will find the hardware kit and take pic you can judge for yourself.

[fireguywtc]

Ok all I need your expert advice agian. The new springs should be here some time early next week. Obvioulsy I can't leave the shackles the way they are. I was thinking I could just drill new holes at the proper location and cut off any excess. Is that a feasible idea? Also I need to know how far down the springs should bolt to the shackles from the frame. I want to get it close to stock. Anyone have some pics of stock shackles? I couldn't find any in the gallery. Thanks!

[4x4freakfe427]

Need to find some one that has a stock high boy and measure from center to center on the bolts for the shackles.