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I don't think there are any. I looked for a while before I made my own. However, I don't think anything readily available would have worked for me because mine also needed to be offset to fit the '61 frame.
I don't think there are any. I looked for a while before I made my own. However, I don't think anything readily available would have worked for me because mine also needed to be offset to fit the '61 frame.
Nice work Charlie! Why did you have to move the shocks? Are those Caltracs on your suspension?
I have a '68 axle. The shock mounts are about 4" narrower on the '61-'64 frame and axle than the '65- I think '72 axle housing. The shocks will hit the frame if you do not move them inboard at the axle. I lowered the mounting point because I have lowered the rear and wanted to get the shocks at a better angle, more like stock.
I have a '68 axle. The shock mounts are about 4" narrower on the '61-'64 frame and axle than the '65- I think '72 axle housing. The shocks will hit the frame if you do not move them inboard at the axle. I lowered the mounting point because I have lowered the rear and wanted to get the shocks at a better angle, more like stock.
Yep, those are Caltracs.
Gotcha. How do you like the Caltracs? Are you running their monoleafs?
I like them. So far I've only used them in the "safest" position which is the most parallel to the ground. In that position and with wider street tires, and an open diff, the traction is still insignificant. They did eliminate the wheel hop which is great and surprisingly, I thought the truck rode smoother after installing them which is also good. I've seen them in action on cars and trucks that friends have and they should serve me real well once I get everything else up to par.
I'm running what I believe to be the original springs but re-arched for a 2.5" drop from where it was.
I like them. So far I've only used them in the "safest" position which is the most parallel to the ground. In that position and with wider street tires, and an open diff, the traction is still insignificant. They did eliminate the wheel hop which is great and surprisingly, I thought the truck rode smoother after installing them which is also good. I've seen them in action on cars and trucks that friends have and they should serve me real well once I get everything else up to par.
I'm running what I believe to be the original springs but re-arched for a 2.5" drop from where it was.
I was curious if they helped with traction or not. I guess I need to throw some cement in the bed. I'm currently looking for a 15" tire that actually offers traction and street manners. It seems that 15" performance tires are a dying breed.
They definitely do help with traction. One friend had a '60 f100, turbo 292, about 450hp to the ground. I think he had his in the other position It left reasonably well for street tires and he ran 14s while having to let up because of fuel problems.
Some other friends have them in cars that run 12s and 13s.
Also factor in that it doesn't have any negative affect on ride quality, not in my case, anyway.
I've been a wimp about trying the other position. I've only raced it twice since installing them and one of those times was about 600 miles away and it still needed to get me home so I wasn't trying anything there. The nearest track to home is about 50 miles which isn't bad but it's still not a pretty towing bill.
The problem with cement or any kind of extra weight is it does not help with wheel hop and that is also important.
I was just joking about the cement. Lol!
I'm curious if going spring under would be more effective than Caltracs. Going spring under promotes added traction and less spring wrap.
I don't think spring under by itself will make much difference. Many cars are that way and definitely benefit from a traction device of some sort. Plus they would lower the truck quite a bit, unless you had custom springs made. But that's not necessarily bad, depending on your goals.