Leaf Spring Width
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Texas....by way of Hell.
Im guessing your concern is regarding Add a Leafs or block and their usual 2.5 width, vs. spring width of 3in?
If so, dont worry about it. At least that is what I was told when I had the same concern. I have ran 2.5 blocks, and/or leaves with 3in ever since with not the remotest of issues...
Hope this helps!
If so, dont worry about it. At least that is what I was told when I had the same concern. I have ran 2.5 blocks, and/or leaves with 3in ever since with not the remotest of issues...
Hope this helps!
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
The reason I was asking is. I'm converting my coil sprung truck over to leaf spring in the front. I'm using front springs and a dana44 from a 1976 F250 hi-boy, and we've already made the front spring hangers and rear shackle mounts. But I might have a chance to pickup a dana 60HP from a 79 F350, but wasn't sure if there was a difference in spring width etc. Or if we would have to start over on the mounts.
Anything else I should look out for?
and thanks for the answer to my first question.
Anything else I should look out for?
and thanks for the answer to my first question.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
Should you decide to get rid of the coils (dont know why, D60F's and coil springs are cool), and go with leafs, then you simply have to watch the caster angles. You will also want to watch for the shackle angle and the length of the shackle. If you use early style shackles these are short and offer little flex. Longer shackles will offer a much better ride and will permit the spring to flex much better.
The front axle from the 76 is a low pinion D44 and while it has disc brakes is still a low pinion axle and is not all that high on the strength chart.
The D60F from the 79 has the spring perches located in the correct spot for a leaf spring conversion, though I am partial to leaving the coils in there. They ride so much better and welding some wedges on the axle is soooooo easy to do. Takes all of the guess work out and the results are fantastic.
Super clean, and you can even use the same style steering as the original design. This means that inverted "T" is a bolt in deal, though a true crossover is still a bolt on option.
Mounting a trac bar is simple and is about the only fabrication that reall has to be done.
Speaking of steering, what are your plans for this?
The front axle from the 76 is a low pinion D44 and while it has disc brakes is still a low pinion axle and is not all that high on the strength chart.
The D60F from the 79 has the spring perches located in the correct spot for a leaf spring conversion, though I am partial to leaving the coils in there. They ride so much better and welding some wedges on the axle is soooooo easy to do. Takes all of the guess work out and the results are fantastic.
Super clean, and you can even use the same style steering as the original design. This means that inverted "T" is a bolt in deal, though a true crossover is still a bolt on option.
Mounting a trac bar is simple and is about the only fabrication that reall has to be done.
Speaking of steering, what are your plans for this?
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
The plan with the dana 44 was to do a high steer setup with hiem joints, and use a steering box from a 78/79 F150/Bronco. It's gonna have to be mounted differently then where the stock manual box is now.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
That design would look like this:
73 F100 with D60F. Late model power steering 3 bolt box 78/9 F150/Bronco style.
1.25" chro mo heim joints and chro mo tube for the links.
I too used leafs for this, and sort of regret it. Thinking of going back to coils. Coilovers actually.
73 F100 with D60F. Late model power steering 3 bolt box 78/9 F150/Bronco style.
1.25" chro mo heim joints and chro mo tube for the links.
I too used leafs for this, and sort of regret it. Thinking of going back to coils. Coilovers actually.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
Ya, that looks nice!
I could see changing to a coil over setup, but I never liked the stock Ford coil spring setup. I used to have a 78 Bronco, and I always wished for the simple rock solid leaf spring suspension. Too many bushings for me with the coils.
Thanks for the info.
I could see changing to a coil over setup, but I never liked the stock Ford coil spring setup. I used to have a 78 Bronco, and I always wished for the simple rock solid leaf spring suspension. Too many bushings for me with the coils.
Thanks for the info.
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