Guys:
Is there a formula or best way to determine limiting strap length for a specific suspension combo? Or is it simply a matter of jacking up one corner to determine maximum travel and then backing off some? Florida is fairly flat, so the most articulation I see is in nasty mud with deep ruts. Finally, is there a source for custom length straps, or do ya'll fab your own? Any insight would be appreciated.

All the Best,
Ernie

 

What kind of suspension are we talking about here Ernie?

 

Sorry about not being too specific. I've got a 1980 F250 in which I switched the front out to a kingpin D60, and added 8 inches of spring lift. The balance of the front is standard stuff, no links,etc. I will switch to x-over steering soon, but I don't think that will change the trucks articulation ability (I could be wrong, it's happened before). Same deal in the rear - however, I was looking around at some of the shackle flips done by you guys, and I think that's going to happen sometime in the near future as well. So, all in all, my truck is reasonably stock in its ability to move, except for the lift. Does this make sense?


Thanks in advance,
Ernie

 

About all you can do is jack up a corner of the truck until you hit full extension and then back it off about 1/2"-1". As for custom length, i've always been a fan of 5/16 aircraft cable. 4 cable clamps and a couple bolts and you're set. no need to worry about custom straps or clanking chains.

Justin

 

They do make custom length straps, usually in 4" increments, and are superior to wire. That being said, the only time I have seen them is on tandem semi-tractors. I like coated 1/4" Home Depot cable (remove the plastic at the clamp ends).

To measure, I just would lift the vehicle, deduct 2" like stated previously. What I watch for is the length of my brake hoses, especially the front. Make sure you wrap around the axle avoiding the brake lines and make sure when putting the vehicle down that the cable can not be caught between the spring leaves.

 

I've got to tell you there should be no reason you'll need limiting straps with a leaf spring suspension like you have. I like to overbuild but I wouldn't even bother with limiting straps. The only way you'd need them is if you have LONG shackles or something similar that is allowing for a really extreme suspension travel or if you're catching insane air on a regular basis. I talked to a MT guy who recommended them for me but that was due to shock length. This problem can easily be fixed by buying shocks that still have a couple inches of travel even if your front axle is hanging from the frame. The other point of concern is the driveshaft slip joint. Make sure you don't have suspension travel to the point that you're maxing out this joint. Other than that a leaf spring won't allow your axles to fall far enough to worry about it. If you were running a linked suspension it would be a different matter all together.

 

But limiting straps are XTREME YO!

Fine, fine, yea, Ivan said it and he's right, you don't need 'em on a leaf sprung buggy.

I do need to chain my motor down though...

 

Hell, using stock ford mounts I have to chain my 300. . .

Justin

 

what stock anything on a truck you should be banned, and punished severly for even considering such a thing, I think you should be running solid motor mounts, or a motor plate. shame on you<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNxdm824BCUS' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/10/10_1_123.gif' alt='Cannonball' border=0></a>

 

Thanks, guys - that's great. One less thing to worry about.



All the Best,
Ernie

 

Wait a minute . . . did we just save someone some money and work in this forum? Ohhhhh noooooo! What's happening???

 

Looks like it - and I appreciate it too. Lately I've been pouring money into my rig like there's no tomorrow. Funny how I can logically justify all those dollars to myself, but not the wife. She says my truck is a hole in the yard we throw money into. She's right, of course, but it sure is nice to go farther and dig deeper before getting stuck or breaking something.

Ernie

 

It's times like this I like to remind that special someone that it's either this or heroine. Then she reminds me that heroine is much cheaper and probably less annoying to the neighbors.

 

I love it.

Justin