FW Leaf Sprung Questions

[scootr2200]

Well, after long and seriuos though, I'm going to do a SAS on my '86 Ranger.

Origionally I had thoughts of a D44/9" on radius arms but then I started thinking that I might not be able to accomplish enough lift to clear 38"+ tires and still be able to be abused with a Cummins 4bt motor that I'd like to put in.

So now I'm thinking that a D60 with leafs is my best option to be able to withstand the torque and tire size that I would like to have.

Is there a leaf spring out there that I can use to achieve enough lift for 38+ tires and not droop when the diesel is put in (weighs a little more then a big block gasser) and not have to have hangers as long as my legs?

I assume that I cannot move in my spring perches, so my hangers will have to be spaced out. Could I just use a design that's used for hanger flips? And for the front, I realize a crossmember will have to be setup, does it have to hang low to keep the pinion angles correct? I would prefer not to have it kill approach angles and it be a unsightly eye sore. (I will also install a 3" body lift so that I can set the motor further back without as many clearance issues)

Another, how do I know how to setup the correct pinion angles and still keep steering angles right? Cut and turn?

Which rear axle is good to match with a D60 front? I though of a Sterling 10.5.. or a D60?

What steering box could I use and would a hydrualic steering (or hyraulic assist) be a best bet?

How wide is a ball joint style D60 (as I don't think I can find a kingpin style)? And how much wider is it then a FW D44 front?

I will be designing and welding my own brackets and crossmembers... I hope that I can get with my local college that has a wonderful egineering department equiped with lazer and waterjet cutting machines and have them cut the brackets.

Any help would be great and I appreciate any that I do get.

Mickey

 

[sn0border88]

despite all the frame reinforcement your going to need, it would make sense that a dodge frontend would be the best idea, as they are already meant to take the weight and torque. Nab a parts dodge with the 4bt and a 60 and swap everything over, not sure if they have leave up front but if they do, go and grab a set of those springs.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

....hmm F-250 complete axle swap....they are already SOA Leaf sprung....you dont have to worry about bolt patterns...and you would only have to wory about the with of the leaf perches....im not shure what side t-case drop they are tho.

 

[sn0border88]

he wants to run a cummins... from a dodge. fords run internationals.

t-case drop depends on what case is behind that 4bt.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

good call....then a dodge front end would make more sense...it seems to me they are coil sprung tho.

 

[scootr2200]

Well, the 4BT uses a Chevy NV4500 transmission and I don't know what type of cases can mount behind it. It's not the actually Cummins out of the full size Dodge but a 4 cylinder version that is used in bread and chip trucks.

Mickey