The Black Hole

[IZwack]

I have been researching parts to get, and whatnot, but still don't have it all figured out yet. My biggest issues I have (figuring out) is all the dimensions and placements (hates math) of all the steering components.

Due to Alzheimer's, I can't remember if you're running leaves or not but if you are: because the leaves extend to the font of the axle, the steering components is critical in a leaf spring configuration. It is still important in any axle set up in terms of handling characteristics but with leaves, you have the possibility of interference between the leaves and the steering components. Without "cutting and turning" the inner knuckles, the pinion, drag link, tie rod and pinion angle are already set so you have to juggle these factors when setting the whole thing up. After the steering is done, the suspension itself is the easy part since you can freely design you brackets and cross members to accommodate the axle placement and suspension parts (leaves).

 

[gmanpaint]

Nope, going with the James Duff 5.5" EB coils, JD uppers buckets, JD (HD) lower retainers.

Using the Stock F-150 Radius arms I already have. Just not sure if I want to convert to Heim joints or not yet.

My "math" issues are the pinion angle, RA mounting location, steering bar, and the placement of the track bar mount.

Track bar mount concerns are how far forward or back, and how high or low should it
be.

Steering bar I am assuming that it is just the length between the TRE joints. Not sure if it is better to thread the .250" DOM or to slip & weld the TRE connector dealio.

RA mounting location is a concern for me as well as a new trans cross member. The 95 has 2 welded mounts to the frame rail, and I also assume they will have to be removed for the RA mounts. Exactly where the mounts are going, I haven't a clue yet.

Pinion angle..I havent even read on this subject yet. I am assuming (again,,lol) that the C wedges & bushings dictate the angle. I am not sure which degree to use, but am considering using the ones JD offers for the F-150 RA's.

New front cross member.....another thing I haven't read up yet on.

I'm a newb to the SAS, and haven't helped or witnessed one done yet, so it's all greek to me still, but I will learn, I guarantee that much.

 

[Turdle]

The wedge bushings set caster angle, pinion angle will be what it is.

 

[gmanpaint]

The wedge bushings set caster angle, pinion angle will be what it is.

I will be welding the wedges on this axle, so I can set the angle. Right?

 

[Turdle]

I will be welding the wedges on this axle, so I can set the angle. Right?

ah
carry on then

 

[cybergasm]

Pinion angle..I havent even read on this subject yet. I am assuming (again,,lol) that the C wedges & bushings dictate the angle. I am not sure which degree to use, but am considering using the ones JD offers for the F-150 RA's.

FWIW
Seems from the Threads I have read over the years on here. Most guys start out going for 3-4 Degrees and then end wishing they had gone for the 7 degree bushings

 

[gmanpaint]

Thanks Dave. I will be reading the SAS threads in detail even more so now to get meself edumacated a tad more.

 

[Turdle]

If you want optimal caster and pinion angle, the outer c thingy's might need to be knocked off and re welded also, since when you change the caster via the bushings, you also change the pinion angle.

 

[gmanpaint]

Optimum angles sounds damn sexy! Bartender, pour me a couple shots of optimum please!

Future reference links placement for me and anyone else who might be tagging along on this crazy ride called the Black Hole.

http://www.longfieldsuperaxles.com/products.php?product=New-Dana-60-&-44-&-30-Spindle-Bushings

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/88SS-31.html

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=15X25DOM

http://www.jamesduff.com/eb/suspension_components.html

http://www.broncoii4x4.com/wristed-arm/wristed-arm.php

http://wilwood.com/TechTip/TechFaqs.aspx

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=855647

http://artecindustries.3dcartstores.com/Dana-44-High-Steer-Arms--Pair_p_220.html

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=999929

http://www.bluetorchfab.com/Product/998/BTF-Dana-44-High-Steer-Arm-Mounting-Kit.aspx

http://artecindustries.3dcartstores.com/D44-Knuckle-Bolt-Kit_p_223.html

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/D44COV.html

 

[gmanpaint]

Alright guys, I can use a little help here. For some reason, I can't find out what the exact size & pitch the connectors are on the front & back brake hard lines at the master & abs pump. Fronts appear to be 3/16"-24, and rears appear to be 1/4"-24, but I'm not 100% on this.

I can get a union "T" fitting for the front lines easy enough locally, but have to order a prop valve online for the rear.

Anybody have this info handy, I could sure use it....thanks in advance

 

[crazyflights]

You can weld the wedges back on to set any pinion angle you want, u also can adjust for whatever degree bushings you have, but, i would just move them in, and not change the angle they are set at. Run 7 degree bushings, otherwise, you can run whatever busings, just have to set it to the right caster angle before welding. So you will need lighlty clamped down, then tack, remove and final weld. Now i'm unsure what a good caster angle is , for good handling. Alignment shop could prolly advise, i would just set based on what is recommended range for 77 F-150

 

[crazyflights]

I would also have coil towers mounted, so you can hang coils down and when you move the lower wedges in you can put them where the coils line up straight and down the best, so no bowed inward or outward.

once you have everything ready, I might see if can come help you some weekend and do some wheeling while i'm up there. Just not real soon, not ready!!! LOL

 

[gmanpaint]

Thanks Brad, I'm honored a master SAS builder like yourself has chimed in with some sage advice.

Wont be anytime soon for the actual install, as I have lots of parts to order still. I will be re-gearing the D44 first, then a couple things added to it. One step at a time here for me.

Would be cool to have a build party for this, as I can use the help of more experienced minds to get it right..

 

[gmanpaint]

Happy Thanksgiving to all that is subscribed to this thread!

I am very thankful for the support, the friendship, and the knowledge that this forum has given me. Thanks to the Black Hole for bringing me to be part of this extended family of ours.

Eat up everybody, and make sure you have room for all the deserts!

 

[ghosttrain2]

Same to you Greg!

 

[GRNMACHINE]

Same to you Greg!

A Late X2!!

Hope you had a good one!!

 

[lynchy wa]

X3 and X2

 

[gmanpaint]

Changed my mind on the gearing of this set up. Going a little deeper for the 35's. 4.88's are the gear of choice now. This will set me back a bit as I was just going to regear the front to match the rear at 4.56. So now I need to save for the parts and the set up of each axle. I'm still looking for a deal on the full width disc 8.8.

Pugly (DD) needs some love before this rig gets SAS. Both axles on it are being swapped over to go deeper gears as well.

 

[Gabe96Explorer]

Hows the truck drive on road with the larger gears? Feel more power on the pavement?

 

[FROADER]

You're going tone glad you chose the 4.88s.