front springs

[1_bad_bowtie]

how well do chevy 52" or chevy 56" springs work under a scout 80? i have 2 sets of 56"s and figure theyd work good, but i thought i might have to extend the frame, because of the length, both in the front and the back. im gonna measure the eye to pin lengths, but i know they are not centered pins. anybody runnin 56"s under the front of a 80/800(i know somone is)? whos got pics of how they fabbed it up? thanks for all the help

[Binderman]

I think BLK scout 800 (username) has the 56" springs on his 800. And from the pics he has posted it seems to flex very well.

I have wondered about JY donor springs as my OEM ones are DONE!!

Anyone run F150 rear springs on there 80/800?

Maybe someone will post up with a little info and we will both know whats involved in the swap.

[1_bad_bowtie]

my biggest concern was on having to extend the frame, because of the length and offset center pin. i cant measure on a scout because i dont have one here(gettin one, but havnt gone to buy/pick it up yet).

[BLK Scout 800]

my biggest concern was on having to extend the frame, because of the length and offset center pin. i cant measure on a scout because i dont have one here(gettin one, but havnt gone to buy/pick it up yet).

With the 52'' leafs up front you wont have to extend the frame.The 56'' chevys will force you to extend the front 3-4 inches.

Now I have 62's in the rear and had to use the rear bumper (welded to the frame) for the hanger mounts.....



This is the old set up 52-56 Sorry :( but this is all I have for now.....
I will dig in the laptop for some close ups of the frame and see what the pin offset is on mine..
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208124&stc=1&d=1128050385
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208125&stc=1&d=1128050385

[MochaMike]

Jeep YJ springs are good options as well...

I think they are like 48".

I've got 1 trip 2" BDS's....

Lifetime guarantee can't be beat..

[BLK Scout 800]

My YJ's lasted a month or two before the main bent:( Maybe a RS will help tho......This was under the weight of the 304 with 38's:shaking:

[BLK Scout 800]

This is the front hanger at the end of the frame chevy 52''

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208373&stc=1&d=1128222705

This is the rear hanger at the end of the frame before the rear crossmember bumper thing :flipoff2: chevy 56''


http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=208374&stc=1&d=1128222705

[1_bad_bowtie]

man, that looks good. ill probly havta offset my hangers under the frame cause im runnin a dodge 60(32.5" center pin width). well see how she turns out. thanks for the pics

[BLK Scout 800]

:cool2: post up some pics as you go.....

[Twiztedmods]

Looks good thanks for the help, The shackles up front? what would happen if I put them in the back of the front spring? Will it throw off the pinion angle, and What year of Chevys had the 52" Springs?

[DJForrestA]

Use Blazer rear leafs. They have a nice arch and are 52. Rear dodge Van springs are 54. I used rear 3/4 tons in the back of my scout and rear blazer springs up front. Rides good even though my shackles are almost straight up and down.

[BLK Scout 800]

Looks good thanks for the help, The shackles up front? what would happen if I put them in the back of the front spring? Will it throw off the pinion angle, and What year of Chevys had the 52" Springs?

Not sure what years but most 70's 3/4 ton will have 52's and if you find the scottsdale (sp?) they had the 56'' I think they were camper special or something... The 62's I have came out of a 88-92 1/2 ton with the V8:grinpimp:

[4xFreak]

I think all 73-91 blazers used the 52s, not sure about the later years but I think they didnt change. The later model 1/2 ton suburbans used 56s, I dont know what year they switched over, I know 91 used them for sure. Most 1/2 ton pickups of the same era used the 52s, some 3/4 tons in the 70s. I know that 80s one tons used 56s, not sure on the 70s. I pulled a set of 56s off a 78 C20 crew cab, I dont know if all the crew cabs used those springs or if it was a special package. I think they were actually one ton springs. S10 pickups also use 52s, but they will probably be too light for the front of a heavy scout.

[Twiztedmods]

So do I modify the 52" Springs or just slap them under, Also what was your mounting measurments for the full size axles, for your spring hangers?

[BLK Scout 800]

Mine had an overload so I took it out, but other than that it is a 7 leaf pack I used under a 304 V8...Now the 56's that are under my tbi 350 I only run six out of eight... Also I kept the keeper but removed the bolt, but other than that just slap them in :D

[Twiztedmods]

Im running a 406 soon, Where does the 52's put the front axle, and Do I have to put the shackles in front?

[justscoutin]

52" should work good. i'd stay away from the s10 springs, we put some under the rear of a 86 4runner and had to add a leaf. they wouldn't even hold it up to stock height.

[BLK Scout 800]

Chevy 56'' in the front:smokin: Moved the axle 6 inches foward the bottom of the blue tape is the new cut line...just need some new tips for the plasma :grinpimp:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=209010&stc=1&d=1128569080
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=209011&stc=1&d=1128569080

[Twiztedmods]

56" are way up there! What about the 52"s do you have any side pictures, and why do you leave the shackle up front?

[BLK Scout 800]

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=209225&stc=1&d=1128656497
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=209226&stc=1&d=1128656497






Most of my old shots are saved on discs but here are the best two I have...I keep the shackle up front cuz I don't care for the ''fang'' look plus 99% of the Scout's life is trail duty not pavement....:p

The 56/62 combo look very nice under the 800's :grinpimp: let me know if you would like any more....glad to help.. Josh

[Twiztedmods]

Thats Sick! Thanks for all the help! I cant wait to get started! :D

[Why3zx]

if you are going to be doing any stree travel, live with the fang look and put the shackles in the rear, I just got finished with chevy 62" in rear and DODGE RAIDER (montero) main leafs with added leafs from a chevy pack in front, they are 52" and have a centerpin that is offset enough that that i was able to move the axel 4" forward and not go past the end of the frame, and so far they seem pretty tough, also seem quite plentiful in junkyards areound here. sorry no pics, some dick head stole my camera.

[Harvester of Sorrow]

if you are going to be doing any stree travel, live with the fang look and put the shackles in the rear, I just got finished with chevy 62" in rear and DODGE RAIDER (montero) main leafs with added leafs from a chevy pack in front, they are 52" and have a centerpin that is offset enough that that i was able to move the axel 4" forward and not go past the end of the frame, and so far they seem pretty tough, also seem quite plentiful in junkyards areound here. sorry no pics, some dick head stole my camera.

Another alternative is to go with shorter front spring mounts to reduce the fang and run a set of steel degree shims tack welded to the spring perches.

You will also want to look at where the spring lands in relation to the severe drop in the frame behind the axle center line. It does not lend itself to an easy shackle reversal...You either have to have 1. a severe spring angle (not parallel with the ground or 2. extend the front of the frame to try and tuck the spring.

The down fall with number 2. is that you will have to run a heavier arched (stiff) spring to get the same lift/clearance.

That is why my rig is set up the way it is...flatter springs, severe spring angle when compared with level ground, degree shims in the front for caster/pinion angle adjustment.

[Twiztedmods]

Ok.. My Scout will only be off-road only, so putting the shackles up front wont hurt my Performance? It wont get into a bind, The only real reason I wanted them in the rear was because I was told it was alot better? No real reason, Is there a reason, besides drives better on the road?

[scoutrallye]

I like the idea of the raider (montero) leafs. The offset is a good idea. You create approach angle problems having shackles or hangers that stick way out front. I have had Scouts with both forward shackle and shackle reversal... I think at the end of the day on a mostly trail rig I prefer the simplicity of forward shackles. Sure I bend springs everynow and then but oh well.

[thescoutmandan]

i have chevy 56 inch 6 inch bds lift springs front and stock 95 chevy 1 ton truck rear springs 64 inches long rear with the big thick bottom spring removed. I had to exstend the frame up front. I just added into the bumper. Can't hardly tell. here are my pics..

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2079494

[Twiztedmods]

I went out to the wrecking yard and scored a set of 52" springs for my 67 Scout! Freebie! Anyway I put them under my scout, and They dont seem to bad I think if I can move my pinion angle, and maybe find a way to move my axle ahead a couple inches, my Wheel base is now 97.5" Small!

[Creepy196]

man, that looks good. ill probly havta offset my hangers under the frame cause im runnin a dodge 60(32.5" center pin width). well see how she turns out. thanks for the pics

Stock Scout 80/800 spring spacing is 32" CTC. I'll bet you're thinking it's 31" (stock Scout II spacing). You will need new hangers (unless you use 1-7/8" springs) :D but won't have to offset for that 1/2" (remember that's only 1/4" per side).

[Bindernut]

Is there a reason, besides drives better on the road?

I wish I still had a picture of all the front leaf spring packs with bent/folded up main leaves from having forward shackle out on the rocks, but I don't. But anyway, that's why. It's simple, and it works fine most of the time, but it's a bit harder on springs, that's all. They're a consumable part on a rock rig anyway, right? :grinpimp:

[R290]

I like the idea of the raider (montero) leafs. The offset is a good idea.
Anybody know the offset off hand? I know the waggy springs have a nice 2" offset and good arch, and are a lot shorter 47-48 making placement easy.

[MochaMike]

YJ springs are like 45"-46" as well (w/o pin offset).

[Scout Dude]

Most of my old shots are saved on discs but here are the best two I have...I keep the shackle up front cuz I don't care for the ''fang'' look plus 99% of the Scout's life is trail duty not pavement....:p



I know y ou posted this several months ago..but boredom has forced me to reply now...:flipoff2:

I don't see how a shackle pointing down is any different visually from a "fang"...and the BS about better street driving with a s/r rig is not the reason to go s/r. It's to save the leaves from bending. I've seen way too many leaves buckle when the shacle gets caught up...but this rarely happens when you hit the solid "fang". Also, super-long springs are over rated. What's the point if you are using everybit of a 14" shock with a shorter spring? I used waggy 44044's on my Scout back when it was TALL. Someday, the new version will still use a 46" front spring but will be much lower.

http://beer.thisdysfunctional.org/kids/albun73/DSC00646.jpg

[tsm1mt]

Also, super-long springs are over rated. What's the point if you are using everybit of a 14" shock with a shorter spring?

I'm running SOA up front of my SII with stock SII springs.. I use most of the 14" shock stroke.. if I had any more front wheel travel I'd tear the front driveshaft out (see my "30-deg 1310" thread - and the engine lift isn't the biggest part of the problem, it's the relatively short front shaft).

If I could get more up-travel, I *might* need more shock, but thanks to the SOA setup I'm effectively limited on my up-travel by the spring pack and U-bolt plate and the frame.

I've been trying to decide what length coil-overs I need to get my hands on, and I'm not convinced I could use more than a 14" C/O anyhow.. again.. because of the driveshaft.. unless I move the engine back and/or the axle forward enough to make a difference..

[Darel]

Aren't Dakota/Durango rear springs offset a lot as well?

[Brandon]

I know y ou posted this several months ago..but boredom has forced me to reply now...:flipoff2:

I don't see how a shackle pointing down is any different visually from a "fang"...and the BS about better street driving with a s/r rig is not the reason to go s/r. It's to save the leaves from bending. I've seen way too many leaves buckle when the shacle gets caught up...but this rarely happens when you hit the solid "fang". Also, super-long springs are over rated. What's the point if you are using everybit of a 14" shock with a shorter spring? I used waggy 44044's on my Scout back when it was TALL. Someday, the new version will still use a 46" front spring but will be much lower.

http://beer.thisdysfunctional.org/kids/albun73/DSC00646.jpg


got a pic of it on flat ground to see how tall it is? Mine is coming out taller than I wanted but I don't really know what to compare it to.

[Scout Dude]

got a pic of it on flat ground to see how tall it is? Mine is coming out taller than I wanted but I don't really know what to compare it to.

The pic above is on 36's...the closest I have is my 37's on my Scout:

http://beer.thisdysfunctional.org/kids/albun73/DSC01231.jpg

[Brandon]

close to mine, but then I haven't really loaded it or anything. I don't know how I can lower it though, stock wagoneer springs and really pretty short shackles. Guess I could take out a leaf or something

http://rcrc4x4.com/gallery/albums/scout80axles_drivetrain/2006_mar6_073.jpg

[Scout Dude]

IIRC, when my Scout was on 38.5's, it was 29" at the bottom of the frame.:eek: