Ok guy, I'm about a week behind schedule since I've been working on Jayson's truck. However, I think that may have been for the better because I've been able to spend some time pre-designing. :) - A real plan, now it's getting scary - :D

So, here's what I've got.

Here is a shot of my brackets and y-link mounting system. I've moved the coil buckets back 1" from CL. I believe this will allow me much more flexibility with the panhard bar. Some measurements from last night, it looks like I should be able to make it at least as long as the drag link, maybe an inch or so longer. :)
We learned from Jayson's that's there's a major problem mounting the shock! So, I've designed my bracket for 15 degree inward tilt. This should help greatly in that area, and makes for a nice place to locate a bump stop (the top of the bracket will be right below the frame ;) ). I've allotted for +- 15 degrees of axle articulation. Based on what I'm getting on the rear that should be extra (I've seen about +-10 on the rear, I've had a couple cases lately where I needed limit straps). The Johnny joint mounts are also good for +-15 deg.

Some specs:
Springs - 175lb 2-1/2" ID x 12"
Lower control arms - 1-3/8" 1018 bar stock (bullet proof!) :)
Johnny joints at the frame mount. Spring eye bushings (actually sway bar bushings, 1-3/4" wide) for the axle mounts.
All plating and bracketry will be 1/4" min.
Top coil buckett moutns will be adjustably in height. current plan is to match my ride height, then raise 1" when I do some 'adjustments' on the rear. ;)

Here is what the axle travel should look like. Based on the limits of my 9010 shock. I really don't expect 8" of drop, that's unrealistic. I only plan for 3" up trave now (what I currently have with leafs), expecting to raise the ride height 1" in the near future for a total of 4" up travel. Probably max of 5" down from there... The springs should sink about 2-1/2" under weight with another 2-1/2 streatch from axle/tire weight and cross loading..

So, any comments suggestions.....

You are only running the "y" link on one side correct? On the left side?

Jason

Originally posted by superzuki
You are only running the "y" link on one side correct? On the left side?
Jason

Yes, one on the right (passenger) side only. Since I have the Dana 44 pig there, and it's a bch to get a strong weld on the nodular, I will be building a whole structure there with a structural weld to the tube. It also works nice since that structure will handle all the torque so it never goes past the housing. No torque load on the tubes (not that it really matters, they are 1/2" thick!). :)

If your spring length you're giving is the "free height" then its gonna be too short. (Factor in the# of coils and the wire diameter).

Yo OK,
Man, I think you really got it goin on. Your design looks straight forward, but what do I know anyway. (Stupid Newbies!) I am just looking forward to getting back to the states to work on my zook. As for my coil project, I am going to do it, no doubt about it, but I gotta wait till I get back from here. Man, you guys need to get down here, Argentina rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by NC ZUK GUY
Argentina rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Argentina, how long a drive is that.. ;)

Do they have rocks way down there... :D

Originally posted by DemoMike
If your spring length you're giving is the "free height" then its gonna be too short. (Factor in the# of coils and the wire diameter).

I'm using 5x13" in the rear and I can get up to 5" of compression (at coil bind). My bump stops are set about 4".

I got the fronts in last night (2 days, man SW Speed is quick :) ). The OD measured 3.4" for a wire dia of ~.400". Well to finish this thought I'd have to know how many coils there are and I did not take time last night to check. :p But at .4 each turn, I can get 4" compression from 3" standing, that mean I have room for 12.5 turns. That'll be real close...

Doing some reverse engineering, a .45" dia wire, 3.4" OD, 13 active coils = 173lb spring rate... (see link). I should be in the ball park..

http://www.proshocks.com/calcs/coilsprate.html

If I only get 3" of up tavel it won't hurt my feelings. I'm building a rock crawler, not a baha truck,,,, then again if you've ever seen me drive... ;)

[Man, you guys need to get down here, Argentina rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [/B][/QUOTE]

I am really close to Argentia, where are the rocks? Cordova?

Have you given any thought to using that radius arm setup on both sides, and "wristing" one arm, like the ford guys do?

Scott@rockstomper runs that setup on the mantis:
http://www.rockstomper.com/images/products/custom/shopjunk/hybrid/disk7/MVC-002S.JPG
He's really happy with that setup: When the wristed arm is pinned in place, the axle effectively becomes one huge sway bar. Unpinned, it acts just like what you've designed.

Just a thought.

PS - Gotta love 44" tires and no lift, eh?

Originally posted by Dr. Evil
Have you given any thought to using that radius arm setup on both sides, and "wristing" one arm, like the ford guys do?


That is the plan. One 'wristed' arm on the passengers side, single radius rod (Johnny joint at frame, bushing at axle) on the other.
We tested this on Jayson's. No need for the other wristed arm, he is real happy with it's performance off and on road. He said it's more stable on road than his SPOA ever was.

What you've CAD'ed up loks like the RE TJ setup that uses the belly ban to mount the radius arms...

Works fine for them, should work fine on yours.

r@m

Originally posted by okcrawler


Argentina, how long a drive is that.. ;)

Do they have rocks way down there... :D

Well, it is one heck of a drive, probably about 5500 miles straight line. I reccomend delta airlines in lieu of the drive. And yea, they got great rocks down here! (Jujuy and Cordoba) I have an older landrover discovery rental beast (never even seen this model in the states) and it can take a whoopin!!!! We call it the Battle wagon.

Art :usa: :beret: