Just thinking about my buildup, and what do do in the suspension.

Is there any reason why a 1/4 eliptical would be a bad idea on the front axle?

I was thinking leaf springs, but I start running into problems needing the axle further forward, and with standard leaf springs that means a lot more frame hanging out front.

Any thoughts? Comments?

Well many of the Avalanche Snipers have 1/4 elliptic fronts. And we all know how well Snipers work. To be honest, you don't see it done a whole lot. The Snipers are really the only rigs that I've seen where it works really well.

I just see a problem mounting them without getting tons of lift, I mean the frotn fame rail need to be where ther at to mount the motor and transfer case so you can't have the bend up like the rear for clearance. I guess if you really wanted to but I would sell some more parts if I were you and get coilovers for the front... you know thats what you really want

The one major issue here is space. There are just too many space constraints to do this in the front. Just use coils or coil overs and be happy.

So can you get used coilovers? and if I did coilovers front, what then for the rear?

I have a friend who just went from super flezy coil rear/spring front to good old leaf springs - said he was tired of the hassle and troubles they gave him...

Originally posted by Pig Pen:
<STRONG>The one major issue here is space. There are just too many space constraints to do this in the front. Just use coils or coil overs and be happy.</STRONG>

Is it that tight up there? This would be ona Toyoya frame, w/ hacked up or no front fenders to worry about and using a full width 60 front.

Why could you not outboard the 1/4 eliptical springs to give yourself enough room, and not be too tall either?

I had been thinking I would just do normal meaves up front and 1/4 rear, but I am just considering other options...

I would think 1/4 elip in the rear and coil/coilovers in the front or just leaves. Do you really need all that front flex??

How bout Ford radius arms?

I guess if you outboard the fron springs 1/4 eliptical may work, I would just look for clearance with the cab and the tires at full lock turning. if you think it will work try it. I would just go coiils though

I imagine that you can buy used coilovers somewhere you just got to look.

Go with the coil-overs at both ends and never look back.
When both ends are balanced with good shocks and the springs are dialed in, you can bonzi stuff that you used to crawl over, and it rides like a caddy while doing it. : )

Originally posted by DRM:
<STRONG>

and with standard leaf springs that means a lot more frame hanging out front.

</STRONG>

And that's a problem how? Wouldn't the weight of the vehicle be better centered that way anyway?


TEX

Originally posted by TEX:
<STRONG>And that's a problem how? Wouldn't the weight of the vehicle be better centered that way anyway?


TEX</STRONG>

cause it would hurt his approach angle.

Go coilovers david! I want some now too, they are killer! they worked real good on brads rig.....
<IMG width=481 height=400 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/1brafrontend.jpg">

I think Airbag aka Central Coast Motorsports use a 1/4 set up in the front, His works really well also.

<IMG SRC="smilies/eek.gif" border="0"> thats a badass rig!

I think 2 Radius arms and a Panhard bar with coils/coilovers offers the best in packaging as well as ease in setup.

mike ladd at bent and twisted off road just got done doing a 1/4 eliptic rear with ford radius arms and a panhard bar. It came out sic and the arms allow for controlled flex not just rediculous droop. I think it would work great up front too.

Originally posted by Blackjack:
<STRONG>I think 2 Radius arms and a Panhard bar with coils/coilovers offers the best in packaging as well as ease in setup.</STRONG>

And Cheap! Definately has one the of the best cost:flex ratios.

Originally posted by militaryota:
<STRONG>cause it would hurt his approach angle.

</STRONG>

Not compared to what he has now though. Well, it would if he used really, really long springs. But, if he just shoved the cab & everything else BACK using stock length springs, the approach angle wouldn't be any worse than it is stock.

BTW Dave, I do like the stretched Toy look <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

http://mmor.com/tmc01jfc3.JPG


TEX

Some strange ideas here, will be interesting to see work.
http://www.rockstomper.com/images/products/custom/shopjunk/hybrid

http://www.rockstomper.com/images/products/custom/shopjunk/hybrid/disc2/MVC-007S.JPG

I Lean - I like the look of Scott's - but am not that keep on coil springs.

So anyone think 1/4 eliptical front & rear is a bad idea?

Originally posted by TEX:
<STRONG>Not compared to what he has now though. Well, it would if he used really, really long springs.


TEX</STRONG>

what does he have now? I thought we were discussing a project that hasnt even begun. I think really long springs would be in order to get the axle far enough forward for what hes after. Sooooo, intead of moving the entire body back (PITA), I'd give the 1/4 a shot up front or coils if that doesnt work..

Originally posted by militaryota:
<STRONG>what does he have now? I thought we were discussing a project that hasnt even begun. I think really long springs would be in order to get the axle far enough forward for what hes after. Sooooo, intead of moving the entire body back (PITA), I'd give the 1/4 a shot up front or coils if that doesnt work..</STRONG>

Well, he's starting with stock springs I assume & he did mention that he'd be using stock length springs if he used traditional leaves. So, that's why said no ground clearance problems with the stretch - if that were the way he went.

TEX

I have two ways to go right now - either the 60's will go under my current 90 truck and I will be moving the front axle forward and rear axle back each about 5" - so that would mean scapping the current leaf spring setup and reworking all of that.

Or...

I will be building off a 94 Xtracab frame and cab (no front clip or bed) and starting from scratch on the suspension.

I have just always been leary of coils, and getting them to work right, it just seems that from having built numerous leaf springs I would be more comfortable making 1/4 eliptical work both front & rear.

Just gotta figure out a good link setup either way though, then the method of actual "suspension" can be changed if needed <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by DRM:
<STRONG>I have two ways to go right now - either the 60's will go under my current 90 truck and I will be moving the front axle forward and rear axle back each about 5" - so that would mean scapping the current leaf spring setup and reworking all of that.

Or...

I will be building off a 94 Xtracab frame and cab (no front clip or bed) and starting from scratch on the suspension.

I have just always been leary of coils, and getting them to work right, it just seems that from having built numerous leaf springs I would be more comfortable making 1/4 eliptical work both front & rear.

Just gotta figure out a good link setup either way though, then the method of actual "suspension" can be changed if needed <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

That's a darn tough choice!! Hurry up and get the 60s in and wheel or build a beast from scratch with all the goods. Which way are you leaning??

Originally posted by Convertiyota:
<STRONG>That's a darn tough choice!! Hurry up and get the 60s in and wheel or build a beast from scratch with all the goods. Which way are you leaning??</STRONG>

Neither would be easy - if I re-build my 90 truck, it meanstighter fit for the 4.3L to fit under the stock sheet metal.

Building the Xtracab means starting from scratch...

If I build my current truck, the first thing will be to cut the back out of the cab, and build a tube body that bolts to the stock cab to allow seating for 2 more people in the back. once that is done, I would swap in the 60's and the engine/tranny.

I am leaning towards changing the current truck simply because I have a LOT of Toyota stuff I could sell to recoup the costs.

If I build the Xtracab, that leaves me with 2 trail rigs though - since I can't seem to sell my 90 truck <IMG SRC="smilies/frown.gif" border="0">

Oh, the many decisions involved <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">

But the shop shoudl be done in a few weeks, and I will FINALLY have a place to get started on... something <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by DRM:
<STRONG>But the shop shoudl be done in a few weeks, and I will FINALLY have a place to get started on... something <IMG SRC="smilies/glasses.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

Cool! And I'll have a place to sleep <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by brector:
<STRONG>Cool! And I'll have a place to sleep <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"></STRONG>

you planning to come visit? We may even let you sleep in the house.. maybe <IMG SRC="smilies/tongue.gif" border="0">