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Metalworking (rec.crafts.metalworking) Discuss various aspects of working with metal, such as machining, welding, metal joining, screwing, casting, hardening/tempering, blacksmithing/forging, spinning and hammer work, sheet metal work. |
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#1
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the
rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers, from very expensive airbags to simple shackles. All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into their rear windows as well. My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff (Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200) So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce suspension package.. Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each leaf bundle? In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Blink blink..... I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner |
#2
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Sparecarrier
Gunner Asch wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers, from very expensive airbags to simple shackles. All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into their rear windows as well. My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff (Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200) So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce suspension package.. Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each leaf bundle? In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Just keep the input shaft to the drive shaft and the input shaft to the rear end parallel to one another. If you don't you will learn the difference between a U joint and a CV (constant velocity) joint. When the joint has to move or flex for an angled shaft the velocity increases and decreases as it rotates. If the shaft at the other end is parallel to the input shaft, the other U joint accelerates and decelerates inversely to the first one and you get constant velocity at the input to the rear end. If not.... well you can figure it out. I knew a guy who went through three rear ends on a jacked up truck because he had the rear end shaft angled up straight into the driveshaft and slanted down coming out of the transmission. John Blink blink..... I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner |
#3
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Sparecarrier
Gunner Asch wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers, from very expensive airbags to simple shackles. All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into their rear windows as well. My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff (Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200) So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce suspension package.. Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each leaf bundle? In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Blink blink..... I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner Go to a good leaf spring supplier and get a new set of springs or see what they recommend. You may even have a cracked leaf or two. If you are going to tow anything you will need a heavier springs or you may get the feds after you for shining your headlights at aircraft. John |
#4
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Sparecarrier
Gunner Asch wrote:
My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers, from very expensive airbags to simple shackles. All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into their rear windows as well. My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff (Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200) So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce suspension package.. Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each leaf bundle? In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Blink blink..... I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner See if you can find a spring shop in your vicinity and have the springs re-arched. That should bring it up a bit. Leaf springs, as I'm sure you know, tend to sag a bit with use and a good shop can bring them back to almost good as new. Did that with my Pinto race car and what a difference it made in handling. Also, weigh out the load you are carrying, it may be heavier than you think. Spring boosters, also known as load levellers are available at most auto parts stores. Good luck. Jim Chandler Apple Valley, cA |
#5
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:46:05 -0400, john
wrote: In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Just keep the input shaft to the drive shaft and the input shaft to the rear end parallel to one another. If you don't you will learn the difference between a U joint and a CV (constant velocity) joint. When the joint has to move or flex for an angled shaft the velocity increases and decreases as it rotates. If the shaft at the other end is parallel to the input shaft, the other U joint accelerates and decelerates inversely to the first one and you get constant velocity at the input to the rear end. If not.... well you can figure it out. I knew a guy who went through three rear ends on a jacked up truck because he had the rear end shaft angled up straight into the driveshaft and slanted down coming out of the transmission. John Could you clarify that a bit for the less informed? This truck has two drive lines, with a carrier baaring midway. If I raise the truck..I have to turn the axle a bit? Gunner |
#6
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:52:31 GMT, Jim Chandler wrote:
Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner See if you can find a spring shop in your vicinity and have the springs re-arched. That should bring it up a bit. Leaf springs, as I'm sure you know, tend to sag a bit with use and a good shop can bring them back to almost good as new. Did that with my Pinto race car and what a difference it made in handling. Also, weigh out the load you are carrying, it may be heavier than you think. Spring boosters, also known as load levellers are available at most auto parts stores. Good luck. Jim Chandler Apple Valley, cA Thanks Jim. To the best of my knowlege.this truck has spent the last 100,000 miles with nothing heavier in it than a cross bed pickup bed tool box behind the cab. I originally thought the miss matched tires were the culprit..but now that Ive a matching set all the way around..it still sits ass down, even empty. Gunner who has already put 8,000 miles on her. |
#7
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:04:37 -0700, with neither quill nor qualm,
Gunner Asch quickly quoth: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers, from very expensive airbags to simple shackles. All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into their rear windows as well. My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff (Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200) In that case, now that you're loaded, have the frackin' headlights adjusted. Borrow the adjusters from a friend in a body shop and do it yourself in ten minutes. So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Air shocks ($61 J.C. Whitney), bolt-on overload leafs ($54 JCW), or shackles (free DIY). Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce suspension package.. Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each leaf bundle? In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Simple. Lick the labia valves to keep them moist. Blink blink..... If you're going back up to standard height after adding weight, the differential angle should not have changed. Besides, all that a couple degrees of out-of-alignment does is wear out u-joints a bit more quickly. I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The type which uses both sides of the hinges, a full gate style, is the best I've seen. A friend (bodyman/coworker) with a 4WD van who made trips to Baja Mexico all the time used to have one and he said it was the best type for the heavy vibration of offroad use. The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! Swap to a standard sized van tire/rim for the spare. Drop off the bad tire at a tire place and go back to work. Replace it when you pick up the replaced/repaired tire. Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... He accused you of having a hod on? Imagine! titter -- EXPLETIVE: A balm, usually applied verbally in hindsight, which somehow eases those pains and indignities following our every deficiency in foresight. |
#8
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Gunner Asch wrote:
My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers, from very expensive airbags to simple shackles. All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into their rear windows as well. My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff (Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200) So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce suspension package.. Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each leaf bundle? In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Blink blink..... I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner Can't help you on lifting the rear, though I expect a truck spring and brake place could fix you un in an hour or two. For the spare tire, fab a front bumper mount for it. Counter the weight in the rear with some weight in the front, and it will be easier to chase when the mount breaks evil grin TIG it good. |
#9
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:04:37 -0700, Gunner Asch
wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ snip Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner ======== click on http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/P...009232/c-10614 set down and click on... http://www.autoanything.com/suspensi...0A2181217.aspx http://www.truckspring.com/VSearchRe...&pt=179&fv=584 http://www.truckspring.com/VSearchRe...&pt=189&fv=584 http://www.f150online.com/forums/arc...p/t-44040.html Unka' George [George McDuffee] ============ Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. president. Letter, 17 March 1814. |
#10
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Consider overload springs - cheap, effective, easy to install
-- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#11
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
"Gunner Asch" wrote in message ... My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. I had a broken leaf on my box truck, and had the springs re-arched and a leaf added. Also had to have the eye bushings pressed in. It was kind of expensive, even with me taking them off the truck and bringing it to the shop. For a Ranger I would check Rockauto.com and see what it would cost to buy new. |
#13
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
"Gunner Asch" wrote in message ... My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. snip Why would any angles be bad if the truck was level again? Your springs are sagged...probably as much as your old but. The good news is that you can new springs, even heavier springs for the truck. Your but will continue to sag, you can't get parts. |
#14
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
"Gunner Asch" wrote in message
.. . My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Oh, I forgot you said "cheap". Just jack up the rear of the truck until you feel that it looks level. Now cut the bells off and weld the shock rods to the shock body. DONE! -- EXPLETIVE: A balm, usually applied verbally in hindsight, which somehow eases those pains and indignities following our every deficiency in foresight. |
#15
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:40:26 GMT, "Pete C."
wrote: Gunner Asch wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. Ive asked a few folks, and they have given me a multitude of answers, from very expensive airbags to simple shackles. All I want to do is make the damned thing sit level. Im sure drivers ahead of me will be much happier without my headlights pointing into their rear windows as well. My load is pretty much constant. The van is getting the heavy stuff (Installed a full 4 unit Adrian Steel rack set last week., new $200) So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Im not looking for a heavy duty rockclimbing off-road beat and bounce suspension package.. Im assuming that the first thing I do is put a helper spring? in each leaf bundle? In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Blink blink..... I know this isnt rocket science...just not something Ive had to do since 1974 when I wanted to put big rear tires on a Dodge Duster. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner Can't help you on lifting the rear, though I expect a truck spring and brake place could fix you un in an hour or two. For the spare tire, fab a front bumper mount for it. Counter the weight in the rear with some weight in the front, and it will be easier to chase when the mount breaks evil grin TIG it good. Say.....thats Really a good idea. Front mount. Crom knows Ive got more than enough frontage space up there and it would be easy to get to the frame for someting to mount to. What about retricted flow to the radiator? Gunner |
#16
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Sparecarrier
Gunner Asch wrote:
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:52:31 GMT, Jim Chandler wrote: Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Gunner See if you can find a spring shop in your vicinity and have the springs re-arched. That should bring it up a bit. Leaf springs, as I'm sure you know, tend to sag a bit with use and a good shop can bring them back to almost good as new. Did that with my Pinto race car and what a difference it made in handling. Also, weigh out the load you are carrying, it may be heavier than you think. Spring boosters, also known as load levellers are available at most auto parts stores. Good luck. Jim Chandler Apple Valley, cA Thanks Jim. To the best of my knowlege.this truck has spent the last 100,000 miles with nothing heavier in it than a cross bed pickup bed tool box behind the cab. I originally thought the miss matched tires were the culprit..but now that Ive a matching set all the way around..it still sits ass down, even empty. Gunner who has already put 8,000 miles on her. That being the case, you definitely have some spring issues. Go to a spring shop. A new set shouldn't be that much. As was suggested by another poster, you may have a cracked leak or two. That's always a surprise to take a set of leafs apart and have one fall away in two pieces. Many times you can't see it from the outside of the set. Jim |
#17
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 16:12:39 -0700, Gunner Asch
wrote: Could you clarify that a bit for the less informed? This truck has two drive lines, with a carrier baaring midway. If I raise the truck..I have to turn the axle a bit? Gunner You are a machinist. Make a tapered block to fit between the axle and the spring (axle IS mounted unde the spring, right?) and another spacer to drop the hangar bearing half the distance. You are then spreading the change in angle over 3 joints instead of 2. Four inches should be no problem at all. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#18
Posted to rec.crafts.metalworking
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:51:41 -0500, "DanG" wrote:
I have used helper springs. I have used air adjustable shocks. I have used air bags trapped in a spring. The very best ever was to take a heavy truck that swayed all over the road to the local spring specialists. Asked them to beef it up. They put on the maximum leaf springs for that axle (I think I remember 15). Sweet running and driving and seemed to be a smoother ride. That truck had a very long driveshaft, so I imagine we didn't change the axle angle too much. Just made some of your shackles for the drag racer at work, he needed a bit more clearance on the Mickey Thompsons. He was very concerned about drive shaft angle, although he said slightly high or slightly low was OK as long as it wasn't straight in when the axle was loaded up??? Rear shackles will tend to tip the nose up a bit, which will reduce the angle change a bit. NOT recommended on a truck though. I'd either have the springs rebult (beefed up) or install a set of lift blocks. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#19
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:13:56 -0700, Gunner Asch
wrote: Say.....thats Really a good idea. Front mount. Crom knows Ive got more than enough frontage space up there and it would be easy to get to the frame for someting to mount to. What about retricted flow to the radiator? Gunner You are in "hot country" - it could be a problem. Was not a smart thing to do in Central Africa in the seventies. Guaranteed overheat. Out there many were mounted on the hood (bonnet) (Land Rovers) or lashed to the roof of the cab. (Put a swing arm on a pedestal mounted behing the cab with a winch and cable - lift the arm up from behind the tire when needed and winch it up/down. Good project for Gunner.) - Oh - he DID say it was on the VAN, didn't he? Would work better on the Pick-up. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#20
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Tom Gardner wrote:
Why would any angles be bad if the truck was level again? Your springs are sagged...probably as much as your old but. The good news is that you can new springs, even heavier springs for the truck. Your but will continue to sag, you can't get parts. It is BUTT, not BUT, and they are ALL cracked. -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida |
#21
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
clare, at, snyder.on.ca wrote:
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:13:56 -0700, Gunner Asch wrote: Say.....thats Really a good idea. Front mount. Crom knows Ive got more than enough frontage space up there and it would be easy to get to the frame for someting to mount to. What about retricted flow to the radiator? Gunner You are in "hot country" - it could be a problem. Was not a smart thing to do in Central Africa in the seventies. Guaranteed overheat. Out there many were mounted on the hood (bonnet) (Land Rovers) or lashed to the roof of the cab. (Put a swing arm on a pedestal mounted behing the cab with a winch and cable - lift the arm up from behind the tire when needed and winch it up/down. Good project for Gunner.) - Oh - he DID say it was on the VAN, didn't he? Would work better on the Pick-up. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com I would think if you leave a reasonable amount of space between the carrier and the radiator grille, and don't put a cover on the tire that you'd get plenty of airflow around and through the wheel. Fab a new grille with better flow while you're at it. |
#22
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:13:56 -0700, with neither quill nor qualm,
Gunner Asch quickly quoth: On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:40:26 GMT, "Pete C." wrote: Can't help you on lifting the rear, though I expect a truck spring and brake place could fix you un in an hour or two. For the spare tire, fab a front bumper mount for it. Counter the weight in the rear with some weight in the front, and it will be easier to chase when the mount breaks evil grin TIG it good. Har! Say.....thats Really a good idea. Front mount. Crom knows Ive got more than enough frontage space up there and it would be easy to get to the frame for someting to mount to. What about retricted flow to the radiator? Potentially a BIG problem. How holey are the rims? Does the van have the heavy duty radiator package? If so, you might be OK. But that's a helluva big risk to take IMNSHO. -- EXPLETIVE: A balm, usually applied verbally in hindsight, which somehow eases those pains and indignities following our every deficiency in foresight. |
#23
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Tom Gardner wrote: Why would any angles be bad if the truck was level again? Your springs are sagged...probably as much as your old but. The good news is that you can new springs, even heavier springs for the truck. Your but will continue to sag, you can't get parts. It is BUTT, not BUT, and they are ALL cracked. -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida I MUST be right, it passed my spell-chucker! |
#24
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Gunner Asch wrote:
My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ Before my 91 extended cab was dead, I had to replace the front springs since they couldn't align it anymore and have a spring shop add a leave. The truck probably only carried real loads 10 times in it's life. As others suggested, take it to a spring shop and be done with it. Adding a leaf is reasonably cheap. Wes |
#25
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:46:05 -0400, john
wrote: Gunner Asch wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. snip =========== Not to hijack your thread, given the number of responses from people "what been there and done that," and the huge number of web sites with air lifts / helper springs, etc., this appears to be a basic design flaw rather than something unique to your truck. Even trucks used as cars, i.e. no loads, just people, seem to have this spring problem. It can't be that expensive to put a few more pounds of good steel in the springs. Has Detroit lost the ability to design even utility vehicles? Did the beancounters run amok again? Did they throw the prints for the 1950s and 60s away? Anybody have similar problems with the import trucks such as Toyota? Unka' George [George McDuffee] ============ Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. president. Letter, 17 March 1814. |
#26
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 15:04:37 -0700, Gunner Asch
wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. So what do I need to lift this about 3"? Cheaply. Check the rear springs for broken leaves or excessive sag fatigue, replace as needed. If that isn't enough add either an overload spring set or Air Springs. Air shocks are bad juju - the shock mounts won't take the load. In the good old days..I simply made up a set of shackles from 3/8 flat stock and bolted em to the back of the leaf springs, but a mechanic told me "it would be hard on the rear differential due to increased thrust angle on the doofunny whichadiddly and would cause extreme wear on the labia valves and shuztmeister bearings" Blink blink..... You have to keep the U-joint operating angle between the driveshaft and the rear axle input shaft roughly the same after raising or lowering. They sell little wedge shims in various degrees of tilt (that go between the axle and the spring stack) for just that purpose. And watch the overall length of the driveshaft and the overlap in the slip splines when you move things around - more likely with a Lift Kit but still something to watch. If you shorten the shaft to where the splines bottom out you put nasty stresses in the driveline. And if you pull it apart too far the driveshaft might look fine now, but falls off the first time you hit a "DIP" too fast and catch air. If the driveshaft comes loose at the front, drops onto the ground, and hangs on something solid like a curb cut, this can get Real Exciting - It'll look like something from American Graffiti (or Mythbusters) with a logging chain and a stout power pole... This is why race cars have a safety hoop around the front end of the driveshaft. Even if it comes off, it can't go too far. Also..anyone know the best sort of spare tire carrier to put on a 1 ton Ford van? It currently has one of those doofus carriers that is mounted to the hinge and latch side of the rear door. The door that gets opened and closed a lot.... The BIG tires on this thing...are heavy. Heavier than Im comfortable carrying on that flimsey door hanger. Which is already bent from carrying a spare. The van has dual gas tanks...so there may not be a lot of room underneith..Ive not checked yet. With all the racks and shelves inside..there is no room onboard for the spare. Fiberglass roof extension makes roof mounting out..plus those tires are Heavy.....8 lug nuts each...ack!! But you've still got to have one... Any suggestions would be appreciated. My best customer commented on it Friday..made an unfavorable comparison between an illegal immigrant brick layer going down the highway with a load of bricks...... Do it on either end of the van, but put on a custom Class III/V receiver hitch with the 'Side Tubes' like you were going to mount a motorcycle rail carrier. (And install 'Slop Bolt' weld nuts on each tube & hex bolts with the tips ground to a wadcutter bullet point to clamp in whatever you've slid in.) Then use one of the 'end' receiver tubes for the spare tire mount. On the back you could rig it on the left (the side you open less often) with a simple hinge swing-away arm so the door clears, but you aren't putting all that weight on the door hinges.' If you want to put the spare on the front, the only requirement is that the tire and bracket comes off easily when you need to work on the engine. Cooling shouldn't be a huge problem if you leave a gap between grille and tire - But some simple Plexiglas air dams on the sides of the grille opening could more than fix that. Make any air that comes through go into the grille rather than bleed off to the edges. And the other side's 'side tube' receivers can also be used for pipe carrier arms on the right side, or really tall ones to rig the pipes over the roof... The front receiver side tubes can easily be adapted for tow bar points. But then you need something even bigger to tow it with... |
#27
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Just keep the input shaft to the drive shaft and the input shaft to the
rear end parallel to one another. If you don't Could you clarify that a bit for the less informed? http://www.4xshaft.com/index.html |
#28
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:36:51 -0400, Wes wrote:
Gunner Asch wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ Before my 91 extended cab was dead, I had to replace the front springs since they couldn't align it anymore and have a spring shop add a leave. The truck probably only carried real loads 10 times in it's life. As others suggested, take it to a spring shop and be done with it. Adding a leaf is reasonably cheap. Wes I believe thats what Im gonna do. And take the Van to a front end shop. The "wander" is scary as hell. Gunner |
#29
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Don't know about trucks. My best car, a Pontiac Bonneville GXP, has an
automatic load lever. A few seconds after each start-up you can hear the air pump run to "trim" the level. The car came with an accessory air package that connects to the compressor pump via a shrade valve in the trunk.. My diesel Mercedes wagon has a hydraulic levelling system. The car is rated for a 1000 Lbs load, a true half-ton. -- Stupendous Man, Defender of Freedom, Advocate of Liberty |
#30
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:12:12 -0700, "Stupendous Man"
wrote: Don't know about trucks. My best car, a Pontiac Bonneville GXP, has an automatic load lever. A few seconds after each start-up you can hear the air pump run to "trim" the level. The car came with an accessory air package that connects to the compressor pump via a shrade valve in the trunk.. My diesel Mercedes wagon has a hydraulic levelling system. The car is rated for a 1000 Lbs load, a true half-ton. IIRC the early Lumina APV had pneumatic leveling as an option. They had an air hookup just inside the tailgate on the left side for inflating beach balls etc. Gerry :-)} London, Canada |
#31
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 11:38:07 -0500, F. George McDuffee
wrote: On Sun, 23 Sep 2007 18:46:05 -0400, john wrote: Gunner Asch wrote: My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the rear even when empty. Now that Ive added a utility shell http://www.workmatebylifetime.com/ and my tools, it sags like an Okie dustbowl refugee on his way to California. snip =========== Not to hijack your thread, given the number of responses from people "what been there and done that," and the huge number of web sites with air lifts / helper springs, etc., this appears to be a basic design flaw rather than something unique to your truck. Even trucks used as cars, i.e. no loads, just people, seem to have this spring problem. It can't be that expensive to put a few more pounds of good steel in the springs. Has Detroit lost the ability to design even utility vehicles? Did the beancounters run amok again? Did they throw the prints for the 1950s and 60s away? Anybody have similar problems with the import trucks such as Toyota? I've had to SOFTEN the springs on several Toyotas to keep the owners happy - - - . Unka' George [George McDuffee] ============ Merchants have no country. The mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), U.S. president. Letter, 17 March 1814. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#32
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:20:00 -0500, "Robert Swinney"
wrote: Gerore sez: Anybody have similar problems with the import trucks such as Toyota? Don't know about trucks. My best car, a Pontiac Bonneville GXP, has an automatic load lever. A few seconds after each start-up you can hear the air pump run to "trim" the level. The car came with an accessory air package that connects to the compressor pump via a shrade valve in the trunk.. Bob Swinney Both my 1988 NewYorker and my 1994 TransSport had those "Air ride" self levelers. Both had failed before I got the vehicles. The Chrysler one had been replaced and failed again soon after. The failure mode this time had the car almost standing on the front bumper when the compressor would not shut off and the release v alve would not release. I replaced the soft springs on both vehicles with "load handlers". -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
#33
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Tom Gardner wrote:
"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Tom Gardner wrote: Why would any angles be bad if the truck was level again? Your springs are sagged...probably as much as your old but. The good news is that you can new springs, even heavier springs for the truck. Your but will continue to sag, you can't get parts. It is BUTT, not BUT, and they are ALL cracked. -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida I MUST be right, it passed my spell-chucker! If it really worked, it would have chucked 'Hawkie' and all his buddies a long time ago! -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida |
#34
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Sparecarrier
Gunner Asch wrote:
And take the Van to a front end shop. The "wander" is scary as hell. Should get better with the beefier rear springs and resulting new attitude. If not you might consider a beefier sway bar since you're running fully loaded most of the time. (after you've confirmed all the steering parts are good) Pete -- Pete Snell Department of Physics Royal Military College --------------------------------------------------------------------- Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) |
#35
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
Tom Gardner wrote:
I've turned over a new leaf! No more troll banter. If I slip, remind me. OK. But if you backslide, I'm going to smack you up the side of your head with one of their dirty sock puppets! ;-) -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida |
#36
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
On Tue, 25 Sep 2007 18:45:25 -0700, with neither quill nor qualm, "Tom
Gardner" quickly quoth: I've turned over a new leaf! No more troll banter. If I slip, remind me. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You and Gunner both promise but never hold to it. sigh Best of luck sticking with your resolution, though, Tawm. -- Honor unto death, or at least unto discomfort. |
#37
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
"Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Tom Gardner wrote: "Michael A. Terrell" wrote in message ... Tom Gardner wrote: Why would any angles be bad if the truck was level again? Your springs are sagged...probably as much as your old but. The good news is that you can new springs, even heavier springs for the truck. Your but will continue to sag, you can't get parts. It is BUTT, not BUT, and they are ALL cracked. -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida I MUST be right, it passed my spell-chucker! If it really worked, it would have chucked 'Hawkie' and all his buddies a long time ago! -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida I've turned over a new leaf! No more troll banter. If I slip, remind me. |
#38
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Lifting the rear of a pickup truck to level it out/Van Spare carrier
My new to me 2001 Supercab Ford Ranger has always sat a bit low in the
rear even when empty. The wife's extended cab broke a leaf at some point, she had a spring shop fix it, somewhere between 100 and 200. My regular cab was sitting low, found out I had at least one broken leaf on each side, got a pair of spring packs from the junkyard for 50. Kept the old top leaf from the original packs, cut the eyes off the new top leafs to use as overloads, no complaints after over a year... --Glenn Lyford |
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