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Post by hellraiser on May 4, 2009 13:48:08 GMT -5
i think your gunna have alot of trouble with those blocks and the rear end twisting. but maybe not, just a thought
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 5, 2009 9:19:56 GMT -5
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 5, 2009 9:24:19 GMT -5
Here's a Nova hookin' with some Caltracs.  |
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Post by northwestoutlaw on May 5, 2009 12:57:16 GMT -5
keep us posted
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Post by hellraiser on May 5, 2009 14:09:04 GMT -5
ok problem solved lol
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 5, 2009 16:58:25 GMT -5
LOL, I'll keep everyone posted on my knock offs of the Caltracs. They're a fairly simple design.
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CMD
Junior Member
Posts: 72
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Post by CMD on May 5, 2009 23:38:02 GMT -5
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Post by hellraiser on May 6, 2009 0:54:30 GMT -5
lose the blocks, pull two leafs out, that will drop it. u gotta think the s10 suspention was for a truck... it was meant to haul weight, so u take out a few leafs, ya its a lil softer, but it lowers it without using the blocks.
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Post by nugget6714 on May 6, 2009 1:00:14 GMT -5
I know your building on a budget but what about a four link or triangulated three link with coil springs, that can be converted to coilovers later. You can adjust pinion angle, ride height, and takes care of traction problems.
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 6, 2009 9:28:25 GMT -5
I'll keep everyone posted on my knock offs of the Caltracs. They're a fairly simple design.
The idea is sound, but I don't think the math will work.
The bracket under the spring centered with the axle will drag the ground.
At least, that's the way it looks from the photos!
And with these tires; it will be even worse. Have you taken a tape measure to this idea?
CMDHey CMD, thanks for your feedback. The photo actually makes it look closer to the ground than it really is. I'll have to get a ground level picture. I'm thinking it'll work if I don't make the bracket tower as tall as the ones in that picture.  Maybe I'll just weld the mount tabs to the current leaf bracket. I'll have to take some measurements. The wheels in the picture are 18" wheels with 275/40/18 tires. The ones I currently have on the bug for now are 235/55/16. When I plug in these sizes into a tire calculator I get 26.66 in for the 18s and 26.17 in for the 16's. So they'll raise the rear .215".  I agree though, it might be cutting it close. |
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 6, 2009 9:33:27 GMT -5
lose the blocks, pull two leafs out, that will drop it. u gotta think the s10 suspention was for a truck... it was meant to haul weight, so u take out a few leafs, ya its a lil softer, but it lowers it without using the blocks. This is a great idea and has been successful for a lot of people, but the current leafs on the bug are from an Isuzu Amigo. The S10 leafs were too long. The Isuzu leafs give it a pretty soft bounce as is so taking leafs out of those springs I don't think would be a safe option and spring wrap would become worse. I'll have to see if I can't get this idea to work with some modifications to their original design. Like making the tabs that mount under the axle not as tall. |
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 6, 2009 10:28:12 GMT -5
I know your building on a budget but what about a four link or triangulated three link with coil springs, that can be converted to coilovers later. You can adjust pinion angle, ride height, and takes care of traction problems. Thanks for the suggestion. At this point I'm going to stick with what I have so I can continue finishing my build or else it'll be in the chassis building state for another year or two. I'm currently saving for a wedding and a down payment on a new home and it's all due pretty much at the same time. ;D I'll worry about the rear suspension after I get everything in order. The leafs will work fine especially if I can make a modified version of the Caltracs to work. A four-link suspension will definitely be an upgrade in the future as well as some tubular control arms, but it's not something I want to do using the current 7.625" GM rear. When I do the upgrade I'll just buy a subframe kit like this and a built Ford 9" rear.  That'll be many years down the road though. |
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Post by hellraiser on May 6, 2009 17:53:21 GMT -5
go with a simple trailing arm set up like i did, or just like the older chevy trucks were. very simple, cheap, rear end wont twist at all.
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 7, 2009 10:31:51 GMT -5
What about mounting the coil spring. If I have to weld again it's out of the question. Cause I've already painted. LOL.
I've pretty much got it sorted and figured out last night. Got the 18s on. They tuck nicely. I'll post pics soon.
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Post by V8 Super Beetle on May 7, 2009 12:47:53 GMT -5
Well, I got the rear mocked up and hand tightened. The wheels fit nicely and look cool. I've got a bout 1/2" on each side from the fender hitting the side wall. I'm sure I could get more by slightly opening the bottom of the body since it's not permanently mounted just yet.   Today when I get home from work I'm going to roll the chassis out and get some pictures. Then clean up the garage and organize my engine parts and tools so I can start build the motor. Finally. |
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Maybe I'll just weld the mount tabs to the current leaf bracket. I'll have to take some measurements.