Posted by Mike Hernke [63.151.218.18] on Thursday, May 09, 2013 at 10:39:17 :
I am in the process of installing 1980 1-ton axles in my m37 and in order to avoid cutting the front axle I am outboarding the front leaf springs to match the dana 60 spring perches. Wtih that said because of the way the shackle is installed on an M37 through the frame I am having to move the upper shackle mount down below the frame. This in turn results in the rear of the spring being about 5-6" lower than before and the front of the springs are roughly the same as stock. So the leaf spring will sit at an angle as opposed to nearly flat and the axle pinion will be pointing too much toward the ground. I beleive I can buy a wedge to correct this but would prefer not to have to do that. Alternatively I could lower the front mount but I don't think i would like the looks of this and I am not interested in lifting the truck any more than necassary. So I am wondering if anyone can think of a reason not to put the shackles toward the front of the truck and the fixed mount at the back? I am going to a crossover style steering so steering shouldn't matter. Seems Ford used crossover steering and mounted the shackles toward the front while Dodge and Chevy used the front back steering and the shackles at the back. A lot of jeep, scout and ford guys will move the shackles to the back because in theory as the suspension compresses the axle will move back resulting in less stress when a tire hits something. I think that only applies with positive arched springs. Since my leaves are nearly flat at ride height I believe that with the shackles at the back my axle will move forward as the suspension compresses. I guess I am wondering if anyone can think of a reason not to reverse the shackle location on my M37?
Follow Ups: