A-Arm building

[Rock56]

we are building our project it's an 86 suburban that doesn't look like one any more , and we want to build a new front end, we want to build A-arm suspension and here's my question, it's better to move the motor back so you can get more space up front ? or it is not necessary for building a good a-arm suspension? i think it's necessary because if you're building a new front end, you could move things easily, and if you're not getting more space up front for the a-arms a think it's a waste of time and money building a new front end if you are not moving the motor, because if you move it you can get a better angle for the shocks... what do you guys think?

[partybarge_pilot]

Moving the motor back

Pro's
More room for suspension
better wiegh distribution

Con's
Makes it a biatch to work on the engine
A LOT more fab work

Is it worth it? Thats up to the guy doing all the work.......

[Scott_F]

Another pro or con, depending on the season, is you get a better heater.

[Rock56]

can the heating problem be fix with dynamat?

[Rock56]

Moving the motor back

Pro's
More room for suspension
better wiegh distribution

Con's
Makes it a biatch to work on the engine
A LOT more fab work

Is it worth it? Thats up to the guy doing all the work.......
yeah its worth

[Rock56]

this is a pic of the car

[Wild bill]

I set back the engine in my TT 15" from standard location.The goods were less weight on front end, lands flats, CG set back where the truck corners good. Bads were shorter drive shaft (less rear wheel travel), awkward to work on the engine, needed alot of heat shielding. To change a loose header bolt was a 4 hr. job. I would figure the bare minimum needed to make the front suspension to work right and set the engine back to that location.

[Giant Geoff]

I was going to say use the stock A-arm mount so you don’t have to move the motor back or put a rack in it but sense you have a straight axle it would be best to put beams on the truck that get great travel, strength, reliability with less work and cost.

[Brandon_Charley]

If you do go arms (I would stick to straight axle or listen to Geoff) you could always go J-arm for the upper and not have to move the motor as much, or at all, maybe just reposition the radiator.

Front looks cool, do you have side pics?

[Rock56]

here are some side pics the car has been shortened 18 inches in the back.

[Rock56]

right now we are starting with the front roll cage, then we will go with the front suspension.. this is a expensive hobbie!

[Mark Newhan]

I like it. Especially how you shortened up the rear 1/4 panels.

[Rock56]

I like it. Especially how you shortened up the rear 1/4 panels.
hey mark what type of suspension do you recommend i-beams or A-arms?

[Mark Newhan]

A-arms. My truck has the engine in the stock location and still has some long arms. I beams are simple but an a-arm truck handles better.

I built a blazer for my wife some years ago, when my step daughters got bigger I thought about building a Sub and shortening the rear. Cool ride.

[Rock56]

thanks for the info let me know if you need any info about what we do on our truck i will be glad to help you.... thanks

[Salvador]

Raul I send you a private post, contact me.

[JONES PERFORMANCE]

i would take a look at billings blazer. it looks like the engine setback was minimal and they used a j-arm for the upper.

[matt_helton]

heres a link to john billings blazer.

http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=49

[BajaFand]

That's the coolest Suburban I've ever seen.

[partybarge_pilot]

i would take a look at billings blazer. it looks like the engine setback was minimal and they used a j-arm for the upper.


Engine is pretty much in the stock location, tires are moved forward......

[39ranger]

Any updates on this project? I want to see:D
What did you do with the solid axel?

[prdracefab]

we are building our project it's an 86 suburban that doesn't look like one any more , and we want to build a new front end, we want to build A-arm suspension and here's my question, it's better to move the motor back so you can get more space up front ? or it is not necessary for building a good a-arm suspension? i think it's necessary because if you're building a new front end, you could move things easily, and if you're not getting more space up front for the a-arms a think it's a waste of time and money building a new front end if you are not moving the motor, because if you move it you can get a better angle for the shocks... what do you guys think?

I know im a little late but I would definately do a-arms and move the engine back slightly with the use of a j arm , as for the heat PLAN when building give yourself some space between the panels and the headers , you dont need alot an inch with dyno mat will minimize the heat . both of my latest builds have the engine set back one minor one major and no heat probs with either . I-beams are durable but you have king pin and ball joint issues to deal with and alot of camber change , and a much more elaborate steering setup. a-arms will handle much better and as for cost theres not much difference ( a-arms are more work but your not paying anyone ) if you count all the heims and elaborate steering for the beams. either way that thing looks incredible , ill add some pics of the ones i did so you can see the set back and j arm arrangement , the truggy is set back about 11 inches the truck about 24 inches , both work well the first black truggy had heat issues not enough room between headers and panels the others no problems with an inch or so distance between , hope these help and cant wait to see more pics of your project , wow didnt see that the post was from october thought it was a week or so old ,sorry for the rambles , your probably driving it already

[Rock56]

Any updates on this project? I want to see:D
What did you do with the solid axel?
so far we have done all the rollcage and thats it nothing else we are planning on doing the four link on back suspension then we will go with a-arms on front suspesion.

hey prdracefab. is there any space between the motor and the firewall to work on the engine without dismantle pieces of the truck?:confused:

[TheHoov]

here are some side pics the car has been shortened 18 inches in the back.

do you have any pics of the front axle and suspension? Also do you have build thread for your truck

[Rock56]

it has the stock supension its a 86 suburban solid axle 4wd

[Ryan B]

post some pics of your cage in here. i wanna see the interior of that bad burban!

[Rock56]

post some pics of your cage in here. i wanna see the interior of that bad burban!
ill take some pics tomorrow :)

[Rock56]

here are some pics of the roll cage

[Rock56]

more pictures

[Ryan B]

you asked in another thread if the cage in this was strong enough. That thing looks pretty darn nice. I'd say you're good to go man.

[Rock56]

hey guys the suburban it´s now on sale! economy isn´t helping so we haven been forced to sell it ... if you´re interested pm me for the details:(