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Thread: Leaf spring link design question

  1. #1
    Junior
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    Leaf spring link design question

    SO i have researched doing link/s on the back of my bronco w/ giant 64 kit. The consensus i got was that a link wouldn't work because of binding because how much the spring changes through the travel. So i am playing with this idea. My theory is that it would mitigate the binding issue but stop the axle wrap and not limit articulation. It would be a offset center link next to the 3rd. What do you guys think?


    Its paint shop haha Dont know how to use any CAD programming yet.

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  3. #2
    Junior
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    Re: Leaf spring link design question

    So here is what i have come up with for link length and pivot point its all on paper right now. I put a plum line from where the axle bumps on the frame and let it drop out(21"). I measured how far it swung forward(3.5"). I measured from bump to the plane I want the mount to be on the frame side(6"). I transfered all the measurement to my bench and found a happy length of the link at 31". It isn't perfect but its a start and the shackled design should solve the issue. THe drawing is in no way to scale but gives the idea of what I'm talking about.


  4. #3
    Fresh Blood TRXSonoma's Avatar
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    That is a pretty common traction bar setup. Use a hiem where the link attaches to the shackle and you'll be golden.
    Nor*Cal

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  5. #4
    Elite Sparky's Avatar
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    Re: Leaf spring link design question

    Quote Originally Posted by TRXSonoma View Post
    That is a pretty common traction bar setup. Use a hiem where the link attaches to the shackle and you'll be golden.
    Yep. Jeep guys have been using that design for several years. It works well.
    Gadzooks Racing - JeepSpeed 1717 - 4 Wheel Parts, Rubicon Express, Bilstein, Rigid Industries LED Lighting.

  6. #5
    Forum Junkie
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    Re: Leaf spring link design question

    I was just gonna chime in on the Jeep guys using those. . .sometimes referred to as bam bars; if you do a search on any one of the Jeep forums you can find quite a bit of info on them. . .let me know if you want me to PM you some links as I've already done some searching and looking around on this subject for our '49 Jeep Willy's pick-up truck project.

  7. #6
    Elite retroblazer's Avatar
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    Re: Leaf spring link design question

    Many ways to skin the cat..... Currently there is a Class 3 Bronco being built at Complete Fabrication in El Cajon, that has elected to run a rear linked, leaf-spring suspension. The leaf spring is suspended at both ends on shackles and located by the links. I run the same lenth of spring on the rear of my Blazer. Deaver does my springs, and was able to signifcantly reduce spring wrap by adding half length leafs from the front spring eyes to just past the axle tube center. I get about 15-16 inches of rear travel, the linked Bronco is in the 24" range.

  8. #7
    Fresh Blood
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    Re: Leaf spring link design question

    have you cycled your springs with your track bar yet it is important to check your mounting location of your track bar when you cycle your mains to check for binding

  9. #8

  10. #9
    Fresh Blood
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    Re: Leaf spring link design question

    is your truck axle wrapping real bad ?

  11. #10
    Junior
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    Re: Leaf spring link design question

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Zaiden View Post
    Why not just link it if you are going through all the trouble?
    Based on my research and the budget I have linking it would be significantly more expensive with minimal gain.

    Quote Originally Posted by deavermike View Post
    is your truck axle wrapping real bad ?
    Haven't driven it yet. I am nearing the end of my build and from talking to a few people I have heard seperate stories. Some say wrap isn't an issue and some say it is. Just trying to do some homework incase I need it.

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