Need suggestions on leaf spring shocks?

[ksdartguy]

Hey all you leaf spring guys,
I got the Dart to the track for some shake downs and Ive got the heavy duty Abody springs Mancini sells.
It seems like the axle is unloading. It hooks and then I feel it kind of unhook after a bit.

Is this a shock issue? I have long shocks, but they are just some heavy duty jobs, not adjustable or a drag unit.

Any thoughts? I am considering QA1s or something similar.

Thanks for the input,

Rick

[bOb shingler]

it's probably hooking then unhooking for the reason mopar makes superstock springs but anyway QA1 are an excellent choice. especially in all 4 corners.  i have a set of slapper bars you can try for ten bucks plus shipping to see if that h-d spring is the problem before you spend $250+ on shocks, just a suggestion.

[That One Guy]

we ran Rancho 5,000's on mom's car. Stock springs, 11.50's, and 30X9 Radial slicks

also ran them on mine, not quite as fast, and 28X9 tubed?? slick

[A13Dart]

Try extra clamps on the front spring segments.

[ksdartguy]

Ive got extra clamps on both sides in the front segements.
I suspect shocks are either way too soft/short or both.

Rick

[That One Guy]

if it's a money thing, those ranchos are pretty cheap, and 5 way adjustable, and quite available - a lot of parts stores should have them
and if they don't work, they'd be good on the truck

[bOb shingler]

how much body raise you getting at the back wheel well? 3-4" is good. have some one watch it to see if it raises then falls too fast. that will be a sign of to short a shock.

[ksdartguy]

Bob, I had a buddy with me, and he got some pics.
From what I see, it isnt raising more than 3-4 which might indicate too short on shock.
I know when I put them in, I went to a truck shock that had more travel, but they may still be too short.

The QA1s have like 9" of stroke and I believe extend to 23+ in. so I will unnook one and see if thats it.

As far as $$$ I dont mind spending the $$ if I know thats what it nereds to hook.

Rick

[chryco]

I got some dual adjustable Afcos from Bill . He`ll know what you need .
   Chryco

[ksdartguy]

Thanks,
Ill get with him.

Rick

[PureGTS]

Did you unclamp the rear of the springs? This helps alot in freeing the suspension to work/push downwards during launch. With teh front segments clamped and the rears open, the springs act as a solid bar between the hanger and the axle. With the rear of the springs free to splay open, they allow the axle to move easily downwards. As for shocks and or adjustments, a setting that loosens up the shocks ability to grow (lengthen) would be a benefit say 60/40. Otherwise, the CV is to set them to a 50/50 or use a 50/50 shock.
  Here's a pic of a working suspension. Note the wheel being down into the pavement, the rear of the spring is splayed open and the axle going downwards. Compared this to the at burnout photo where the wheel / axle is up in the body prior to launch. Granted this is during a burn out , but it is only slightly different than being in a true at rest situation.

[william]

How much longer are the shocks then stock?
They should be 3" or more.