Couple questions for the track masters

Derek@Vision Diesel · Jan 8, 2015

We are in the process of setting up our shop truck that will eventually see quite a bit of track time. Currently itll be a 600hp toy and then after about a year it is going to be competition only vehicle.

It is a 2003 single cab long bed.

Question we have currently is about leaf springs/shocks.

We are going to do brand new leafs front and rear.

1) What manufacturer can provide stock height springs and what does one look for in an aftermarket spring when setting up a leaf sprung truck for 4x4 launches

2) Planning to go F250 stock height up front and F250 stock height springs in the rear with the block removed to hopefully sit level. Any reason this is not a good idea?

3) Shocks... any and all advice is welcome. Seems like Fox is a popular builder.

We will run OUO adjustable length traction bars in the rear.

Thanks in advance!

Radioflyer · Jan 8, 2015

Fox, QA1, or Rancho 9000XL's would be my choice on shocks for mainly racing. max'd out is running QA1's and give you full adjustablility.

Derek@Vision Diesel · Jan 8, 2015

good to hear! There are just so many options on Fox's site that it gets confusing in a hurry unless you hear from someone that has some experience with them already

Dzchey21 · Jan 8, 2015

I would weigh the rear end and have the spring built for that weight.

Personally I would run a caltrac like bar called assassin bars made for 1500 Silverado which are the same spring length.

Derek@Vision Diesel · Jan 9, 2015

We already have the bars set up with OUO, that is all taken care of.

Got shocks ordered up...

I believe we are going to do A code Excursion leaf springs up front to bring the front down a little bit.

Rear springs are what I am questioning. I know it matters on weight of the rear, unfortunately the truck is torn down and the frame is being powder coated so its tough to weigh it before ordering.

T, U, or V for rear springs? Only difference is the weight they are built for, which in turn will change ride height a little bit. We are not going to run rear blocks in order to bring it down to the Ex height.

swinky · Jan 9, 2015

Fwiw I'm running no block rear and stock height front but it still sits a little low in the front. It's pretty damn level but just a touch low in the front.

Excursion springs up front sounded like a good idea to me but I just don't like how soft they are. Dual shocks in the front will help big time. Running single 9000 ranchos has been a good setup as well. If you're going to run excursion springs up front you will want the lowest springs possible in the rear.

swinky · Jan 9, 2015

Stock front no block rear.

Derek@Vision Diesel · Jan 9, 2015

250 and 350 rear springs are the same or different?

What front springs are you running to give it its current ride height? How does it do when you launch it on 420s with the power you have currently?

swinky · Jan 9, 2015

Derek@Vision Diesel said:
250 and 350 rear springs are the same or different?

What front springs are you running to give it its current ride height? How does it do when you launch it on 420s with the power you have currently?

Honestly not sure on front springs, I'll go check. I was always under the impression 250 and 350 springs are the same. The difference is the block. I still have my over load leaf in. I'm going to remove it and will drop another half inch in the rear.

swinky · Jan 9, 2015

The 420s hook better than my suspension can handle. Still no traction bars.

Derek@Vision Diesel · Jan 9, 2015

I think we are going excursion fronts and then modifying the rears enough to sit level, using a rancho 9000xl shock and straps to firm it up at the track if need be.

Should ride great on the street though

swinky · Jan 9, 2015

Derek@Vision Diesel said:
I think we are going excursion fronts and then modifying the rears enough to sit level, using a rancho 9000xl shock and straps to firm it up at the track if need be.

Should ride great on the street though

That should work. I have no idea what code my front springs are. Somewhere right in the middle. What are you planning on doing to the rear?

Derek@Vision Diesel · Jan 9, 2015

Rear will be f350 springs with no block and overload removed

swinky · Jan 9, 2015

Derek@Vision Diesel said:
Rear will be f350 springs with no block and overload removed

Still going to be pretty low in the front.

swinky · Jan 9, 2015

No block overload in rear.

Derek@Vision Diesel · Jan 10, 2015

And we could always remove one more leaf in the back to help... A little bit lower in the front would be fine with me, as long as it isn't low in the back.

Breaking Habits · Jan 10, 2015

Derek,

Have you seen Daves new conversion kit for the front of his excursion w/ the 3 link? I dont wanna say too many details until we are ready to post it.. but maybe you should ask him about doing one of those for this truck.

swinky · Jan 10, 2015

Jared @ River City Diesel said:
Derek,

Have you seen Daves new conversion kit for the front of his excursion w/ the 3 link? I dont wanna say too many details until we are ready to post it.. but maybe you should ask him about doing one of those for this truck.

3 link and retaining leaf springs?