Wow - what an ordeal! If they were original springs, it was probably due anyway. So it's probably good you're doing that.
Have heard good things about Cal-tracs, so will be interested in seeing pictures of these installed!
Wow - what an ordeal! If they were original springs, it was probably due anyway. So it's probably good you're doing that.
Have heard good things about Cal-tracs, so will be interested in seeing pictures of these installed!
Roger Moore
63 "Flarechero"
powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear
Got the new leaf springs and the Caltrac system. The bars are a lot beefier than I expected. Very good quality, they are expensive but now am glad I didn't try making a set. Here is a picture. Will take more during installation and let you know how it goes, good or bad. Larry
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
I have leaf spring envy ! I'm curious to see how the 4 leaf will change your ride height. I think it's going to be awesome !!!
1965 Hardtop, 289, Top loader, Torino power disk brakes, Tilt steering, 2 speed int wipers
Mike Spears
I will take some before and after shots of the ride height. Larry
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
Last edited by kbuhagiar; September 26th, 2016 at 03:56 PM.
The pictures of the car now are with the old traction bars off. The car is a lot lower now than it was before I took those bars off. I will try to find side pictures of the car with the bars on, with the bars off like now, and then with the new springs and Caltrac bars on. Larry
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
The new leaf springs are installed. The Cal Tracs are installed. The pinion is set 3 degrees up with the transmission 3 degrees down. Hope this works.
The car is sitting 2 inches higher with the new springs than it did with the old springs. It is still sitting lower than it was with the old traction bars holding it up.
I am attaching some photos. The first is the car sitting on old springs. The next is on new springs. There are a couple of picks of the cal tracs, the new driveshaft loop, the new exhaust from the mufflers aft, and the new 9" rear nodular rear end.
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
The rest of the story. Pics that is.
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
Very nice.
Is the ride any stiffer with the Cal-Tracs?
Do they control the wheel hop?
Thanks again.
Haven't had the chance to drive it today. I will tomorrow and am sure the ride will be better. There was zero movement in the rear with those traction bars holding it so tight.
As far as wheel hop, positive there won't be any, but I will definitely hit it hard tomorrow and let you know.
Larry
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
Took the test drive today. Well, poop. The weird noise/vibration is still there. At about 70-80 MPH it has a definite vibration. I haven't changed the speedometer gear since changing to the 4-11 gears so estimate actual speed at 60-70.
The ride with the new leaf springs is excellent. I did not get on it real hard because I want to figure out this vibration/noise first.
My next task is to remove the rear u-joint and take it and the drive-shaft down and have them checked out. After that, I think the only culprit could be the rear end itself.
Poopers. Larry
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
Well that's a bummer. I guess you'll have to give me that ride after all.
I have little doubt, based on what you said, these changes you just did were needed. Hopefully you don't feel as though they were unnecessary.
I'm pretty good at sleuthing these sorts of things out, so let's work out a time, soon, to do a test drive. I would have them check the driveline though. Leave the U-joint in when you do.
Roger Moore
63 "Flarechero"
powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear
For sure the changes had to happen. The springs were shot, the traction bars were causing all kinds of problems.
I was thinking about taking the driveshaft down to Drivelines NW where I got it and see if they could check the shaft for balance. Also, can they check the u-joints? Larry
Larry Smith
1964 Futura
347 stroker
They absolutely can check u-joints. Probably the most qualified to do so.
Roger Moore
63 "Flarechero"
powered by: 347ci stroker | Tremec T5 | 8" 3:45 TracLoc rear
Larry,
Did you measure how far the yoke is in the transmission? Wondering if it is only about 1" of free play outside as recommend?
Also, who set up the lash on your 3rd member? That could cause a problem as well.
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