But I just don't know. I put my front shocks on and now it seems the spring is tapped out, dead solid. Is this normal? I rachet strapped the axle up to put them on. Shocks are maxed as well. There is no engine or trans installed. Will the eventual wieght of the engine and trans move the spring? The shocks are 14 1/4". The current spring eye to eye w/shocks on is about 29 1/4". I have split '46 bones. I'm just passing the time while I save my pennies for a quick change and can contiue on. Yes I know its not anywhere near ride hieght, just on stands that high to put parts on. Also my first build.
The spring is designed to carry the weight of the car and provide suspension. Without the full weight (principally the engine) it will not be at anything like ride height and will feel completely solid. So what you have is normal. I'm unsure about leaving your shocks on with the spring trying to extend them beyond their travel and sitting like that for months. I'm probably over cautions though. Also, it looks like you have the shock pretty much vertical in sdie view which is at odds with the caster of the axle, so the shock bushes are in bind. Personally i'd be looking to lay the top mount back some to address this. Opinions may vary. Chris
Its not recommended to let the shocks stay fully extended under tension. May or may not cause an issue, just considered bad practice
hey no need to apoligize, its your first build so you cant have all the answers.. the best thing about this site is the amount of people who are always willing to help... as far as your problem, imo you need to have engine and trans in place and go from there...i agree with grumbler and happydaze, keep checking ..im sure more knowledgeable people then myself will be responding ...good luck
Having no weight on the front axle the shocks will be fully extended,the weight of the axle combined with the spring is nothing more than gravity. Here's a thought,,put your jack stands under the axle and I'm sure you will see a difference,,as you add additional weight,ie,engine,transmission and radiator everything will fall into place. HRP
It look like the shock alignment is good, that angle will change when you put weight, HR Primer is rite , you should put the stands under the axel, than pack approx weight on the c/member, check your travel again, if they are gas shocks, don't leave them extended, it puts a strain on the shock seal , could cause a leak, other than that, GOOD start, keep on truckin. you could get 1 of your portly buddy's to sit on it
What these other guys have said. You got it right. See your shackles, they are closer to horizontal but still pointed down slightly. This simulates the most extreme suspension unloading condition that could happen. On the road or in the shop. The shackles could not flip past horizontal, providing the shocks don't get ripped off. Adding the rest of the weight to the car and on the ground will/should bring the shackles into their 45* neutral state. The weight will make the eye to eye dimension longer.
Thanks for the advice. I did notice the shocks being straight up from the side. I'll have to re adjust as needed later.
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