depends on how you measure the frame, each side of my frame was different, when i was done it was only and 1/8" off so i don't think i did too bad.

now if only i would have made that 2" tube that my coil goes around at teh right angle

 

Very nice. What kind of coils are they? I have the standard 4" lift coils but they aren't the variable rate type.

My son-in-law was saying the same thing about the extended arms -- like get the extended Cage arms with the clearancing to allow better turning radius -- but that will be $$$ spent later, lol.

 

No coils, Fox 2.0 Air Shocks. Those are stock arms with Extensions welded on. Stick to a single rate coil, Everyone I talk to didnt like their progressives and sold them to get single rates.

 

Can you post some detail of how you welded the stock arms? I love that idea. I have not yet mounted anything so I'd like to see how you extended the arms, and where/how you mounted the radius arm bracket or what you fabbed for it.

If you could do that, it would be very helpful, thanks!

 

Thats not my truck, just one I know of off pirate. That is his hand drawing also.

 

That's great, Andrew, thanks.

 

comparing the two just in suspension setup alone....

leaf springs are pretty straight forward. beyond mounting them, there really is not much else to do suspension-wise. they require an axle mounted spring perch, a shackle hanger either forward or back, and another hanger opposite of the shackle mount. leaf springs locate the axle, so additional components are not necessary. the pinion angle is dialed in with spring perch adjustment.

coils/coilovers can offer more flexibility, both in setup and function. they also take quite a bit more work to setup. start with a basic design, then calculations, then frame and axle mounted control arm brackets, then coil brackets both axle and frame, if you don't go with a 4link then a trac bar to locate the axle laterally, construction of control arms, a sway bar, etc. the pionion angle is dialed in using the control arms; however, you need to get somewhat close before you start welding on coil brackets.

with coils you end up with a superior setup, but with a more complex system, higher cost, and more time and fabrication. so given you have that, coils/coilovers are the better way to go. however, if your fab skills are not up to par, and your pockets are not deep enough, you can build a leaf sprung system very easily and cheaply and have a tried and true system that will get the job done.

 

Yes, that's pretty much the common wisdom and it seems to be true.

I want coils for a number of reasons though, so I'm willing to face the problems. Using the stock F-150 suspension gets me most of the way along many of those hurdles though which helps. It's not a "blank piece of paper" design. Like anything else that's good and bad, but on consideration it's what I've chosen.

 

white rhinos truck is awesome.

 

i chose coils... well because i thats what i wanted and i feel that it was easier to do

 

Not to mention, coils are just plain cool looking.

 

what type of welders are u guys using to do ur sas. i want to do mine but i am unsure what the best welder is to use.


also how are you guys working out the steering?

 

mig is fine.

steering varies from setup to setup. a leaf sprung front may have a different steering system than a coil system. with leafs it will be different SOA or SUA. cross-over or highsteer. depends on the axle you use. whether you keep the stock steering box, or other. depends on size of tires run. etc. etc. etc. once you have selected parts and designed your suspension, you can work the steering around that.