Leaf Springs for Drag Racing Part 2 - Leaf Spring Suspension Tuning
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- čas přidán 24. 07. 2024
- Leaf springs for Drag Racing and Leaf Spring Suspension Tuning Video! Let's refresh on leaf springs for drag racing and how to add bite or even take away bite! This video will cover how to add more rear separation with leaf springs or take away separation.
The leaf spring video is my number 1 performing video. This is an update to the original release with more details and aftermarket options!! More on leaf spring sliders and hangers. Why do I recommend split mono leafs??? It is all in here.
Let's break down more split mono leafs, spring perch location, why you might go with ladders bars over Calvert or smith assassin bars or slapper bars even.
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Get with us to let us help you scale your car and do a complete plot of your car as it is today and then we can discuss what changes, if any, we would recommend.
We also offer online remote services from our website here below:
Samson Performance of Sam's Alignment in North Charleston, SC.
samsonperformance.com - This site has our email and shop info
Drag Racing Suspension and Instant Center Calculator:
www.baselinesuspensions.com/i...
Calvert Racing Split-Mono Leafs:
www.calvertracing.com/splitmo...
Caltracs:
www.calvertracing.com/caltrac...
amzn.to/30e98Gu
Sliders:
www.calvertracing.com/store/sl...
Housing Floater Kits:
swracecars.com/product/rear-a...
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How to setup double adjustable shocks and springs for drag racing. How to tune rear shocks for drag racing also known as tuning coilovers for drag racing. Drag car alignment is critical as you know for your safety and the safety of the other driver.
Samson Performance of Sam's Alignment in North Charleston, SC.
samsonperformance.com - This site has our email and shop info along with remote services
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#suspension #dragracing #leafsprings #kevinwilsonsbc #dragcar #dragshocks #noprep #smalltire #bigtire #chassistuning #KevinWilsonSuspension #sbc - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Let's talk more about Leaf Springs for Drag Racing!!!! Get you some! Calverts, Smith Assassins, ladder bars.... .some cool products! Also, I ask for help at the end on the Studebaker. Please give me some info back!!!
Kevin do you set pinion angle at ride height or full extension? Preload on the springs with driver weight in the car?
@@RTRacing87 I set it at ride height with driver ready to race and make a pass. The key is understanding how much travel (squat or extension) you have in the rear. I would set initial pinion angle and then make a test hit. You REALLY need someone to video from the side so you can see how movement you have on the hit and during the run. Then you can use that data to help make adjustments to fine tune the pinion angle. As you know, the goal is to have the pinion and driveshaft inline during the run. So each car is somewhat unique based on how much separation/squat it experiences. Not all of us can mount a gopro under and record the run, but that is a great tool for sure. Go fast, go straight! Be safe!
TRADUCTOR PLESE I FROMM ARGENTINA
I need a neighbor like you. Thanks for the info got new knowledge on leaf spring dynamics. ❤
Thank you for the video, and thank you for the shout out to healthcare providers. As a nurse, it’s means a lot to hear a shout out from the racing community. Don’t push yourself too hard, get well soon! Looking forward to more education with suspension tuning.
Sean Ellis thanks so much for your comments! Your service as a nurse is amazing! While the doctors get all the credit, those ICU nurses saved my life and kept me living. I was completely alone with no visitors allowed. Every nurse loved on me and I owe them more than I can give. They risked their lives just being in my room. We cannot forget the men and women who get up everyday and intentionally go where people are sick and contagious. Thank-you for serving as nurse and I pray you continue to prosper and grow in your life's dreams and passions. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
We are Thankful for your Recovery
Thanks for the video Kevin. Glad to have you back!
Thank you for your content hope you get better soon my friend
This has helped tremendously thank you so much
Awesome video. Simple info that is so useful, simple and complicated at the same time. Thank you!
Tim Hammond Wicked10 thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Thank you kevin! Iove your videos. Expecialy the leaf spring stuff.
Derek Mckay thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Love the content Kevin thanks for these videos they have really helped me
Glad you like them! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Good stuff, Thank you 👍
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I really liked the ARC switch panel and relay board I put in my car.
John Bunn thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Great video! Adding this to my reference materials for sure.
Thanks so much!!! Appreciate you leaving a comment! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Glad you're doing better after covid! Thanks for the videos and glad you're going to do more torque arm videos.
Preston Edmonds thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Thanks Kevin. Love your videos. Hope your feeling better.
Thanks so much! I am almost back to 100% and I appreciate your thoughts and concern!!! Appreciate you so much! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Awesome video
Awesome video Kevin! It’s taken awhile for me to understand a lot of what you went over. I wish I saw this a year ago. Lol. Great info and I’m glad someone finally talked about it.
bondobird thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Man glad your ok! For some reason I haven't been seeing your videos popping up so I went and found them. Some more good info especially since I'm picking up a pretty serious 468 bbc for my camaro.
I appreciate that! Thanks so much Lyndon!! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
I’ve been watching you every since I bought my Calverts thanks for your help buddy keep the info coming
Thank-you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for supporting my channel! I don't take your views and support for granted. More videos in the works for sure! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Kevin Wilson
KevinWilsonSBC
I need more of your leaf spring suspensions .
I'm just about to install a set of caltracs on my 2005 ford falcon ute, the information and experience you share has been extremely valuable. Thanks Kev.
Jason, that is great! I think you will be very happy with the Caltracs! Happy the videos are helping you! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
This video is GOLD!! Thank you!
I appreciate that a comment a bunch!!! Wow! More content coming. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Great content. Very educational.
Thanks so much, Paul! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Great video 👍🏻
Thanks for the info...I will be applying it.
Thank-you so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for supporting my channel! I don't take your views and support for granted. You are welcome! Keep me posted, please! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Kevin Wilson
KevinWilsonSBC
Great info Kevin. Thanks for the help with assassin bars. I would look into speedwire or spaghetti menders for switch panels and relay boards
Joe Schmo thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
If you ever take a vacation to Puerto Rico let me know cause I sure can use your help. Just removed 2 leaf springs from my 01 2500hd Silverado. Feels more soft. With the 4 leafs felt stiff. Hopefully it will get better 60ft. Thanks
Thank you for the awesome video!
Also, I have a complete Smith Racecraft Assassin bar setup, Tin soldiers leaf spring mount kit, custom split mono leaf springs, and Viking double adjustable shocks , all new in boxes for a nova if you have a need (I bought another chassis that’s already back halved)
Jackie R Hucks thanks so much for your comments! I may just be contacting you... can you shoot me an email at samsalignmentsc@gmail.com please. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Great video, thanks
Thanks for the shoutout and the awesome videos!
Tin Soldier Racecars thanks so much for your comments! You guys rock and I will keep telling others about your work and quality! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Glad you're back, and hope you feel 100% soon. Electronics recommendations depends on how computer dependent you want to be. I prefer the Racepak PDU, but all the circuits need programming. The Leash boards are nice, high quality stuff, just a little more "conventional" with relays and fuses.
pro1342 thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Thanks Bro appreciated
I had covid pneumonia back in sept. Was in the hospital for 3 weeks and on oxygen for a month and a half. Worse time of my life. Prayers for a speedy recovery.
MrLs1racer thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
More great content! Glad to hear you made it through the C okay. Thanks!
You speak to hitting "the slick" a lot. Do most of your theories also apply to Drag Radials?
Mr. 5 Speed thanks so much for your comments! Same theories apply to Drag Radials, but bar angles are much more aggressive, than a slick car. Checkout the video I literally just posted on 4 link challenges with a customer car at my shop. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
ARC-Auto Rod Controls 8000R - ARC Flat Touch Switch Panels. Just installed this on a pulling truck very neat and easy
Great info!!! Thanks for commenting. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Awsome video. Ya I need every help I can get. I building a street car in a 84 camaro.
I like to go leaf spring but don't know how to do a ride height With 28s
I quickly learned to get rods of my stock springs. Thanks for these videos
Ya big Chief jist talked about this
David vonAnderseck thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Thanks Kevin, I appreciate all your help and knowledge your sharing with us. I'm following every detail for leafspring suspension. I have sliders installed just as you have described. Calvert monoleaf & caltrac traction bars. All rubber removed from spring mounts. I picked up on 4 degrees pinion angle on this video . So that's my next step. Also have 9 way Calvert rear shocks that I may need to get double adjustable coil over shocks. I installed tubular upper and lower control arms on front with coil over shocks up front. But single adjustable. (Aldan American)
I'm running street 71 Camaro 434 sbc, 3500 stall 410 - 12 bolt M/T 275 60 R. Trying to get a launch. Still frying tires.
Jeffrey viands thanks for commenting. Go to samsonperformance.com and shoot me an email and I will respond. Go fast, go straight!
What would make the bed of the truck go up on take off my leaf springs are old and dead and running lift bars ?
Love your videos and the time spent to make them. I'm building a 62 Falcon with Caltracs, split monos and fabricating the rear frame section myself at home. I'm making the front leaf spring mount adjustable by about 3.75". Am I overthinking it, in that I need to make the slider mount the same adjustable? I would think if not, the pinion angle would change if I just move the front mount up or down. In the same line of thought, would it be a tuning aid or just add more complexity to tuning if I used a stack of shims to adjust the rear height. My front hole centers are 1" apart. So say a 3/4" spacer then a stack of .075" shims. Then you could change the pinion angle in small increments up or down. Is that even worth the time and effort??
Appreciate the information as always! Would love to see a video on diesel 4x4 suspension for drag racing, with 63% nose weight, as well as more fbody/torque arm stuff.
You got it! Have you watched the current videos around fbody/torque arm setups? Here is the playlist for just torque arm and F body stuff: czcams.com/play/PLK2JQ7QIgx_IpX8T6BGSREHjXiSEVS8O6.html
Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
@@KevinWilsonSBC just saw where you posted a new one for the fbody! Going to watch it tonight!!
I run leaf's and they are tough but they do work when you get them hooked up right.
Camaro Drag Racing Second Generation thanks so much for your comments and supporting this channel! Love me some leaf springs for sure!!!!! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Kevin Wilson
I'm running a Bicknel torque arm. can you talk about torque arms on leaf springs?
Thank u hope u feel btr
Paul Powell thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
As far as wiring advice, at this point I find it hard to argue against just converting to a solid state PDM box, like a Moristech/Black Box P14, they just make life SO EASY compared to wiring up individual relays & fuses for each circuit, not to mention being programmable. The P14 is really reasonable at $925 too, even the 30 channel P30, if 14 channels isn't enough, is only $1400(compared to $3150 for a 30ch Motec PDM - but that is Motec after all lol).
SRC Billy's truck is pretty wild - running as fast as it does, on every surface they race on, and with completely stock suspension at all 4 corners + CalTracs & Viking shocks front and rear! REALLY want to see them run some split monos & sliders, but it's hard to say they're "doing it wrong" given the results.
I've been thinking about building a Ranger for a while since I saw that Calvert has split monos & CalTracs(both spring over & spring under options too, which is pretty cool) for them, and, once I found their channel and saw what that super basic S10 can do, it completely sold me on a leaf build.
I'm sure I'm going to be referencing both of these leaf spring videos in the future.
RyTrapp0 thanks so much for your comments! Great info and thank-you for taking the time to reply. I agree with SRC. I do believe they can make the truck even better, but dang, if it isn't broke, then please don't fix it!!!! LOL. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Thanks!
Wow!!! Thank-you so much for donation!!!! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!
I’m very happy with my leash electronics relay board and switch panel. Although, I don’t believe they make the switch panels anymore
bondobird thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
How do you mount or angle the perch on a truck where the hanger is pointed up and now down at the ground?
So can I use sliders in stock springs and should I take any of the spring lawers out?
With a fuel tech I assume it has enough inputs and outputs for a simple drag race car. My megasquirt does. So let the fuel tech ground switch a relay for all your devices which also lets you set on off parameters and let’s you data log them. With battery in the trunk, I run battery cable to lugs on the firewall and then battery cables from there to the front of the car too. That way all my power to fans, water pumps, headlights, etc, are short runs controlled buy ground switch from ecu. I even started using the relays with built in fuses to simplify things. So when I make a pass I have one toggle switch to power on ecu which in turn runs all my pumps and fans. The only other toggle switch I have is for head lamps for night racing. Keeps it pretty simple, no fancy relay motherboards or $1500 power control smart wire boxes. Just heavy wire and $10 relays. Good luck.
Thank-you for the info!! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!
Can u talk about engine placement and why cara that can have their engines placed further back helps in no prep/ street racing. Also how to measure a car to determine if it has more room to place engine further back with factory firewall and front suspension.
I will be hitting on that topic in my No Prep video coming up around weight percentages and weight ballast placement. Stay tuned. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
It looks like it's a miniature 4 link (Cal Trac) ?
What kind of shock travel is ideal with leaf spring ladder bar set up, at ride height about how much shock shaft/compression should I have? I just replaced mine and gave qa1 all the info on my set up and after I mounted them there is only 1/2" of shock down travel (shock is only 1/2" from being totally compressed) at ride height... It's strictly a track car so not worried about ride quality. Do I need a shorter bodied shock?
Please forgive my ignorance, but what is the "separation" you keep referring to?
K&R super duty wiring kit
I am installing leaf sliders on a 1st gen S10 with calvert bars. I have seen some people say to set the sliders at a 5 degree angle. does anyone know the proper angle to set them at? Should I try to match the leaf angle? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
How about some mud truck with leaf springs
kevin check out K&R performance, but i have to be honest "home grow" is easy and maybe not a bad option. many videos.
Thanks, Chris! I will check them out! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Hello Kevin, I'm a new subscriber that just found your channel, after watchng this video I wondered what your opinion is on the newer style leaf spring slider that has the long drop in it allowing large amounts of chassis seperation. The combo would be bbc turbocharged, manual transmission, 275/60r15 tire
Jeff Heismann thanks so much for your comments! I know the slider you are talking about, but I have never ran them or had a drag car that has ran them. I would love to get some experience with them. Considering your power level potentials, you may not need that extreme of a slider. Sorry I don't have any facts on them. Keep me posted if you decide to try them. Me, I would go normal sliders from Afco or Calvert. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
@@KevinWilsonSBC Thanks for the quick reply. I'll keep you in mind if I try a set. I have a standard set on the shelf now, I'll have to make a decision about which way to go(I bet the long travel set would require a crazy set of shocks to control the movement)
do you have any advice on a wheelie bar for a leaf spring with Calvert bars?
I would require a bunch more data for that... sorry. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!
👍👍👍
What pound of torque you recommend to tight the hangers? Also is safe use them loose for the street?
Andrew thanks so much for your comments! Just follow torque specs for size of bolt. Even for street I want the hanger able to move freely. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Any thoughts on slide-a-links as opposed to calverts?
cathy gambill thanks so much for your comments! I have never messed with him, but I will check them out. Sorry. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Kevin I sent you a comment before I have 67 mustang with split mono leaf Calvert suspension I bought the qa1 coilover suspension kit I also bought the bracket from Nikki Bobby Incorporated which is Alex Taylor's fiance he calls it a gap bracket it's the bracket that goes underneath the leaf spring where the axle is instead of having one hole where the bar goes in it's got four and it also has a place where your coilover shock can go I was hoping you could tell me how come I'm not seeing a lot of leaf springs with coilovers that are going to these brackets I see coilovers with the stock position where they put the shocks at or it's mounting to the axle tube please get back to me and maybe give me some information thank you
Hey man, thank you for sending me part two of leaf spring setups. I was patient for the whole video before comment, but sure enough you DID comment on shackles, and that great! I just have two questions left, I suppose. Well, 3, really, but only two are applicable at this moment in my life.
1. You seem to make most of your drawings with the spring mounted UNDER the axle (lower right height), is this intended by you, and regardless of that, is it an acceptable setup for "caltracs" style kits despite how it seems they want to mount to the axle directly? Also, they look to hang low, if you had a regular leaf stack, would they hang TOO low???
2. You demonstrated the leaf hanger shackle pointing down (top anchor to frame) on most GM trucks, this is reversed and the hanger points up (bottom anchor to frame, chassis hangs from spring instead of laying on spring, essentially). Now, this is said to allow the shackle to rotate all the way forward and eventually down, increasing suspension travel. It's actually a mod some guys do on their leaf spring trucks for off-roading because of this.
My question is, since the upside down shackle allows this greater range of movement, is the "make the shackle point backwards" part of your suggestions still applicable or AS necessary?
3. And I guess for shiggles, my final question is, if someone is fabricating or has to fabricate their own suspension, what do you think is the best compromise between drag race duty and handling duty for a semi-daily vehicle that also has to retain its utility factor (a small pickup, I have a Ranger)?
I've been told 4-links with heim joints handle well, and that torque arms are the closest "do it all" while also being "set and forget" when it comes to solid axles, and from what I'm understanding IRS is just a fuster-cluck in pretty much every aspect for a builder either starting from scratch or trying to convert. I've also been told that past 1/2 to 1 inch of deflection, IRS and Solid axle react the same due to sway bars and how shock force work, anyway, and the only "benefit" is alignment abilities(which, IMO can make a seconds difference or more on a road course) And of course, I've also read that it's more than just objective ability on a perfectly smooth track, and that IRS inspires _confidence_ where solid axles (and especially leafs only) feel jumpy and unsafe in any kind of bumpy or imperfect (read street/canyon carving) turn.
At this point I'm so overloaded with information IDK what to think!
Drunken Hamster thanks for commenting and supporting my channel. Shoot me your email at samsalignmentsc@gmail.com as I will follow up there versus doing all this in comments. You don't have retype all of that, just email me so I can respond.. let me know in the email your are Drunken Hamster. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Kevin Wilson
KevinWilsonSBC
@@KevinWilsonSBC Email sent yesterday. :0
@@Drunken_Hamster yep... read it and been totally slammed all day... sorry, but I reply once I come up for water... Thanks, man!
@@KevinWilsonSBC No problem at all, take your time. Thank you.
What's your thoughts on the Competition Engineering J-bolt traction bars, I have a set on my 1969 Camaro would the Cal tracs be worth the investment ?
John Pena thanks so much for your comments! Better than nothing for sure. The closer to the front eye perch the better. Use strong fasteners, no cheap china crap for sure. I like to eliminate as much as the front rubber snubber on the bars, but leave about 3/8" of it. Then slowly heat the bars, and bend them up to have just barely a dime gap b/w the rubber and leaf spring. This also helps with clearance issues. Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
I've been running the old lakewood comp bars w/Jbolts for years. They're getting hard to find now. Bar starts at the front spring eye and ends about 8" behind the axle tube. Provides extra clamp over spring if needed. Look at the late 60s pro, super/Stock camaros if you wonder if they work. My back-halfed 65 Malibu Pro/Stick car is nothing more than a copy of Jenkins 68 Camaro suspension.
Kevin I just posted a video and was wondering if you could give me a few pointers on it if not I understand completely thanks.
You could really benefit from slowing down the front end rise a bunch. This will be done with increasing the extension settings on the shocks up front. With how fast the front end is coming up it is going to keep doing severe wheelies. Nice video!! Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!
@@KevinWilsonSBC
I tried that this weekend have you ever seen a car slow down doing that because mine does.
I heard MSD makes a good relay panel
David vonAnderseck thanks so much for your comments! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
So where do the shackles need to be positioned if they're inverted hangers where the leaf is above the shackle?? Seems just vertical is what mine sit at so I'd guess the shackle will tilt forward when travel is inhibited. I see no way to tilt them backwards at all.
Great question! One way to confirm travel is to check the angle at ride height race ready. Then lift the frame so the rear end has full droop. Then measure the angle. For this setup we generally shoot for vertical as long as the shackle is free and not binding with old rubber bushings. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
Hey I have a question should the front eye on leaf spring with caltrac be inline with the rear axle. Meaning the same distance from center to the ground.
I think I am understanding your question... yes on both sides ideally. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!!
@@KevinWilsonSBC I lowered the front spring eye/hangers 2 inches to try and get closer to the anti squat line and get the caltrac bar closer to level with the ground
Like this shit!!!
T. Wooten thanks so much for your comments! Me too!!! LOL Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!
Speedwire
Where do you live at what state & Town?
North Charleston, SC is the shop. Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!
Is your middle name “Bloody” by any chance?
Not me... LOL... Go fast, go straight! Be SAFE!
TRADUCTOR PLEASE !!
Leash electronics
arc
ben currie thanks so much for your comments! Calling ARC today!! Thanks Ben! Go fast, go straight! Be Safe!!