Does this setup look right? PICS

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 11:25 pm

Keep in mind this is a 71 with an 86 suspension and 4x4 upgrade.

Here is the rear first. It sets about 3" lower than the front. The spring pack looks a little light to me. I thought I saw some pics that showed the 4x4 should have about 6 leafs in the lower part.

Now the front. I think the suspension is correct, but have serious concerns about the steering. Mostly because the drivers wheel rubs the assist part that attaches to the spindle.

Post by **Hobcobble** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 5:58 am

The springs look a little light.... could be why they stacked so many up.
The blocks on the rear axle were commonly used on the W's.... I have
those on my '68 W100. Concerning the rear.... if it carries a load OK, I
wouldn't change anything.... looks like whoever re-did it did a good job.
I'd divert my attention to the front steering stabilizer mount.... it could
cause some serious problems if its rubbing.
John

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:22 am

It sets low without a load, but gets worse with a load., see below. It was easy to control while driving, but doesn't look good at all. Granted the hitch was on the bumper and not dropped. The car is about 4000# and the trailer about 2000#. the car is more centered than it appears, wide angle lens on camera.

Post by **oneowner71** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 11:09 am

might I ask if the easiest solution to the rubbing problem is to pick a rim with the right backspacing for the year model front setup used... just a thought

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 2:15 pm

I would be interested in investigating this. A couple questions then:
What would the correct wheel/tire combo been for a 71 Adventurer SE? And also, how would the steering have varied between a 71 D-100 and a W-100?

A big reason I am concerned is the previous owner told me it had been relocated, and that is why it rubbed. Although when I look under there, I don't see where else it could have been mounted.

69Fargo · Post by **69Fargo** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 4:27 pm

On your main spring pack on the rear I count only 4 leafs,on the front I count 6 leafs.I think you should find a pair of rear springs with the same number of leafs or have those rearched and add a leaf.This could be why it sags.

Post by **oneowner71** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 11:00 am

What part of the suspension is the '86 part... that is what made me think maybe the wheel needs to be changed. As far as exact differences between spacing on a D and W series of the same era, I couldn't help you.

Post by **FredM** » Thu Jul 22, 2004 7:21 pm

looks like they used the newer springs on the rear--better ride,
but not as rigid as the 71 springs

bet it rides good empty--not many 3/4 tons ride good

nfury8 · Post by **nfury8** » Fri Jul 23, 2004 2:39 pm

Fred, you are correct! It rides very smooth for an older 4x4. I would hate to give that up. I have started eyeing Rancho and Skyjackers lift kits to replace all the springs and blocks. I wonder how they ride?

MoparDude427 · Post by **MoparDude427** » Sat Jul 24, 2004 12:24 am

i heard that the skyjacker kits ride really nice, they teflon coat all the leafs so the flex pretty smooth, so i've heard.

MowagW200 · Post by **MowagW200** » Wed Jul 28, 2004 9:59 pm

Hi nfury
I recentlylayed under my truck to get an idea for another problem. I took this chance to count the leafs on both axles. My truck is a converted Dodge W200 (1964) - it has another body. Leafs on the front axle: 7, leafs on the rear axle: 10. I think you need more leafs on both axles to reach the capacity to load the full weight. Good luck!