Wasted Income
11-05-2012, 09:14 AM
Hey guys,
I'm at the point where I'm trying to select a set of rear coilovers for my 72 K/5 Blazer project. Build thread here: https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?91256-1972-K-5-Blazer-4x4-to-2wd-conversion-and-turbo-LSx
I'm kind of stuck with a dilemma regarding how to handle a changing load over the rear tires.
What I mean is, the truck will be 99% street driven, with maybe an autocross thrown in once in awhile. As such, it will just be me driving it to work, etc. (not much rear load).
However, I tend to take road trips with the family and friends. 3 people in the back seat, cooler, suitcases, etc.
What is my best bet for being able to keep a decent ride around town when it's just me, and to keep from bottoming out at highway speed with a full load?
What I've come up with so far is either
1) An adjustable coilover shock that will allow me to stiffen up the bump when loaded down, to try to avoid bottoming out.
2) A progressive rate spring, such as the ones that QA1 offers. http://www.qa1.net/qa1_motorsports/drag-and-street/springs/2-5-in-i-d-variable-rate-springs.html
I'm planning to fabricate my own brackets for the rear, to allow ride height adjustments. I guess if it came to it, I could throw it up on the lift before a road trip and give it some additional ride height in the rear....but that would be the last resort.
I haven't decided on what rear coilovers and springs to run yet, so I'm open to suggestions for that as well.
Below are a few pics of where it sits now, to give an idea of what I'm working with. As of right now, I'm planning to go outboard of the frame, behind the axle, and fabricate an adjustable mounting setup of the rear of the trailing arms.
Thoughts??
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_20121101_1750581-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_20121101_1751521-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_20121101_1750361-1.jpg
I'm at the point where I'm trying to select a set of rear coilovers for my 72 K/5 Blazer project. Build thread here: https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?91256-1972-K-5-Blazer-4x4-to-2wd-conversion-and-turbo-LSx
I'm kind of stuck with a dilemma regarding how to handle a changing load over the rear tires.
What I mean is, the truck will be 99% street driven, with maybe an autocross thrown in once in awhile. As such, it will just be me driving it to work, etc. (not much rear load).
However, I tend to take road trips with the family and friends. 3 people in the back seat, cooler, suitcases, etc.
What is my best bet for being able to keep a decent ride around town when it's just me, and to keep from bottoming out at highway speed with a full load?
What I've come up with so far is either
1) An adjustable coilover shock that will allow me to stiffen up the bump when loaded down, to try to avoid bottoming out.
2) A progressive rate spring, such as the ones that QA1 offers. http://www.qa1.net/qa1_motorsports/drag-and-street/springs/2-5-in-i-d-variable-rate-springs.html
I'm planning to fabricate my own brackets for the rear, to allow ride height adjustments. I guess if it came to it, I could throw it up on the lift before a road trip and give it some additional ride height in the rear....but that would be the last resort.
I haven't decided on what rear coilovers and springs to run yet, so I'm open to suggestions for that as well.
Below are a few pics of where it sits now, to give an idea of what I'm working with. As of right now, I'm planning to go outboard of the frame, behind the axle, and fabricate an adjustable mounting setup of the rear of the trailing arms.
Thoughts??
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_20121101_1750581-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_20121101_1751521-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2012/11/IMG_20121101_1750361-1.jpg