Technical 56 F100 stock Rear Leaf Springs vs 400 HP

I am about half way through my build. My motor has grown exponentially from what I had originally planned.

I replaced the factory leafs (some were cracked) with brand new sets and added a rear sway bar. I've had some guys tell me I'll have issues with them with the amount of torque and HP I have.

To do over, I would have probably went with a 4-link, and maybe I should yank the leafs out and do that now.

However everything is painted, and ***embled. What do you guys think? Add traction bars? Tear it out and start over? I won't be racing, or running this truck hard, unless I just want to show off....

 

If it was me I would run it and see if its an issue based on the way you drive, "full disclosure" I do own a lift and it would be easy for me to change it out. The only time I ever experienced wheel hop was on a stock springs on a Mustang with a 351c trying to smoke the tires when I was in High School in another life time.
If you don't plan on frying the tires, I would run what you have installed.

 

The best sleeper traction device is another half leaf on top of the bundle and clamped with the bundle.
I've used main leaf's with the front eye cut off and then cut the spring off 6" behind the center hole. And made my own clamps. It works on the same principle as mopar SS springs.

 

Contact Cal Tracs for advice...

 

I had one of those 20 years ago or so with a sbc .The biggest problem I had was the engine sits to far forward of front of the axle. You will be hard pressed to find traction, but one hell of a smoke show!

 

I have the factory 2" leafs on my 57 Custom with Cal-tracs and they work fine. Just get the correct adjustable shocks. You could experiment with clamping springs, I did and my setup didnt like it.

 

I would add Cal tracs

 

This is the thing with pickups, with no load they are light on the rear and struggle for traction. Without actually testing your pickup I would guess traction would be your problem before anything else.

If so, then I agree, Cal Tracs.

 

Old style Traction Masters will make if feel and work great. HAMB friendly too.

 

^^^ X2
like on my '46 Ford 460 / C6 powered pickup. A set of swap meet ******* bars and new rear leaves from Eaton Detroit and it works great.

 

I've got ******* bars on my 38 Chevy (they've been there 40 years) but if I was to do it today I'd go with CalTracs.