T Bucket Suspension

OK So I started a T project back in October of last year. And finally I am getting to the point of needing to put some suspension under this thing. What I have noticed is that a lot of buckets have a coil spring with a shock through the center instead of a true coil over shock. I guess what I am looking for is those of you who have done this and what your throughts are. Is one more functional then the other? I know there is a cost difference between coil over shocks and going with just springs and shocks. So let me have it!

 

Betcha coilovers will give you the best ride,cause chances are you'll get em sized right when you buy them.I have used both seperate coil/shock setups and the stock spring,both rode like a lumber truck,however the stock A or T spring with Ford crossmember is really the way to go for the traditional look on a T.They also handle pretty good,and usually don't need a sway or panhard bar.At least thats what I like.

 

Nothing saying you can't use c/o springs (cheap and plentiful at swapmeets) and small dia. shocks in the same manner as you described. You could even make up adjustable brackets to set ride height, much like drag car setups.

 

Stock springs usually ride like **** because of people using the 90 year old stiff, work hardened spring. Put in a new replacement and its night and day.

 

Or you can go is a very traditional route. This rides really nice. Model A Spring over a 57 Chevy Rear, with shocks and ladderbars BTW this car is FOR SALE in the cl***ifieds on here

 

Well my thought was to order coil springs from Speedway and then get shocks to match the height of the spring. So if I go new it should ride ok? How much does this affect traction and handling between the 2 types?

 

I used the buggy spring set-up much like SINTICKET did. Mine has a very hard jolting ride though. I believe the stiff ride is just part of these type cars. Mine drives straight & true, handles great too.

As for Speedy Bill & Speedway Motors, Those guys are super! Most of my components came from them. Rarely was there a problem. If there was a mishap come up, they ALWAYS

 

SORRY!!! Hit the wrong ****on! Speedway ALWAYS fixed the problem quick & easy.

 

In spite of the harsh ride I love mine. Here's a picture... The lower end of the shocks are attached to an eccentric arm I welded on to the spring shackle.

 

I found a pair of coilovers for twenty bucks at the Turkock sweepmeet. The were for a VW dune buggy.. I didn;'t think it would work , but for 20 I thought I would thak a chance.. It worked out great... see my photos albums....

 

$2 Bill your harsh ride may have to do with the nearly 90 degree shackles

 

I have coil overs from Speedway. Rides OK. About what I expected. On normal roads it rides nice. Jarring roads like pot holes not so nice. I have 140# springs.

Bill

 

TOUCHDOWNTODD - You are probably right. I was limited by the width of my axle.

 

This is the coil spring kit from speedway. I welded the mounts to the outside of the frame and smoothed everything. It doesnt sway at all and rides great. the shocks are mounted inside of the frame mounted at angles with the bottoms slanted out.

 

here's one wild west rods did in tucson rides great shocks and a slight angle might be part of it

 

Yule16met... that is exactly what I was picturing, I am using a 23 body with 14" pick-up bed. My frame has an 8" Kick-up... so I guess my other question is that if I use that set up with an 8" kick up where about does that set my ride height? Also if it sits to high what are my options to get it down a little bit... what I dont want is somthing so low that i can not even drive the car! Keep the thoughts coming this is a huge help from the guys that have done it! Pictures are awesome!

 

Are the springs secured? Or are they just sitting on/over the cups?

 

i'm running coilovers on mine & its"ok" not cadillac smooth but livable.If your going to get coilovers get them from Lindbald in M***.its 2194 providence rd, Northbridge, Ma.01534.,508 234 8283,He sells 2 complete c/o's for $210!!! hes a super guy & just tell him what your application is & he'll set you up.He advertises in Street rodder if you need the details.
hes alot cheaper then speedway(bilsteins from speedway are $250 EACH!!) So thats $500 compared to $210!! $290 differance, if ya want split the differance, keep $145 & send me $145 for turning you onto them!lolololol
JimV

 

My '26 has Ch***is Engineerings "Econo Coil Overs". There system as installed had a harsh ride so I went to a 12" 125# Carrera spring that I purchased from Speedway.

 

I have about a 12in kickup(but my body sits on top of the frame), and my car is anything but low. I can drive over speed bumps without worrying about hitting the frame(although I do go very slow and watch out for my oil pan). If you are going to run a pickup bed you could mount the spring buckets inside the frame. if you want, I can send you some pictures of the setup that I used. heres the link to the speedway item. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/3395,311_Deluxe-Coil-Spring-Kits.html


Lonewolf- The springs sit over the "buckets" and theres at least 2in of "tube" that holds them in place. As well as my panhard bar that isnt exactly horizantal and keeps the frame from rising. And the shocks are at the top of there stroke(gas filled) and they wont let the frame rise off of the springs. I spent alot of time debating if i should make a way to hold them down but after testing(trying to jack the frame off of the axle) I desided I didnt need it.

 

Ok, this is like showing pics of my baby naked. First time seen by anyone that wasnt there to see it first hand. This is the kit tacked togeather minus the panhard bar. (yes that is duct tape...)


same view after I installed the panhard bar. (yes that is SNOW!!!)
I had an 8 in kickup also. I cut the frame in the middle of the diagonal section and added to it at the same angle of the rear of the body. REMEMBER!!!! THIS MAKES THE FRAME WEAK!!! You have to FISH plate the frame to give it strength. I took 1/2in plate and welded plates across all joints and didnt skimp on the welding wire!!

 

How come almost every bucket in here has a for sale sign on it??? I'm running the regular buggie springs from Total Performance. I don't recomend these. I was told by a friend with an older T the other day to trash those springs and go with 1000 pound springs. He says it makes a worlds difference in the ride. Most springs that are sold by T companies, Total, Spirit, etc. come with heavier 1500 - 2000 pound springs...thus the stiff ride. I'm going to switch out mine for lighter springs and give it a try. He said it truely gives the car a smooth ride. Just my .02.

monkey

 

so for the coil spring kit... would you buy the kit? or just buy some springs and fab the rest? I seem to be pretty handy with a welder. LOL... Also rear ends... I am still searching for one. what is the best option as far as GM rear ends go?

 

I bought the kit because it was easy to weld them on and know they would work. But its easy to design mounts. I chose the 8.8 explorer rear because it has disc brakes, the right bolt patern for wheels, the right gearing, its extreemly strong(jeep guys use them for up to 37in tires) and its the right width, you can change the yoke for any size U-joint by grabing yakes off of mustangs, rangers, crown vics, f150s and they are cheap too.

But lots of guys go with the 10 bolt chev as long as you dont plan on having allot of power.