Questions on moving rear axle back 1"

[rdanford]

What is all needed to move the rear axle back 1"? I'm about ready to install the new suspension and am wanting to complete this as well...any pointers, suggestion, ect would be nice.

Thanks guys!

[Jesus_man]

You need new top plates on your leaves. These need to be beefy! mine are made from 3/8" plate and there is still a slight bow in them once I tighten down the u-bolts. This plate needs to have the center hole re-drilled 1" in front of where it is now. You also need to drill a new hole in the lower spring perch 1" forward of the existing. Your shocks may need some attention depending on how they are mounted.

You may get some rubbing in the rear inner fender, but only when flexing out.

J.D.

[rdanford]

What about something like this...
http://www.offroaddesign.com/catalog/Zero%20Rates.htm

[Jesus_man]

No, that adds height to the suspension. The plate you need sits on top of the leaf springs and simply sandwiches the spring pack to the axle.

[Rox Crusher]

Just get the WH heavy duty spring plates and the problem is solved

x2

drill the plates and the spring perch and your done

[rdanford]

Thanks guys, hoping to get the suspension installed this weekend.

Shocks are in the stock location, any issues?

Will pay attention to the drive shaft, but hoping to address them next summer anyways.

[RJLougee]

Those are all options; however, probably the best mix of strongest vs. easiest way to do it is to take apart the spring pack and drill another hole in the main leaf, that is 1" back from the existing hole. Then reassemble the spring pack with the group of bottom leaves centered on the new hole. This will retain the same spring rate and you're not adding leverage against things. Drilling holes in spring material can be time consuming if you don't have good bits and patience.
Joe

[Jesus_man]

Drilling holes in spring material can be time consuming if you don't have good bits and patience.
Joe

You ain't kiddin! I tried to simply enlarge a hole in a spring once and gave up after just a few minutes when I only scratched the surface.

[ZOSO]

The key to drilling hard material is to do it with the slowest speed possible. Go fast and your bit is gone in a nano second.

And lube it up.

[RJLougee]

Yes, it is a lot easier to plunge cut with the plasma cutter, then clean the hole up. If you use the right size washer you can clamp it down and run the plasma around the inside of it and get very close to the correct size hole, requiring minimal drill use.
Joe

[ZOSO]

The key to drilling hard material is to do it with the slowest speed possible. Go fast and your bit is gone in a nano second.

And lube it up.

And then what? Are you going to invite us to the Van. LOL

Im so glad I got a truck for work now instead of the van I was driving.

[Rox Crusher]

Thanks guys, hoping to get the suspension installed this weekend.

Well................is it sittin pretty yet ?

[rdanford]

Haven't got to work on it...had an unexpected death in the family last week.