wap

So I think its time to build a set of bars for ol blacky. My question is how are the heims holding up on the street?

I have a set of bars here built with front conrol arm ends/bushings but was thinking of cuttin those off and adding the heims for adjustment.

Any tips and advice would be great, I got the bars, just kinda playing the ideas on how I want to hook em to the frame and axle.

TIA

Howling

I used Ballistic Fabrication joints on my bars,I think they will hold up fine-



They are a little pricey but I belive they are worth it over tractor links like some guys use.They also offer bushings if you wanted to run one on the frame side.

wap

So youre just running heims on the axle end?

If you got pics I would love to see em. I am now thinking of just starting from scratch vs moddifying what I have.

RowJ

Had my bars, with heims, for three yrs and over 90,000 miles. Holding up nicely.
Need to adjust them firm enough so they don't loosen up when empty and hitting bumps.
Three full turns on the bars.... 1" short of overload spring hitting the rubber stop.... works perfectly for me.
Haven't touched the adjustment in over a yr.



RJ

wap

Those look like lazersmith brackets?

RowJ

See my signature!

RJ

wap

I guess they look like lazar's for a reason lol

dieseloutlaw1

Been kicking around the same idea, I dont know how to preload them. i dont want to build a set and they look good. I want functionality.. What is the proper preload, or how do you tell??

pwrstrkr

I am also curious on how to preload the bars and what adjustments neeed to be made for hauling/towing?

RowJ

It's personal preference! no right or wrong. Trial and error.
I settled on loading mine so the overload spring is 1" off the rear bump stop.... as mention ed above. I leave it there full time.


For heavy towing, I would say the more preload, the better. To a point, obviously.

RJ

pwrstrkr

so when you preload them you are making them longer? or shorter? by turning the bar on the heim joints. do you have to jack the truck up to do this? or put weight in it while adjusting them? also, how long of a bar would be good for a qcsb? I was thinkimg 70"

RowJ

In theory you can load either way. Almost all CTD guys load by extending the bars. They are built like a turnbuckle.
We push back on the lower side of the axle to prevent spring wrapping at the track.
This pre loads the suspension to prevent wheel hop. It also stiffens the springs.

Loading the bars can easily be done with an empty truck sitting on all 4 wheels.

Lenght depends on available mounting locations. Generally, the longer the better, to transfer weight to the front end when accelerating.
But length is secondary to strength and weight. My long bed bars are 66". Sled pullers average around 70-75".

RJ