MrSimon Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 I'm getting ready to have my SOA done and I've got a few questions. As the pictures show, the nut on the pin that goes through the leafs prevents the perches from sitting right up against the leafs. Can I just flip it over? Or should I replace it with something. Also, does this look right (except for that darn nut)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpdocdave Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 yep, use a couple c clamps to keep the springs together, and you'll probably wanna replace the center bolt. it will be pretty weak even if it doesn't break. just don't loosen the nut without clamping the springs together. new u bolts wouldn't hurt either. where'd ya get the perches, i'll need 6 pretty soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 I highly recommend all new hardware. U-bolts should not be re-used. And make sure you get a Grade 8 center bolt. I got a socket cap bolt (the one with the round head that takes an allen wrench) from the hardware store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSimon Posted April 22, 2009 Author Share Posted April 22, 2009 Those are just old U bolts I had laying around ... new ones will go on. Any idea where I can get a new leaf pin. A local store would be best - not sure if I have time to have one shipped before the SOA goes on thsi weekend. EDIT - Just saw Pete's reply ... I'll check the local hardware store. Thanks. Oh, and I got the perches from M.O.R.E. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Yeah, there's nothing really special about the bolt. Just be sure to get one of the right diameter and length (and Grade 8). Be careful when removing the old bolt. As jpdoc said, use a couple big C-clamps to hold it together and then slowly relieve the pressure. Be sure to inspect the leafs as you take the pack apart. I found a couple broken leafs in my 88. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvusse Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 Put a C clamp on each side of the center pin and take the pin out. Then put in a new pin turned around from how it is now. Old center bolts should not be reused as they have probably weakened with age. I also don't think that aerosol can will propel your truck very well. Where would the drive shaft hook up? :D I have a local store to me that deals in among other things suspension components. They have had every center pin I ever needed in stock. Summit racing also carries some. If you completely strike out, let me know and I can buy them here and mail them to you. edit: dang you all fast typers. 3 replies while I was typing this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shelbyluvv Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 That looks like a Ruff Stuff swap kit. If it is you are going to have to drill the hole out for the top plate to 9/16ths. I just did the SOA last night on my truck. EDIT: You also have to notch or drill a hole in the perches for your brake lines to go through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvusse Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 I used the Ruff Stuff perch. My local suspension shop machined down the heads of the center pins to 1/2" to fit. I suppose drilling out the hole(s) in the perch to 9/16 would work just as well. My brake lines hook around the bottom of the perch behind the axle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 idiot question :D How much does the SOA conversion raise the truck up by? Thanks :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 22, 2009 Share Posted April 22, 2009 5.5-6.5 inches over its current height. This could match anywhere from a 4.5 to a 7.5" front end lift kit depending on factors like spring sag, 2wd vs 4wd leafs, and the height of the new perches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvusse Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 Take the diameter of the axle tube plus the thickness of the original spring under perch, add the thickness of the new spring over perch and the thickness of the leaf pack. That is how much higher the truck will be. I can't remember exactly for sure, and I'm not going outside right now to measure, but I believe with a stock leaf pack, D35 and Ruff Stuff Specialties perches will lift 5.25". I will try to remember to measure tomorrow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrSimon Posted April 23, 2009 Author Share Posted April 23, 2009 I'm realy having trouble finding new center pins. The local hardware stores don't have any grade 8 socket cap bolts. NAPA had nice grade 8 pins, but they don't quite fit - either the shaft is too narrow for the leafs, or the head is to big for the perch. I may end up having to drill out the perch a little bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 I may end up having to drill out the perch a little bit. Also an good option. :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reson46 Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 You can also round off the head of a grade 8 bolt. Willy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvusse Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 The size center pins we need (3/8? Can't remember any more) usually come with a 9/16 head. The Ruff Stuff perches have 1/2" holes. Either grind down the heads of the pins to 1/2", or drill out the holes in the perches to 9/16. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry Posted April 23, 2009 Share Posted April 23, 2009 5.5-6.5 inches over its current height. This could match anywhere from a 4.5 to a 7.5" front end lift kit depending on factors like spring sag, 2wd vs 4wd leafs, and the height of the new perches. Thankyou :bowdown: Take the diameter of the axle tube plus the thickness of the original spring under perch, add the thickness of the new spring over perch and the thickness of the leaf pack. That is how much higher the truck will be. I can't remember exactly for sure, and I'm not going outside right now to measure, but I believe with a stock leaf pack, D35 and Ruff Stuff Specialties perches will lift 5.25". I will try to remember to measure tomorrow. and thankyou! :bowdown: :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now