Front End Alignment & Shock Length

[Sbolt19]

I am in the process of replacing bushings, ball joints, coils, tie rods & adding a track bar riser. I am going from a very old set of Rancho 3.5" coils to a Cage set of 5.5" coils. I have the 7* bushings (and a complete 14 pc. front end set). I had new upper & lower ball joints pressed in on both sides and am going to be going with TRO using the Stone Crusher setup.

With that in mind, what am I going to need to do for wheel alignment? How do I go about finding the correct caster & such? This is something that I have never done before because this is the first time I have ever had to change ball joints. Educate me on this one please.

The second part of my question, you guys running the 5.5" coils, what length shock are you running? Are you using the original shock mounts or have you changed them out? What are opinions for length using stock mounts.

Thanks guys ~ Gary

 

[Broncobowsher]

If you have power steering use '78-'79 alignment specs. Probably won't be able to get enough caster without cutting and turning the ends.

Shock length should be measured on your vehicle. Install the suspension minus the springs, jack the axle up until it is smashed into the bumpstops real good, that is the minimum shock length you should run. If you can't find a shock that can compress this much and will still extend long enough for your needs, get different shock mounts that allow for a longer shock.

 

[ctowery]

X2..but get the longest mounts you can buy or just make yourself a set. more than likely 14" travel Bilstein SBRR's will be the longest you can fit.

I made my mounts similar to the old school weld ons except taller..up to the fender liner with a 2" body lift so I could use 14" SBRR's.

Cary