setting caster on d44

[jtbredneck351]

Although we're not quite ready to start right yet, I've been doing alot of thinking and reading about pinion angle and caster. I believe the way to install this axle, 77 hp d44, is to cut my c'off, set my axle on jack stands at ride hight, get my pinion angle where it needs to be set the caster on my c's, which I believe to be 7 to 9 degrees for 5" susp. lift, and weld her up. Im also cutting my wedges off and adjusting them so that i can tuck my radius arms close to the frame. Do I seem to have the right idea on all of this? Oh yea, I'm narrowing the axle 6". Thanks.

 

[jtbredneck351]

So, two days and 32 views and can't even get a "sounds like a plan" or "man you've git things allll wrong"?

 

[brinker88]

If you can cut the wedges off, build yourself a 3 link. They don't unload like radius arm suspensions typically do.

As for setting the castor with a 3 link, you usually build the suspension, set the ride height, then weld your c's to the correct degree (between 5 and 7 degrees)

If you're re-using your wedges, cut ONLY the side you're narrowing and match the castor of the driver side. The wedge bushings will allow you to set your castor with the radius arm setup

 

[jtbredneck351]

Thanks brinker. I'm gonna have to do some homework on the 3 link. Sounds like an idea though. I need to read alot and look at some pics. Any info or pics of the 3 link would be helpful. Thanks.

 

[brinker88]

All I can tell you is visit Pirate4x4 and READ. They have a great tech section for linked suspensions.

 

[jtbredneck351]

After reading a bit about the 3 link, I understand it better now. I also understand that the price will be alot higher than ra setup. I think that is what will sway my decision. So, if i use radius arms, will I have to use drop brackets. My first post in the thread I asked about cutting the wedges on both sides so that I can reposition my radius arms so I won't have to use drop brackets, if i understand you correctly, i can still put my brackets close to the frame and correct it with 7degree bushings....am I right? I'm not dumb, lol, just a little ignorant about this. That being said, I'm still reading and using the search bar.

 

[brinker88]

Yup, extend your radius arms and use the 7 degree bushings and you should be fine. Either way, you're still going to have to buy DOM tubing.

 

[jtbredneck351]

Yea, 3 link would be one more piece of dom but four more j joints. Right? Still up in the air if I can find a good price on j joints. I've read of some ppl using heims for link susp. Maybe I'll go that route.