Would I hook up better with 4 leafs than 5 leafs ?? SSM lift bars Y or N , Experts Help!!!

Hope this thread finds all that view it well. Thinking about tweaking the suspension on the 65 mustang to improve short times. The current set up is 5 leafs with ssm lift bars, rear sway bar and adjustable shocks(set light in front heavy in back) This car had this setup when I bought it about three years ago and was set up as a road race canyon carver.

I was advised that a softer stock 4 leaf would help plant the tires better??? Is this the case??

Could the stiffness of the 5 leafs with the rear sway bar be hurting my short times??[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img][img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] Are the SSM bars a good setup for drag racing? Would switching to stock 4 leafs help the weight transfer? If the 4 leafs are better how will the SSM's work with them??

The car is definately making some power. Since I switched to the locker I have twisted the hardened 28 splined axles so it is definately hooking up somewhat. I still think the short times could be way better. So far the car's best time was 12.18 with a horrid 1.88 short time. The best short time has been 1.74.

Car has a G Force t5 with 4.11 gears and launching at about 35-4k with 12 psi in the quick time pros. 26x9.

If you guys with experince in racing leaf spring rides could lend me your expertise in this matter it would be greatly appreciated.
[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img][img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img][img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img][img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img]

P.S.

I will be upgrading to 31 spline hardened axles, probably Strange

I don't drag race anymore but a few years ago I did and we ran one thick mono leaf after trying a bunch of different combos of leafs by far the monoleaf was best this with lakewood bars and 11.50 wrinklewalls took the front end off the ground, the multileafs didnot, just what my exoeriance was

agawam[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img][img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img][img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img] Thanks for weighing in.

Need more info. Engine type, HP est, trans, starting line RPM, car weight. A 1.74, 60ft time is actually pretty good, for the ET you're getting. There also is pinion angle and a few other tricks.

After reading your post I was curious what my times are. And for the most part they seem to be around the same as yours. I have a 66 fairlane with new stock springs 90/10 drag shock on the front and 50/50 drag shocks on the rear I use lakewood traction bars sinched up tight to the leafs. I also run street tires. But I just was looking at my very best run ever and it is: 60ft time 1.317 Et 5.675 at 64.137mph our track is very short 385 feet. I run 23psi in tires and have a 351w with 100shot nos and 411 gears. There must have been a TON!! of VHT down and a good shot of NOS off the line for a time like that maybe the clock was out of wack. Maybe this set up would be good with Slicks.Hope this is some help.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Lupins on 3/5/05 11:24am ]</font>

Dacofa

Thanks for the reply. Some more specifics:

Engine 347 Stroker, Stage III TSF track heats, 605 lift low lash solid roller, BIGS Stage 5 750. RWHP at a stingy Mustang dyno 364 at 6400 rpm. (Cam range 3-7) Currently running a port matched air gap for street drivability but I suppose I would pick up some nice top end power with the victor junior as I have the 1 3/4 long tubes with 3 in exhaust.

GForce 5 speed

4.11 gears

Launch at about 3500 to 4000 rpms. Running some quick time pros 26x9 on a 14 inch rim. Have the ajustable shocks set up loose in front and tight in rear.

Twisted the moser axles with the 28 with tru trac soft lock and now upgrading to 31.

Actually broke the ubolt that clamps the ssm bar to the leaf spring.

Car had a serious pull to the right when shifted. As it turned out the housing had shifted about an inch and a half on the right side because a pin or something on the leaf spring came loose.

I'm certainly willing to try another set up to optimize the car's launchabilty if it would make a significant difference.

The car also has the 620 springs in the front and was originally set up as a canyon carver and other than the adjustable shocks I haven't changed anything suspension related.

I would definately get rid of the 620 springs. They are doing nothing for weight transfer.Invest in a set of small block springs or 6 cylinder springs.
Bob
[addsig]

I ran SSM lift bars with 5 leaf mid eye springs and it was too stiff. My car would jackrabbit when I launched. I went back to Lakewood slapper bars and it works fine now.
[addsig]

Hottarod, thanks[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img][img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_bow.gif[/img] 1.65 short times is where I would like to be. Did you stick with the five leafs? By the way nice looking ride.[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_tup.gif[/img]

hey there.
I run 5 leaf reverse eye and 620's up front that have been cut to drop my car. My car is very low... almost too low. The car is VERY rigid with the sub frame connectors and springs.
My best 60' is 1.72... but that was with broken motor mounts (only thing holding the motor was a chain[img]/phpBB/images/smiles/icon_frown.gif[/img]). The car definately has better 60' in it... more time at the track soon!
So, my experience with the 5 leafs is positive.