LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Marty you are awesome :tup:

I'm guessing these are the ones you have??

http://www.spohn.net/product.cfm?productid=1535

I've been wanting to get those and spohn's tubular lower A-arms on the front of my truck.
As for the rear I was just gonna go with the SW shocks that come with the package.

So I'm curious as to why you think I would be happier with the ladder bars? I know the 4-link is more difficult to set up. Although I will say that the ladder bars look awesome on that SY. Would also save me money going the ladder bar route....
From what I've heard, it seems if you take the time to set the 4-link up right it will hook better than ladder bars. But the ladder bars are alot more "stress free" of a set-up.

Hmm...I'm gonna think about this and await your response.

 

[badmatt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

yes ladder bars are cheaper, as for the 4-links yes they work awsome but on a street car they're not the best because of the amount they flex, and articulate(sp?) alot, and can cause lots of binding, why ladder bars cant really move side to side more then a quarter inch. 4-links can artiiculate alot more side to side.

 

[jjorgensen52]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

It looks like you should get busy then.

sorry i am hi-jacking your thread.

Time and money limit me, quite a bit. I have just about maxed out my budget as is

I'm thinking I may be getting out of PAS POS's for a bit (not the Ty, though) and build something a little different

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

yes ladder bars are cheaper, as for the 4-links yes they work awsome but on a street car they're not the best because of the amount they flex, and articulate(sp?) alot, and can cause lots of binding, why ladder bars cant really move side to side more then a quarter inch. 4-links can artiiculate alot more side to side.

Hmm interesting. My understanding was that if you kept the link bars parallel, binding while cornering wouldn't really be a problem?

I think I'm just gonna call S&W tomorrow and see what they have to say.

thanks for the input.

 

[SY2455]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

You may find these of interest. The 2nd one is better.

http://www.carbibles.com/suspension_bible.html

http://www.automotivearticles.com/Suspension_Design_2.shtml

 

[badmatt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Hmm interesting. My understanding was that if you kept the link bars parallel, binding while cornering wouldn't really be a problem?

I think I'm just gonna call S&W tomorrow and see what they have to say.

thanks for the input.

no problem

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Well, I'm really thinking about this....I'd rather have the 4link, but there is no way my truck is sitting any higher than it is now...I wanted to lower it another inch... :rotf:

This is bumming me out..haha I figured with 7.5 inches of ride height adjustability there would be no problem sitting it where I want...up until now, all the pics I have seen of people with the 4-link have been to the contrary. I'm really leaning towards ladder bars now simply because of the ride height issue....

 

[badmatt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

well you can get a 4-link car low but the SW kit makes them sit like a stock hieght.

the S&W kit sucks....sat like a 4x4, we added 4 inches to the height to get it to sit low, (but now the bed is completely cut out to clear frame) should be about 6 inches of the ground with a 31x10.50 w tire...but it`s pretty easy to install, lays inside factory frame weld in place then cut old 1 out..

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

You have to remember... the SW kit is made to fit a 31x18.5" tire underneath of it unless you specifically ask otherwise, so creating a rake on the truck that might raise the truck back up an inch or two, is kinda one of those things you have to weigh pro/con. If mine was set up on the truck, I'd send ya some pics, but it won't be done for probably a week. Another thing you can consider is upgrading to double adjustable coilovers in the rear for that added adjustability.

 

[Syborg Twin Turbo]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

You have to remember... the SW kit is made to fit a 31x18.5" tire underneath of it unless you specifically ask otherwise, so creating a rake on the truck that might raise the truck back up an inch or two, is kinda one of those things you have to weigh pro/con.

Just to give you and Idea. The tire on my project is a 295 45 20 (30.5" tall) You could use there rails and ladder bar set up if you want a 30" tall tire. All you would need to do is get the correct rear axle width.

If you plan to run a 28" tall 345 series tire then you are going to have to look at other option.

Before you journey down this road call me or jump on Pro-touring or lateral-g and look at the suspension those guy's are doing.

?? what is your goal ??
1. Street Cruise
2. Drag Race
3. Drag Race - Drive
4. Auto cross - Drag Race

or is it to get low and dirty you should look at Air Rides Bolt in Set up. You can fit a 285 width tire in there.

FBI Rides also make a good set up that you can modify if you need wider tires.

 

[badmatt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

also if you just want to get down n dirty like marty said go here
www.suicidedoors.com lots of minitruck stuff.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Well, the tires are only gonna be about 26 inches tall (335/30R18)

The plan with this truck is that I want it to hook very hard but I still will drive it all the time. It will even be a DD for the next couple years probably. I'm not a real stickler when it comes to driveability so I don't mind a rough ride, like I said, I want it to hook up with about 600 RWHP. I don't want a bagged set-up ..not really into that, but I still want the truck slammed, probably about a 5 inch drop in the rear...basically as low as possible without dragging cladding.

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Call Steve George @ S&W and see if they can make something specific for you. A ladder bar will still hook good, and it may allow you to ride lower if you want.

Another thing you could do is to go to a hot rod shop and ask them if they would take you for a ride in a vehicle that has a 4link/ladder bar setup, to see how it rides. Since I'm just going for drag/once a week night cruise, I'm not too worried about a smooth ride either.

 

[Syborg Twin Turbo]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Well, the tires are only gonna be about 26 inches tall (335/30R18)

The plan with this truck is that I want it to hook very hard but I still will drive it all the time. It will even be a DD for the next couple years probably. I'm not a real stickler when it comes to driveability so I don't mind a rough ride, like I said, I want it to hook up with about 600 RWHP. I don't want a bagged set-up ..not really into that, but I still want the truck slammed, probably about a 5 inch drop in the rear...basically as low as possible without dragging cladding.

You may want to consider the Ladder Bar Set Up. Would be very forgiving on the street.

Make sure you ask them for Poly Rod Ends as Heims will not survive on the Street.

To Bad the old DPT Suspension isn't still arround. Wait - someone e-mail Renz and get him in the post.

IF you goal is to drop 5" then you can get away with the stock rails moved in. It will save you a ton of money and if you did 315's you could actually box your frame and then shave the rail (narrow it) around the tire.

Did you ever look at the pics of my black GT it was 5.75 inches off the ground with a 26" tall tire as low as you can go without slamming the tank into the ground.

Plus I can even point you in the direction of a company that sells a shorter cell/tank that mounts in the stock location.

Call me I can save you a shit load of money and time.

been there done that and i actually learned something this time.

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Well I've got the fuel cell mounted in the bed so the tank isn't a problem.

If the ladder bar set-up is workable on the street and will give me the drop I want then I will probably just go with that. Only thing I've heard with ladder bars is that on the street going over bumps and what not some people have had housing bracket welds break and things like that happen. I'd really like to use the SW rear clip just for how easy it is. I'm gonna cal SW in a few here and see what they have to say.

-Taylor

Edit: and no I don't think I saw your GT when it was that low. Mine right now has a 4 inch drop in back and a 3 up front, but the tires are about 24.25 inches tall.

 

[badmatt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

i wouldnt go with poly's id go with just a good set of rebuildable rod ends in the frotn and the other 4 just use solid clevis's

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

To Bad the old DPT Suspension isn't still arround. Wait - someone e-mail Renz and get him in the post.

what'd i miss? I don't feel like reading 100s of posts to find out :lol:

 

[super-gt]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

what'd i miss? I don't feel like reading 100s of posts to find out :lol:

Heh, don't worry bout it man. We were just discussing what rear suspension to do on my truck but I've got it all figured out. (Going with ladder bars). Thanks though. :tup:

 

[Syborg Twin Turbo]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Syborg Twin Turbo
To Bad the old DPT Suspension isn't still arround. Wait - someone e-mail Renz and get him in the post.



what'd i miss? I don't feel like reading 100s of posts to find out

You need to get busy and start offering these up

 

[MikeRenz]

Re: LS1-Sonoma GT build (updated with pics)

You need to get busy and start offering these up

i did offer you a set but you tried to pretend you wouldn't need them. :lol:

I don't have time to design/fab the ladders themselves just yet. Besides i'm working on a diff design overall, not just a dustan copy :tup: