suspension compatability

[1ST BUILD]

let me say first what a great find this site is !!! A wealth of talented craftsmen shareing their time & trade knowledge , gold !!!
Im starting a build on a 70 stepside , just got the frame back . combo will be a 502 , 400 w/ gear vendors , 9" rear , and big meats ( a step side needs big tires ! ) Question is , are air bags compatable with this set up . will a drop member and notched 4 link rear hold up ? Can you lay frame and still take it to the track ? or are these 2 different worlds . Thanks for any help and guidance, this is my first build .

[jimmydean]

Welcome to the board!

I don't see why laying out would affect track performance. I know bags can handle a great deal of power based on some of the other discussions that have happened.

I think you might be compromising your track performance, but if done right, there shouldn't be any issues.

[1ST BUILD]

my only concern is saftey . Cutting up the rear section , then applying a high torque load raises some concerns. I know they do in crafting a drag set up , but thats with the torsional ridigity of a full cage .

[jimmydean]

As I understand it (and someone like Porterbuilt would have more info) the torque would be applied to the frame where the 4 link attaches, not to the step notch. As long as that is properly braced, it should be fine.

I don't want to do something like a step notch because my rig is used for towing. But for HP, I would think you'd be fine as long as the frame and links are designed to handle it.

[pkj]

thought there was some talk one time about some of these race tracks had a "bags no drag" rule. just something i read somewhere.

[craig@ridetech.com]

Originally Posted by pkj

thought there was some talk one time about some of these race tracks had a "bags no drag" rule. just something i read somewhere.

I've discussed this with others before and I think the main concern for most tracks is the ability to adjust the suspension while you are driving down the track, if you can convince them that it isn't something you can/will do then you should be fine. The fact that it is an adjustable suspension shouldn't even come into play since almost every set of coilovers is adjustable. Like I've said before we have several guys that run drag cars with air bags and they have not been denied a race. All in all I'm sure it just comes down to the track and their rules, ultimately they have the final say so.

[PBFAB.COM]

First Build-

If done properly, there will be no structural issue that effect the desired outcome you are going for... frame-laying drag-truck. The torque will be transferred to the chassis where the four-link attaches. If you use a panhard bar to locate the axle, the mounting points will need to be sufficient to handle the forces it generates.
The one recommendation would be that you don't really try to plant the frame-rails on the ground (an inch or so away would be best... it could be nasty if you had a bag failure on the strip and layed-out doing 100mph).

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

First Build-

The one recommendation would be that you don't really try to plant the frame-rails on the ground (an inch or so away would be best... it could be nasty if you had a bag failure on the strip and layed-out doing 100mph).

But if he was to mount titanium drag blocks to the frame rails, think of the light show!!!

[1ST BUILD]

Good advise . Im into my 3rd motor in my 70 GTO , I enjoy rebuildin em just ( almost ) as much as runnin it hard . I just dont want to build a truck I have to baby , or worry about . Any build threads with good examples of a suitable setup ? FNLOW 's looks like a smooth ride with those long bars . Thanks , ive been ckn out some AWESUM work in these threads .