47-55.1 Danforth Cross Member Install

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

That's just what I did on my install. In fact I would almost think I was looking at the one I did.

Has your customer had a chance to put any miles on?

Curious about his feedback on the front suspension.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Coach529

Has your customer had a chance to put any miles on?

Curious about his feedback on the front suspension.

Yes, with the new rack (3 turn) it drives great. I like it and he likes it which is the important parts. Thanks to the input of all the guys here that helped get it figured out I think this is the go to cross member for me in the future for AD trucks.

The truck with the Danforth front end and the 67-72 trailing arm rear makes it ride nice and handle like a newer truck similar to a 2000 up Silverado but smoother on the Interstate. I think with bags it should ride like a Cadillac

Turning radius is also very good

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

Yes, with the new rack (3 turn) it drives great. I like it and he likes it which is the important parts. Thanks to the input of all the guys here that helped get it figured out I think this is the go to cross member for me in the future for AD trucks.

The truck with the Danforth front end and the 67-72 trailing arm rear makes it ride nice and handle like a newer truck similar to a 2000 up Silverado but smoother on the Interstate. I think with bags it should ride like a Cadillac

Turning radius is also very good

one last question. No bumpsteer issues?

[dwcsr]

none at all and I was afraid it may have but like I said it drives great.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

none at all and I was afraid it may have but like I said it drives great.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Coach529

Thanks for putting my mind at ease.

You'll be happy with it I'm sure.

[Elder Rogue]

I am right behind you on starting my Danforth install, so I am watching very carefully each step.

I may have to talk my son into bring his plasma cutter over when I need to notch the cross member for the R&P.

I am not going with bags so mine will be closer to what dwcsr build.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by Elder Rogue

I am right behind you on starting my Danforth install, so I am watching very carefully each step.

I may have to talk my son into bring his plasma cutter over when I need to notch the cross member for the R&P.

I am not going with bags so mine will be closer to what dwcsr build.

A plasma will definitely shorten up your build time......I should have NEVER started this project without one.

[Coach529]

Dave, when you tap the tie rod ends to 9/16 did you have to drill them as well? Or just run the tap through?

Thanks,

Mike

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by Coach529

Dave, when you tap the tie rod ends to 9/16 did you have to drill them as well? Or just run the tap through?

Thanks,

Mike

just ran the tap through

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dwcsr

just ran the tap through

Great. Picked up a tap last night.

[Coach529]

I am trying to buy some u-joints, but do not have access to my rack right now. Is the rack a 3/4"-36 spline?

[dwcsr]

Yes 3/4-36

[Coach529]

Frame is painted and the rack is in.





I screwed the tie rod ends on until they bottomed out and checked the toe in. Looks like I am about 1-1/2 too wide in the front.

I need to verify again tomorrow, but looks like I will need to trim the rack a bit.

[dwcsr]

As I recall I did as well but there is more than enough threads to do it

[dsraven]

hey coach, what does the front end of your truck look like at ride height? the last pic, I assume, is with the bags deflated? do you have a pic of the same view with air in the bags and sitting at ride height?
just concerned with the angle of the tie rods. as the truck goes up and the tie rods level out they will get longer, due to the arc of the circle they travel in, so the toe in will get wider. will that be a factor to consider? it could be a hairy ride at highway speeds if you hit a whoopee bump on a corner.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dsraven

hey coach, what does the front end of your truck look like at ride height? the last pic, I assume, is with the bags deflated? do you have a pic of the same view with air in the bags and sitting at ride height?
just concerned with the angle of the tie rods. as the truck goes up and the tie rods level out they will get longer, due to the arc of the circle they travel in, so the toe in will get wider. will that be a factor to consider? it could be a hairy ride at highway speeds if you hit a whoopee bump on a corner.

I do not have a picture of the rack installed at ride height yet.

I measure my toe at ride height. Driving the truck below ride height will be very limited, and at slow speeds only. Got my fingers crossed that this will not be an issue.

[Coach529]

Steering done....

[Coach529]

All set up and ride height.

[dwcsr]

I do see what your saying but I didn't have an issue either, I'm not sure if you can tell from the picture or not but its centered fairly good. The stock trucks are slightly forward so when your turning and going over a bump like into a driveway the tire doesn't rub the fender

Measuring your pictures the SID axle is slightly backward of center and your Danforth is on center of the opening measured horizontally from the lower fender bump out to the front

[dunce79]

Has an alignment already been done. Guessing that could move the wheel back just a hear with more caster?

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by dunce79

Has an alignment already been done. Guessing that could move the wheel back just a hear with more caster?

No, an alignment has not been done. Hopefully this weekend.

[bobinbc]

To me it looks more centered now than before. Nice install! I'm sure it will look great after alignment.

[1953]

What was the mesurements on your axle centerline how far back from the front shackle hole is the centerline

[mr48chev]

Most every MII kit I have seen sets the axle center line at 18-1/8 inches behind the center of the front shackle pin/bolt.

The only familiarity I have with this crossmember is from reading their and a few other's install threads.

I should note that we lost DWCSR in late 2017 early 2018 when he passed away.