Re: [ihc] Slight lift to older Travelall

[Tom Mandera <tsm1@xxxxxxxxx>]

John M. Adams wrote:

> I think I will get the lift kit for the front first, see how much actual
> lift I get, then get the appropriate block for the rear. Not that I don't
> trust your math (4" chevy kit = 2" TA lift), but I'll verify it first.
>  
That was always my plan for my Travelall.  Buy the front lift for a 
Chevy, install it, and then buy the appropriate rear lift block to get 
the stance I wanted.

I wouldn't trust my math 100%, either.  Math and calculations don't 
always pan out in the Real World.


> Yep. I certainly don't see any kits advertised for 60s IH trucks... Are the
> Chevy kits longer or shorter than the 2wd IH springs?
>  
I can't remember if the Chevy spring is 1/4-1/2" longer or shorter.. 
just that it's close enough. :D


> So when you drop the axle straight "down" (relative to drive line), you're
> keeping both the pinion and T/C yoke angles in the same relation to each
> other. As opposed to lowering the spring eye only at one end of the spring
> pack. I begin to see why the lengthened shackle method is perhaps a BAD
> THING (whether it's possible to execute on a given rig or not). I'm glad I
>  
Yep.  If you put longer shackles on for a "lift" you should put a degree 
shim between the axle and spring to re-adjust your pinion angle.

Dropping the axle straight down, or as close as you can, is best.  There 
IS a point at which "equal and opposite" doesn't work so well - most 
U-joints work well to about 15-deg of angle.  They wear out faster 
beyond that, and/or bind up.  If you go too far, then you need to look 
at pointing the pinion at the transfercase and a CV style driveshaft.


> Is the Chevy lift kit's ability to "lift", solely in it's increased arc? Or
> is it also made to be a taller stack? If I get a half ton kit, and move the
> shackles rearward, how much different do you think ride quality will be?
>  
Pretty much the increased arch and/or increased spring rate.

Some Chevy lifts have a spring rate similar to the stock IH fronts, but 
start with more free-arch..  Others might have the same free-arch, but 
double the spring rate (harsher ride)  It all depends on your choice in 
springs.

-Tom