Spring lengths, traction bars & stuff like that?

[Hammer Head]

Ok, here's why I'm about to ask the questions.. I want to run traction bars, & I have a Hellwig 550 deal, on my blazer. It's getting the 8.8 rear. The 8.8 has 3" axle tubes.. same as a Dodge dakota. I saw there was a huge price difference between the S10 kit & the Dakota kit. The Dakota kit would already have the anchor plate (spring plate) done out to the 3" axle tube. Shock mounting looks to be about the same as the Explorer's.. which is close to the S10's but skewed a little.

Now... here's the questions..

How long are our springs on 2wds? How long are the springs on 2wd Dakotas? What's the distance from spring eye to mid anchor plate on both vehicles? What's the diameter of the spring eye on both models?

..answer what you can.

[12sws27]

Maybe this will help?
http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=405&osCsid=gkc9fhsm5qaj0u458ge5q2jlh3

[12sws27]

http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=132&osCsid=gkc9fhsm5qaj0u458ge5q2jlh3

[oddball]

I'll pick mine up tomorrow after work and get the measurements for the blazer part,not much help on the mopar side.

[12sws27]

Here, even better.
http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/tables/dakota.php

[oddball]

Here, even better.
http://thesuspensionking.com/catalog/tables/dakota.phpGood one Scotty!

[12sws27]

Hope it helps. If the Dakota leafs being longer means you can cut the bar down then it might be a good thing? Maybe?

[oddball]

Hope it helps. If the Dakota leafs being longer means you can cut the bar down then it might be a good thing? Maybe?It would probably be a minimal mod if that is the case.

[12sws27]

It would probably be a minimal mod if that is the case.
Maybe. I've never had a pair but by looking at pics, if the only problem was that they were longer. Then if you cut them you would also have to tap the end for threads, or cut out a section and reweld them. I think a person would have to actually have a set in the hands to find out.

[oddball]

Maybe. I've never had a pair but by looking at pics, if the only problem was that they were longer. Then if you cut them you would also have to tap the end for threads, or cut out a section and reweld them. I think a person would have to actually have a set in the hands to find out.True,I would do the drill and tap verses the sectioning,that's just me though.

[12sws27]

I was just checking out the Calvert Racing site (Maker of the caltrac bars) and they will make them any way you want them. They also "offer low profile kits for lowered applications" Probably cost alot though. :(

http://calvertracing.com/index.php

[oddball]

Probably cost alot though. :(

http://calvertracing.com/index.phpProbably.Wish I had diminsions,I just happen to know someone with a cnc plasma burning table.

[12sws27]

True,I would do the drill and tap verses the sectioning,that's just me though.
Yeah me to. I was just throwing the sectional thing out there incase the ends of the bars were thicker. Instead of just a pipe threaded on each ended. Hell IDK, they could be solid for all I know. I know I hate axle wrap, thats for sure ;).

[oddball]

Yeah me to. I was just throwing the sectional thing out there incase the ends of the bars were thicker. Instead of just a pipe threaded on each ended. Hell IDK, they could be solid for all I know. I know I hate axle wrap, thats for sure ;).Mine aint hopped yet.

[12sws27]

Lower it...you'll understand.

[Hammer Head]

Interesting. Looks like I'll be comming up about 2" short w/ the Dakota bars.

[Hammer Head]

Seems Ford explorers & Rangers have damn near the same springs S trucks have.