Caltrac install question

ninjapumkin · Jun 2, 2012

Si I am installing the Caltracs. Using the instructions for a change.
But the problem i'm running into is the adjusting bar. I turn the buckles all the way tight. Have the suspension up. Then as per instructions I push forward and turn the tube untill the back I is ready in the mount. By the time I do that I run out of buckle. So I'm assuming the tube is to short?
64 Polara. Tube I have is 17 5/16 long. Seems to be at least 2" to short.

Redpolara · Jun 3, 2012

The adjustment bar/hyme joint would normally be mounted in the lower hole of the brackets......not the upper as shown in your first pic....just a thought.

fuely62 · Jun 3, 2012

correct springs

:icon_karu:

ninjapumkin said:
Si I am installing the Caltracs. Using the instructions for a change.
But the problem i'm running into is the adjusting bar. I turn the buckles all the way tight. Have the suspension up. Then as per instructions I push forward and turn the tube untill the back I is ready in the mount. By the time I do that I run out of buckle. So I'm assuming the tube is to short?
64 Polara. Tube I have is 17 5/16 long. Seems to be at least 2" to short.

Are you sure leaf springs are correct for wheel base? Hard to tell from picture. but looks like rear axle is moved back.

67 B-body · Jun 3, 2012

Redpolara said:
The adjustment bar/hyme joint would normally be mounted in the lower hole of the brackets......not the upper as shown in your first pic....just a thought.

You should be able to use either hole... Thats for adjusting / tunning....

67 B-body · Jun 3, 2012

Try loading your suspension and check again........

ninjapumkin · Jun 3, 2012

67 B-body said:
Try loading your suspension and check again........

I did have the suspension loaded. Lifted rear till the frame came off the jack stands.

67 B-body · Jun 3, 2012

ninjapumkin said:
I did have the suspension loaded. Lifted rear till the frame came off the jack stands.

Hmmm.... it does sound like the bar is the wrong length, or your axle housing is located further rearward than the bars were designed for.
Have you done anymore work to it yet? Get anywhere at all?
Maybe a phone call to Calvert would be in order if you haven't done so yet..
I would first get a measurment on the shafts and then from the front mounting hole with the bracket just touching the spring loaded back to the center of the spring pearch.

ninjapumkin · Jun 4, 2012

67 B-body said:
Hmmm.... it does sound like the bar is the wrong length, or your axle housing is located further rearward than the bars were designed for.
Have you done anymore work to it yet? Get anywhere at all?
Maybe a phone call to Calvert would be in order if you haven't done so yet..
I would first get a measurment on the shafts and then from the front mounting hole with the bracket just touching the spring loaded back to the center of the spring pearch.

You bet. Called today and talked with Travis. Great help! Seems like the front spring is to long at 22". Thats measuring from center of mount bolt to centering pin. The rear is to short cause the hanger is sitting vertical. Yes the housing is not centered. It all needs to go forward at least. 1 1/2" - 2". I put the tires on and the ride heigth looks good.

5.7 hemi · Jun 4, 2012

What hangars are ya using?

ninjapumkin · Jun 4, 2012

5.7 hemi said:
What hangars are ya using?

Stock hangers in the back and SS hangers in the front.

5.7 hemi · Jun 4, 2012

Try switching the hangars back to stock, and your shackles should move to the right position.

ninjapumkin · Jun 4, 2012

5.7 hemi said:
Try switching the hangars back to stock, and your shackles should move to the right position.

Problem is that I need to move them to an angle slopping back. Their vertical now and it wouldnt make a difference with my position of the rearend. The stock front hangers are only about 1/2" shorter if that. But I appreciate the help.

5.7 hemi · Jun 4, 2012

Well I'm out of ideas.

5.7 hemi · Jun 4, 2012

Oops, forgot to add that the length from the front spring eye (center) to the center bolt for 64-65 cars is 21 inches and the rear is 35 inches. I guess that 1 inch makes alot of difference, just ask any woman, lol!!

ninjapumkin · Jun 4, 2012

5.7 hemi said:
Oops, forgot to add that the length from the front spring eye (center) to the center bolt for 64-65 cars is 21 inches and the rear is 35 inches. I guess that 1 inch makes alot of difference, just ask any woman, lol!!

Thats what she said!!!
On the SS springs its 21" from eye to centre pin and 36 1/2" from eye to centre pin.

5.7 hemi · Jun 4, 2012

Have I got it *** backwards for the spring measurements? Found it, they are 21/35 for sure, so thats correct. Since your not running ss springs, shouldn't the cal tracs be the same measurement as the factory springs?

ninjapumkin · Jun 5, 2012

You bet. Pretty much. I think thats where im running into the problem. Travis from Calvert told me to put my tires on and see if I like the ride height and call him tomorrow. They will fix the problem. He seems a little surprised that it wont work. I said the same especially since the guys in Vegas at MOTS with 64's were running caltracs so I assumed I was getting the same setup for lengths. Will updated tomorrow.

ninjapumkin · Jun 5, 2012

Easy Peezy. Talked with Travis of Caltrac and I'm just going to redrill a hole
1" further forward. The front spring should have been at 21" and for all the hassle its just easier to drill the hole. The rear leaf is the right length.
Plus for the effort to fix it on my end he's sending me proper U-bolts at no charge. Cause I failed to think going with less leafs the U-bolts I have i dont have enough threads. About 1/2" more is what I needed. Have great customer support from them!! Good experience.

5.7 hemi · Jun 5, 2012

That's good to hear. Any company that handles a problem like that is worth doing business with imo. Post up some pics when you get it set right.

MoParFish · Jun 7, 2012

Hey Ninja, I ran into similar problem with mine a few years back when installing cal-tracs bars and original springs. Like 5.7 said, the spring length messed me up. Calvert Racing was great!! They sent me the correct length bars same day and said to send the others back when I got a chance. Thought that was great service!!! Lookin' Good!!...

Caltrac install question

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