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Leaf Spring Sliders Install - Experienced Advice Please

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Hi guys - I am installing a set of AFCO sliders and note that the full travel length is 4-inches. That appears to be the same length that my leaf spring will extend from unloaded to fully flat. I'm concerned about being able to install and remove the spring and still have full travel without binding when the spring is fully loaded and flat.

Right now I plan on locating them with the springs unloaded, connected to the front hangers, and with the pin in the slider all the way forward. This should work, but still leaves no room for error. The slider has 4 inches of travel and the springs will be 4 inches longer when loaded flat.

Am I missing something or concerned about nothing? Experienced install tips please!

Here they are: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/afc-20236s
 
I think you will be fine as long as you don't hit the RR tracks at 90mph.

You want to keep the spring oriented so it is somewhat level front to rear.
 
With the springs unloaded you’ll want to still leave some forward travel. My sliders came from Speedway and the slot allows 4.5” travel. I left 1” space at the front when the springs are unloaded, diff hanging. At launch you want to make sure you don't run out of travel during rise. When sitting level on ground I have lots of slot remaining at the rear. I’d suggest to mock them up and check loaded and unloaded.

E24D8068-4A39-45BB-8A9E-EB570EC41FD6.jpeg
 
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And note the pic above has the slider on the chassis (lowers the ride height) *and* the front spring eye is in the top hole. This is a good thing. I had to do the same on my 66 Charger to correct the pinion angle I am remembering right. That it looks bad *** : D
 
A couple more pictures.

Slider position at ride height.
C6C348A8-FA95-452D-A494-62546E060B47.jpeg



This is why it’s good to have additional travel at the front of the slider when the leaf is unloaded. When you have extreme separation those leafs curl up pretty good and that extra travel will get used up.
CBDF1A4E-68C3-41AA-BE00-37A7E103411B.jpeg
 
With the springs unloaded you’ll want to still leave some forward travel. My sliders came from Speedway and the slot allows 4.5” travel. I left 1” space at the front when the springs are unloaded, diff hanging. At launch you want to make sure you don't run out of travel during rise. When sitting level on ground I have lots of slot remaining at the rear. I’d suggest to mock them up and check loaded and unloaded.

View attachment 1035495

Really appreciate this input Malex. Those pics were worth a thousand words. Have it mostly mocked up now and I'm on the right path.
 
I agree the spring will move further forward and less rearward than you would think.
Doug
 
I’ve seen some good go pro footage of there movement. See if you can find some footage on you tube.
 
The video was first time with Viking shocks, I tightened up the extension after that run and was good after that. That pass was 1.47 60ft and 10.48 et at NMCA Indy 2019
 
The video was first time with Viking shocks, I tightened up the extension after that run and was good after that. That pass was 1.47 60ft and 10.48 et at NMCA Indy 2019
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Yes NSS some shock adjustment would take care of that. I’m sure it was fine anyways, just the camera angle. A perfect video for the guy doing his install. Good old FBBO guys always quick to lend a hand.
 
The video was first time with Viking shocks, I tightened up the extension after that run and was good after that. That pass was 1.47 60ft and 10.48 et at NMCA Indy 2019
That video, before I knew it was you, convinced me just from watching how sliders work, to make a pair of the Calvert brand part of my substantial suspension upgrades.
My 70 Roadrunner is 80% or more street use for now.
The crossbolt is about 1/3rd of the total space back from one end (I don't remember which end)
 
The way my install ended up is with the sliders about 1/2" from the back end with the springs fully loaded (flat arch). Unloaded they are about 1/3 of the slot from the front.

My measurement of total spring length at max (flat arch) turned out to be about an inch off, so my original concerns about the slot in the slider not being long enough was unfounded. I'm confident that I have this set up just right, thanks to all your input.

:luvplace:
 
The way my install ended up is with the sliders about 1/2" from the back end with the springs fully loaded (flat arch). Unloaded they are about 1/3 of the slot from the front.

My measurement of total spring length at max (flat arch) turned out to be about an inch off, so my original concerns about the slot in the slider not being long enough was unfounded. I'm confident that I have this set up just right, thanks to all your input.

:luvplace:
You got it right. The sliders will work well for you. HNY!
 
Thoughts or Experiences with this " Angled down" Sliders set up?

Screenshot_20220613-090826_Gallery.jpg
 
I'll have to take a closer look at how mine match the "datum line". More likely than not, my installer just welded them to the frame rails.
If I have to get them redone, I'd likely have to buy a new pair because I don't see them being removed for rewelding w/out tearing them up.
Thanks for the article, maybe I got lucky.
 
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