Caltracs on a truck.... Set up?

Posted By: MikeyT

Caltracs on a truck.... Set up? - 07/01/13 11:41 PM

Hi all

I got a buddy who got a set if caltracs for his mid 60's Fordham truck with a big block cause traction is a huge issue...He realizes the bed does him no favors, but any advice on how to set up for better traction. He has front drag shocks ordered and is running huge drag radials on the back. The suspension loos tight, but has good travel on it...
I believe current set up is lower hole 2 turns preload to start, and spun like crazy...

Any thoughts, or advice for setting up?

Mike

Posted By: MR_P_BODY

Re: Caltracs on a truck.... Set up? - 07/01/13 11:59 PM

We put a home made caltrac on my buddies 52 ford PU
and it works great... he was running the 275 DR and
was getting 1.52 60'(460 ci BBF)but now he has 315 DR
and has to find the right pressure that the tire wants..
so if its in the lower hole I would back off the pre
load till its just touches then lower the tire pressure
even more than you think(bigger tire requires less
pressure per the same weight on it).. what rear shocks
and how much does the front lift before the tire
comes off the ground... front travel is mandatory

Posted By: D-50

Re: Caltracs on a truck.... Set up? - 07/02/13 12:12 AM

Mine is not a big block but I have had a 1.34 60 ft. I have the Caltracks in the top hole,stock leaf springs, no preload just touching springs,rancho shocks set on 9, 315/60 Drag Radials, 17 lbs air. Calvert front shocks.It carries the front tires 2 feet high for about 40 ft. Maybe give you some where to start.

Attached picture 7761989-CIMG0081.JPG

Posted By: Thumperdart

Re: Caltracs on a truck.... Set up? - 07/02/13 04:35 PM

Quote:

Mine is not a big block but I have had a 1.34 60 ft. I have the Caltracks in the top hole,stock leaf springs, no preload just touching springs,rancho shocks set on 9, 315/60 Drag Radials, 17 lbs air. Calvert front shocks.It carries the front tires 2 feet high for about 40 ft. Maybe give you some where to start.

I would guess you`re WAY lighter than him w/those 60`s but either way it`s a testing game for sure.................

Last time out my junk wanted something totally different like; Bottom hole, no preload and MORE tire pressure..........should of installed ladder bars.

Posted By: Duner

Re: Caltracs on a truck.... Set up? - 07/02/13 04:50 PM

Mine is a "street" truck with AC, power steering and all the other "street" vehicle junk - so the weight bias was terrible to start with. 2500# on the front tires and 1500# on the rear tires. Reducing weight on the nose and going with some drag racing front springs paid huge dividends on my truck. It took some experimentation with pinion angle and shock settings as well to finally get the 60' number down into the low 1.4s.

I'm running Caltracs but made my own rear mounts - but I'd have to say it would be in the lower hole if they were Caltrac made mounts. I'm currently running Hoosier slicks - but will give the MT Drag Radials another try now that the suspension is sorted better.

Moroso Trick front 47170-100 springs
QA-1 Adjustable shocks on 2nd click for front
Caltrack Monoleaf springs on rear
Caltrac 9-way shocks on 6th click on rear

Posted By: onebaddakota

Re: Caltracs on a truck.... Set up? - 07/03/13 01:05 PM

My set up is similar to duners. I've gone through 4 sets of drag springs trying to find ones I liked at various race weights throughout the years. The most benefical changes on my junk, were front end suspension travel and a set of compressed springs with stored energy. I don't have a lot of downward travel-1-2 inches. I've played with longer shocks and lowered the mount in an attempt to gain travel.