Can my M & H 12x31.5x16 slicks be growing this much to be rubbing the upper control arm bracket? Now I am wondering about the source of the smoke I see at the top end of the track in my videos. There would have to be 2-3 inches of growth in diameter. I put fresh paint on this area before heading to the track.

 

Ever seen dragster tires during the burnout? Slicks grow a lot, so it wouldnt suprise me.

 

I know they grow, but the numbers I have seen quoted are only like 1.25 - 1.5" diameter. Will see what M & H says.

 

Do you suppose the axle is moving forward? Any idea what your pinion angle is doing when you launch or during the run? Surely it wouldnt change that much but if several things combine together just right...

 

I don't see it moving forward that much, but it did have a severe squat, which was even worse with the new shocks, even at almost full stiff. Driveshaft yoke was contacting the fuel tank support crossmember. This is the other side...same contact area.



Put together this video to see what was going on during launches:

 

that's full firm on compression? if so you need another shock. looks too loose on extension too.

 

It was a few clicks from full on both, but still way too soft. They will definitely need to be re-valved. These are AFCO 3890 Eliminators. Wanted the Big Guns, but the length wasn't right. The Z71 shocks I pulled out were better.

 

i would say a coilover to control squat, but that would make extension worse. that shock isnt controling the weight of that truck. have you tried full tight on both compression and extension?

 

Ya, I was thinking the same thing about adding springs to these shocks. We were close to full on both adjustments already, but didn't get to try full as that's where I lost the 80E. I think the Big Gun shocks are the same, just different valving for higher HP (1000+)vehicles.

I also think the 3" lowering springs currently on the truck are softer than stock as they are the same relaxed height.

 

those little clicks make a huge difference. on the rear of my truck my first pass ever with it i had the extension full loose and the compression full tight. hit the tires too hard and hopped the tires off the ground. tightened the extension 3 clicks and went from a spinning 2.10 60' to a dead hooking 1.59. 2 clicks = around 1/2 second in the 60' alone.

that same shock setup at the next track wasnt hooking. i tightened extension another 2 clicks and went from blowing off the tires with 1.95 60' to a dead hooking 1.54. tightened up the front 2 clicks and went 1.47. that makes another .5 sec in the 60' with only 2 clicks on front and rear.

my point is, you call it only 2 clicks from XXX setting. those clicks are HUGE when it comes to suspension. atleast they are on my Qa1 shocks on a light truck. hitting the right spot is a fine line. especially on street tires like me.

those shocks you have are probably plenty for your power. but they are probably for a car near 2k lbs lighter than your truck. crank those shocks full tight on extension and compression and get some good video like the ones you have. if it manages to control it, make small adjustments from there. if it looks anything like the video you posted you will need to get them revalved. your truck looks like it wants to work. now it just needs a little control.