Thread: Lucky 8's Project P38

Project update : Springs and things

It is a little known fact that the shocks in the front of a P38 are generally 2 inches longer than the shocks in the rear.



We decided to take advantage of this by swapping in a set of front shocks to the rear.



On the upside we would gain more down travel from the shocks and this would allow the rear axel to flex like the Hulk on steroids. Okay, the Hulk thing may be a little much but you get the idea. The downside is the spring would definitely fall off the lower perch or come out of the upper bucket. To remedy this issue we reached deep into our bag of tricks and pulled out a set of X springs from our friends at X Eng.



The X spring will not only act like a cone, it will also provide downforce to help keep the axle on the ground. With both wheels on the ground longer you maintain traction and stability. Above and beyond the intended use of the X spring it was extremely advantageous given the limited space and lack of cones for the P38.



The X springs axel mounting configuration offered us another advantage over traditional cones.
As you lift the truck the axel tends to wrap or point the diff up. This will cause the spring perches to sit at an angle. With the Spring perches at an angle it makes it extremely difficult to keep the spring on the perch. Most people will strap the springs to the perch. This will cause the spring to sit constantly in the shape of the letter C. With the X spring in place this was no longer an issue. As you can see the Lower spring and bucket allow the spring perch to twist without fear of becoming disconnected.



Here is a few forklift flex pictures and the articulation is quite good.





Front fender flares earning their keep



With the truck in the air we decided it was a good time to put on a set of Terrafirma drilled and slotted rotors. I cannot say enough good things about these rotors. We have used them on every project truck thus far and they have preformed above our expectations.



Here is a video of the X spring working

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIsMQyQOYg4]X spring - YouTube[/ame]

And the poser pic

Great articulation! Steering could be a challenge at full flex though. It looks pretty snug inside the front guard even pointing straight ahead!

Gary

You read my mind! I'm running TF144's at all 4 corners of my P38 which is lifted (on bags) for that exact reason. I don't have the option of a dislocation cone with bags and spacers, but I have a dislocation pin (more on that when my kit is finished).

Your other option was to remove the lower coil mount and place a large bump stop (80 series land cruiser ones are sufficient, or a truck one), however your setup looks great and works well!

Good work!

Keith

You've got me intrigued with the dislocation pin!

Gary

Originally Posted by Keithy P38

You read my mind! I'm running TF144's at all 4 corners of my P38 which is lifted (on bags) for that exact reason. I don't have the option of a dislocation cone with bags and spacers, but I have a dislocation pin (more on that when my kit is finished).

Your other option was to remove the lower coil mount and place a large bump stop (80 series land cruiser ones are sufficient, or a truck one), however your setup looks great and works well!

Good work!

Just thought I'd throw this out there has anyone spoken to Koni re P38 Shocks +2" ??
If so what was their response? I have been going to get in touch with them but thought just in case someones already asked the question.

This pin is sounding interesting Keithy, Pics?

Originally Posted by FANTOM P38

Must be someone here that can do those double cardan shafts need to investigate that!

do the disco 2 ones fit??????

I wouldn't think so surely they would be shorter and dont know if they are same spline. Maybe someone could confirm this.

Spline won't make a difference as you wouldn't change half a shaft. Drive flanges would be the only issue after length.