Hi Tom,
For the LAT-5 bars, there is no mounting point for a rigid chassis pivot
(or, for that matter, a pivot attached to the spring leaf) that doesn't
overconstrain the rear suspension system and thereby cause unduly harsh
ride. If you used the front spring pivot, then the only way that the rear
suspension moves is by deflecting the rear half of the spring only - you've
just doubled the effective spring rate. Any movement in the front half of
the spring is allowed only by the compliance of the front spring eye
bushings, which is why that part and the spring eye mounts on the chassis
get worn out pretty quickly when you use the weld-on bars.
The Cal-Trac system is a better answer on multiple levels, since it serves
only to limit spring wrapup under forward acceleration. Reinforcing the
front spring mount on the chassis is still a good idea because it's used as
a fulcrum point for the pivot system. This system, as marketed by Cal-Trac,
is very much drag oriented though - it doesn't appear to give much
consideration to the springs being twisted due to cornering loads.
Theo
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