A Suspension Tool/Simulator

As I wrap up project after project on my 1978 F150 Driver/Trail-rig I add new ones to the list. The latest is figuring out how I can get more suspension travel while lowering the ride-height and center of gravity. I’ve seen many do this with fork-lifts or engine-hoists to lift a tire to flex one side or lift the truck and let the suspension droop. This isn’t really an option for me because my driveway is too steep and the truck is too tall to fit in the garage.

My solution: Shock Travel .

It started out innocently enough just using several measurements entered in a form to draw a representation of the shocks, axle, wheels+tires, and frame. Then show suspension at ride height, droop, flex and watch it cycle with real-time measurements so I can adjust mounting points and optimize up/down travel or see what I would need to do to fit longer shocks.

Then I remembered a solid-axle suspension doesn’t simply travel straight up and down, it travels in a radius from front to back, but also if you have a trackbar/panhard it travel in an arc from passenger to driver’s side. So, now we’re adding inputs for all of those mounting points. Long story short, it now accepts input for radius arms, 3-links, 4-links, etc.

The project now has projects. Next up is leaf spring suspension and rear axles.