Suspension mods? 1976 D 3-wheel

jonr3

After I get my current little projects done, I'm planning on starting on the suspension - nothing too radical but probably somewhere around a 3-inch lift with a soft ride. I'm hoping you guys might have some ideas, experience, or feedback...

Back -
I haven't been able to locate any coil springs that are the same outer dimensions that would give me a 3-inch lift. I thought about using a polyurethane spacer and isolator, but that seems pretty Mickey Mouse to me. So I'm now thinking about a coil-over-spring conversion - eliminating the stock coil springs and shock absorber. I think ATV coil-overs would be a good choice since they are valved and sprung to support a vehicle that is about the same weight. And most of them are adjustable for spring preload and ride height. It would also be pretty simple to design and weld the mounting points.

Front -
Since the front fork has internal springs with not enough adjustment to get me to 3 inches, I think the easiest thing would be to get another fork, cut up that fork and my fork and weld them together to get the height I'm wanting. That would allow me to keep the stock springs and not have to use stiffer, longer springs - if I could even find some that would fit. And I don't know if the inner tubing that slides into the outer tubing would even be long enough to handle a 3-inch lift.

What do you think? Any ideas or suggestions?

BGW

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jonr3

Here's my idea on how the front fork would work. I haven't taken these forks apart yet, so this is all just a guess at this point.

But I would cut the main fork, add a 3" section spacer from the donor fork, weld it together, add a sleeve over the welded section, weld that, then add a fork clamp to keep everything solid and keep it from flexing...

hovenad

I haven't done the math in my head, but your fork is at an angle so your spacer will have to be a bit longer to achieve the 3" lift all around. Made that mistake a long time ago on an old '60 XLH sportster. Good Luck!

jonr3

Good point! I didn't think of that. Also, I think there is some adjusting of front ride height by screwing in/out the springs, but I don't think there would be a lot.

I figure when I'm ready to start on this, I will get out a couple of jacks and stands and experiment with different ride heights. Since the engine is mounted on the swingarm, I don't want to go too high so that the engine is really tilted. I know it doesn't matter on a 2-stroke but I don't know how it would affect the carburetor or the lubrication of the rear axle gears...

WVHarley

FYI: I adjusted the front forks all the way out on my 73 and it gained about 3/4"

raydhd

If you are using the tilotson carb it will not be affected by the tilt.If a walbro maybe another story.

jonr3

So I'm guessing there is not any kind of standard type float with the tilotson carb?

jonr3

Thanks! I'd read where they could be adjusted but I didn't think it would be very much - just enough to maybe level the ride height.

Lochlin

I don't use Tillotson's but, if memory serves me correct, they don't use float bowls.

jonr3

That's good to know. Then I would only have to worry about putting the swingarm at too much of an angle that the tire/wheel would no longer be centered with the wheel well. I don't plan on raising it very much anyway - just enough to give it a more aggressive stance but still remain fairly stable.