T-bars vs Stored energy
I've been around Mopar Street and Race cars for nearly 40 years, and have NEVER seen any sort of practical application for rear shackle "sliders". There are sliders that have a practical use when using ladder bars with leaf springs...the purpose being to avoid binding when the two forward pivot points begin to move in different arches, but that's it.
The shackle/slider set up CAN NOT WORK EVER in a drag style application. Here's why.
When the rear rotates forward and the pinion snubber..or traction bar, limits the rotation, that force is used to raise the car. As the spring arches, the distance between the front and rear eyes becomes shorter, and the shackle allows this natural motion to happen by leaning forward with the spring.
With that rear slider set-up, in order for the spring to achieve arch, it actually has to distort itself...needs to become S shaped in reaction to the lifting force at the front.
A Slider will work perfectly when the only motion of the spring is a reaction to gravity...straight up and down forces. But when the motion is the result of torque reaction, all it can do is bind and cause twist in the spring.
I imagine with some real horsepower behind it, that set up could be EXTREMELY violent, and not in a good way.
Housing sliders with ladder bars.........sure.
Spring sliders seem to work on a lot of cars , so I am optimistic.
The slider also allows the rear spring eye to move forward , so I am not sure I understand your point.
The difference is that the eye motion is linear rather than in an arc , but that is about it.
The pinion travel upward is controlled by the front spring segment , and with a clamped front segment , this will only go so far.
The rear segment will separate , fanning the leaves open if you will , and the leaf with the eye either rolls or slides forward depending on whether you use a shackle or slider.
My only concern was whether it would have enough range of travel , but I think I am good there.
I understand your point that these set ups worked into the eights.
Pro Stock ran leaf springs at one time.
And they worked too.
A lot of MoPar's technology in the leaf spring area was revolutionary when it was done.
They stopped that research in the late 80's or so.
And now the springs are made in Mexico and word round the camp fire is that durability has suffered.
So , what worked in the 70's will still work.
But there have been advancements too.
I know I am not cutting edge...........I will be very close to over powering leaf springs on my deal.
But I want to make them work and will spend some time doing just that.
Unless it scares the **** out of me.
Then , I'll cut the car up some more and go four link.
