T-bars vs Stored energy

tubtar said
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.

Ok, here is what you're missing with that slider vs shackle thing.
When the spring arches, it becomes shorter eye to eye. The shackle is actually an extension of the spring that allows it to become shorter while still being anchored. The shackle is adding three or so inches of spring length when it is asked to.
The slider binds the spring into a completely linier range of motion. That second articulation that allows the spring to grow longer or shorter with a shackle is gone. In other words, for the spring to arch, it can't ask for any extra length..it has no choice but to distort in order to become shorter. And, when you distort a spring, it will always snap back as soon as the force used to distort it is released. In this case, it would be the initial forward movement of the car. As soon as the mass is no longer at rest, snap! And that is EXACTLY what the video of the car is showing.
Howard ended up going this route because he had axle wind up due to the lack of a snubber. After he installed the snubber, the problem stayed the same because the slider was causing the issue I just outlined above. Kind of like putting a band aid on your thumb because you got shot in the foot and then wondering why the bleeding won't stop.