Four link w/ Bags vs. Soft leaf pack w/ Bags

[Nor'Easter]

In the planning stages for a '57 WM300 Power Wagon. Will be a dually with a flatbed, set up for either bumper or gooseneck towing.

I would like to run something a little softer than a standard leaf pack as 99% of my driving is unloaded cruising. I don't expect a one ton on a big set of dually wheels to ride like a caddy, but comfortable is a must.

That has had me thinking of what would be better. I can utilize the stock leaf perches and have a set of soft "daily driver" leaves made, and install a set of adjustable bags for when a hitch or pin load is added. The other option is to jump ship and build a complete four link setup that relies on bags only. I'm skeptical of this as it's a lot of additional fab, time, and money, which could be placed elsewhere on the truck.

Furthermore, I wonder if I should apply the chosen setup out back to the front.

Truck in question...

 

[Tate]

I'd say go all the way with the 4-link. If you go with a soft leaf pack, you're gonna want traction bars anyway, and thats half way to a 4-link. You could also look at going to a two-bar setup. Easier fab. 1-5-3-6-2-4 did that to his F350 if you look in the diesel conversion sub forum. Could build a radius arm setup up front as well and go air in all four corners. I think that would be best, especially with a flat deck. Easier loading by just dumping the air out, and air up when you're parked under the hitch of the trailer.

 

[CorneliusRox]

The only reason to keep leafs would be if you are going to enter it into some kind of competition and you need to meet the specs.

 

[Nor'Easter]

Not into racing or pulling, 99% street driven and unloaded, just like to have a cool vehicle I suppose. :hehe:

I had forgot about traction bars aswell, in the rear four link makes sense.

Out front I don't see why I couldn't go with a soft leaf pack and a bag. It would be rare that I'd need 4wd and if so it would be for exiting a wet field and such, never in my life have a had a reason to do serious off roading and mud slinging.

 

[tornado112]

For what you want I would ditch the Dodge frame and swap the cab to late model truck. The rails on that are tiny and the wheel base is to short. I wouldn't put my time into trying to set that up to tow a trailer or 5th wheel. I would look for a damaged 3rd gen and start there.