The bastard pack doesn't cause the horrible ride people experience, the horrible shackle angle does. If he's even a decent fabricator, he could build you a set a shackle relocators to cure that issue. If he's fabbing it all custom, have him build the front in a 3 link configuration. 3 link is really no more work than a radius arm if you are building it, what makes radius arms popular is the bolt on aspect of aftermarket. If he is truly a fabricator, none of these minor changes will cost him much, but they will benefit you greatly.
I agree with ^^ Zach
Some things to consider..
FRAME STIFFENERS!! even if it ends up being a pavement pounder.. It will not only ride better, but keep it straight.
Consider a pair of OME leafs.
Awesome, glad someone gave a ray of sunshine haha.
on the bastard packs, not sure if i've got an option with him on that. Might have to say leave out the bastard packs, and Ill use the extra Credit towards something else.
I THINK he gives new packs that he puts together himself, or atleast thats what the pic he sent me of another kit he put together suggested.
I just want to say that here on the webs, There are lots of rays of sunshine, but there is someone who will cast a shadow.
A lot of this is just personal preference. Either way you go I think you will be happy.
EDIT:
He just texted me back. He says to do a PROPER 3-link you need to cut into the floor for the upper link. Unless your doing a mid-arm 3-link? I have NO idea what any of that means
He's kind of right on that - to get the proper separation of the joints for the 3-link to function well. Sounds like he knows his stuff and knows his customer. Looks like the radius arm is right up your alley, and you can change it to 3-link later if you decide you need/want the better characteristics of the 3-link when it comes to steep hill climbs, where a radius arm is known to unload and cause some instability, esp without limit straps
He's kind of right on that - to get the proper separation of the joints for the 3-link to function well. Sounds like he knows his stuff and knows his customer. Looks like the radius arm is right up your alley, and you can change it to 3-link later if you decide you need/want the better characteristics of the 3-link when it comes to steep hill climbs, where a radius arm is known to unload and cause some instability, esp without limit straps
Any suspension setup, given the situation is going to unload. Radius arms/y-link are more prone to it, due to how they are setup. However, as I have learned semi recently. There are things that can be done to assist in making it minimal/non-existant.
Some people use their winch line to keep the middle of the axle "sucked down" enough, which still allows for articulation on the sides. Limit straps/other means in the center of the axle will do the same.
IMO, limit straps are a must regardless of the setup.
I also say that no matter what setup you run, have a removable center section crossmember or mounts in front of the crossmember.