Yes, you can assemble it without springs, and just use pieces of pipe, or something to simulate the springs. Once you've got the geometry worked out on all the linkage, it will probably be necessary to go to a roundtrack race type spring to get the ride height and weight-bearing capacity right. We use springs with specific weight ratings and overall heights to adjust for different track conditions, and any roundtrack magazine, like Circle Track, for instance, will have ads for spring merchandisers. Just give them the unloaded height you want, and the weight rating, and they can custom-build you springs, if necessary. it's much easier than trying to trim springs for ride height, and hoping you get the right spring rate in the process.
To figure out the weight on the axle, just traler the project to a truck scale, and weigh one axle at a time. Cut the front axle weight in half, and you've got the spring rating for one wheel!
Jerry
