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Im trying to find the best way to lower the rear of my 1950 Pontiac Chieftian. It has leaf springs in the rear but they look to be incased in some sort of sleave. Can I still use lowering blocks with this?? http://www.geocities.com/chopped29modela/LanceCar.JPG
Has it got a pair of u-bolts going over the axle and through a plate below the spring? If so, you can use lowering blocks. I put lowering blocks on my '52 Chevy, which should have been very similar, but I can't remember any sheath over the springs. You may need tapered lowering blocks or a tapered shim in order to keep the pinion angle correct.
You might want to take a look at this article:
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/89858/
There's an argument against lowering blocks based on changes in rear suspension geometry. The lowering block creates more stress on the spring because of the increased difference between the axle centerline and the spring.
On the other hand, if a car doesn't have mega-power, that extra stress isn't likely to be a problem. After all, they've been used for at least 50 years. Maybe more, but that's as far as my memory goes.
Go to Speedway Motors website and do a keyword search for "Lowering Blocks." They've got them, and probablly can give you an application if you call.
You can also use de-arched springs, but that will likely be more expensive.
Awesome Pontiac, by the way. That will make a great rod.
So do you recomend the use of lowering blocks. Cool thanks for the help.
Unless I had a big honkin' motor, using lowering blocks wouldn't bother me a bit.
i used 4inch drop blocks (i wanted it lowwwwww) on my 40 chevy w/Chassic Eng. rear suspension kit. drove it for 10yrs w/o a bit of problems. you just have to be sure to reset you pinion angle..joe
I have lowering blocks on my '53 Studebaker, so far so good. If you are running a lot of power or driving it hard re-arced springs would be the way to go. I will do that with mine once I put a more powerful engine in and probably supplement with some sort of air suspension. There is a local spring company in Sacramento that will either custom build springs or re-do existing. They prefer that you bring the car in as is and tell them what ride height you want. Then you can bring the springs back or they will R&R them for you.
Pat