Thread: probably a stupid ass question...but..

Tweet

hey i just aquired a 1963 ford f-100 unibody...2 wheel drive...well i want to lower it..what exactly needs to be done and how hard is the task i have at hand...any info is greatly appreciated..thanks

Depends on how much you want to spend... An IFS on the front and put the rear end on top of the springs with lowering blocks...

If you want to use swear words, please so it like this....a****. We have a lot of women and youngsters who frequent this forum and like to keep it G rated.

Thanks,

Don

my apologies....and exactly what is an "ifs"?

I have seem it done "on the cheap" by putting the axles over the springs. The ride is very rough that way.

"ifs" stands for" independent front suspension.

hmmm...thats what i was told to do...some people told me it wouldnt be to bad of a ride...i guess i could try it and see....basiacally an axle flip..like on a trailer right?

Originally Posted by squire

I have seem it done "on the cheap" by putting the axles over the springs. The ride is very rough that way.

Why is the ride rough that way?

You can buy "reverse eye main springs" that will lower it 2 or 3 inches for not a lot of money.

I do not know why it is rougher but I have seen it done and it always turns out to be rougher.

I don't know where your rear axle is now but I beleave it to be below or under your rear leaf springs. To lower the rear put the axle on top of the springs. Don't turn it over that won't work you have to take the perches off the top of the axle and put them on the bottom. A lot happens when this is done so get it right your shocks will be different also. Watch your pinion angle. The IFS maybe could be done by putting in a sub-frame??? I'm not sure about your trucks frame.

How much you are wanting to lower it has a lot to do with what has to be done.

well i was told my putting the axles above the leaf springs should lower me around 5-6 inches wich will be good for now

Yup on the reason for the rough ride. Most forget to reposition the shock mounting points when they move the axle from below to above the spring resulting in the shocks being mounted wrong and no longer being in the "sweet spot" in normal driving.... If the shock mount is repositioned to maintain the correct length from top to bottom mounting point the ride will remain the same.

BTW, Speedway Motors sells a pair of 3 position shock mounts for the rear end housing for about 10 bucks a pair.... Work great, have them on my '71 pickup.

You will need to grind the bottom of the axle and weld a u-bolt bracket to it and run longer u-bolts so they will come thru the top bracket also. To get the welded bracket level with the top, use bolts and the same number of washers on all four bolts. snug them all down right tight and then weld the bracket to the axle. I would take it to a welding shop to have it welded.