Hello again FTE,

I am planning on doing the DJM 3/4 lowering kit on my 66. However, I seem to have a rear suspension setup that seems different from anything I can find on the world wide web. In the rear I have a leaf spring, gas shock, and a short coil spring. I am trying to figure out how this will effect my plans for lowering kit. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks see pic

 

overload spring set up from the 70s , early 80s

 

You can eliminate the helper coil, and rebuild or replace the leafs if they aren't strong enough..

 

Removing those helper coils will likely lower it a bit, and removing the thick over load leaf at the bottom of the spring pack will lower it some more and soften up the ride. You might need shorter shocks depending on how much you lower it.

 

About a month ago my brother installed some homemade coil helpers like that on his '04 F350. The stock leaves were a bit weak for some of the loads we carry and they were rough as well. After installing the coils, it rides WAY better in the back and carries a load a bit better as well.

 

If I were to just get rid of the helper springs and replace with bigger leaf springs, how many leafs would I want? Looks like my choices from LMC are 7,8, or 9. Keeping in mind this is becoming a street cruiser, not going to be hauling any heavy loads.

 

Personally, I would just start by pulling a leaf or two. Coils tend to ride better than leaves...

 

Hello, and welcome to the site. Nice looking truck, by the way.

I see from your profile you are in Oregon. There are a couple good spring shops in Portland that can work with you and build what you need / want. Prices are surprisingly reasonable.

I would remove the helper coils and see where your truck sits. Then I would look into changing things.
Sometimes old worn springs can give you the ride height you are after.

Good luck.

 

^^^ what he said. The coils aren't factory, somebody added them, either because they were hauling heavy stuff or wanted a slight increase in rear ride height. So, remove the coils to go back to factory equipment (realizing there's an add on leaf there too) and see if you like it. If you're going to install the djm rear drop, don't mess with the leaves until you get the kit installed and see if you need to adjust the ride or height.