The Lowdown on Lowering It Down!
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Houston
The Lowdown on Lowering It Down!
More questions guys....
I'm considering lowering my '65 SWB a bit. I've read where some people have purchased the lowering kits, others have cut a ring or two out of the springs, or a combo of both! I've read were cutting the springs a little too much really messes with the camber and eats up tires, while others have had great success with no ill effects. Any lowering kits better than others? What about removing leafs?
So - those who have lowered your Slick, what did you choose to do? What has worked and not worked? Mistakes made?? What should be avoided at all costs? What ruined your ride?
I'm sure this has been discussed quite a bit, but I am hoping this thread turns into a "catch all" for a variety of opinions, experiences, modifications and appications.
I'm considering lowering my '65 SWB a bit. I've read where some people have purchased the lowering kits, others have cut a ring or two out of the springs, or a combo of both! I've read were cutting the springs a little too much really messes with the camber and eats up tires, while others have had great success with no ill effects. Any lowering kits better than others? What about removing leafs?
So - those who have lowered your Slick, what did you choose to do? What has worked and not worked? Mistakes made?? What should be avoided at all costs? What ruined your ride?
I'm sure this has been discussed quite a bit, but I am hoping this thread turns into a "catch all" for a variety of opinions, experiences, modifications and appications.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Sun River St. George
I use low profile tires and new uncut springs I bought from Eaton Detroit Spring. Truck is not really low but looks nice and is easier to get in and out of. On my project truck 78 F250 frame with F100 Ibeams I cut one coil off the F250 springs (could not find a stock set). Looks like this will work fine. Again not really low but it is important that I can get in and out of the truck easily. I plan on using a 4 link for the rear on this truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
You can usually get up to 2" with a cold bend on the I beams to compensate, but it is really not the best method. It still has a tendency to kill tires. Other then that it will handle and ride fine.
If you wanna really go low the CV swap is the only way.
Right now I am torn between the CV swap, and a simple 3" lift.
If you wanna really go low the CV swap is the only way.
Right now I am torn between the CV swap, and a simple 3" lift.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Houston
Not looking for a big drop - 2" or so.
Truck has 15" wheels on it right now - plans are to go to 17", but might stay at 15" (Torq Thrust or the like).
Just want to fill some of the fender gap.
Truck has 15" wheels on it right now - plans are to go to 17", but might stay at 15" (Torq Thrust or the like).
Just want to fill some of the fender gap.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Southern AB
I cut 2 coils and flipped my front spring hanger on my rear leafs and then corrected my pinion angle with a shim. Not super low but gave me a bit and cheap, my tires will last me a long time as I drive maybe 2000 miles per year. I don't like it to low cause then if you have to crawl under if you breakdown when on the road you can't get your butt under it.
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Glendale, AZ
I cut 2 coils and flipped my front spring hanger on my rear leafs and then corrected my pinion angle with a shim. Not super low but gave me a bit and cheap, my tires will last me a long time as I drive maybe 2000 miles per year. I don't like it to low cause then if you have to crawl under if you breakdown when on the road you can't get your butt under it.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
I think 17's would be harder ti fi becouse of small wheel well, but if you go with a 50 series tire it would be fine.
Also I think 1 coil will get you pretty low, and 2 would be really nice.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Houston
Did you do the Crown Vic swap yourself? $200 is cheap!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
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.....with a considerable amount of welding and fabrication. Dream Beams will drop the front 3" and will bolt in without any alignment issues. C-notch and axle flip will lower the rear 5" with minimal fabrication. JMO
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Southern AB
If I want it lower in the future I will do drop beams but if it gets too low then my fender will hit my tire and then my big ole butt won't fit underneath anymore.lol
Thanks for the comment, if you get a chance check out my flickr photos as I have some from the shows we attended last year and there are some nice slicks in there as well. One guy have a 65 red and white with a 428 in it pretty sweet ride.
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