Lowering a 1978 F100
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Meigs County Ohio
Lowering a 1978 F100
Well my project is slowly taking shape. I am putting a 460 in a 1978 F100 I have. I plan on bolting up a 4 spd out of a mustang behind the 460 (Trucks came with a Clarks OD) and I want to lower the truck some, for handling and performance reasons. I want to just lower it like 2 inches front and back, I was figuring lowering shackles in the rear, but I didnt know if there were springs available so I didnt have to get drop I beams. Also wide tires in the back, how wide can I go where they will still be under the wheel well but be wide, and what back spacing would I need? Thanks guys much appreciated!!!
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Chino Hills
Drop I beams would be your best bet for the front, but you maybe able to bend your stock I beams enough for a 2" drop.
If your more adventerous there is the crown vic swap, but you'll get closer to 5 inchs of drop. You'll also get bigger disks, and A-arms for better alignment specs.
The rear you got shackles and flip kits to get where you wanna be.
I have seen 295/50/15's in back of a dent side, but not the specs of the rims.
If your more adventerous there is the crown vic swap, but you'll get closer to 5 inchs of drop. You'll also get bigger disks, and A-arms for better alignment specs.
The rear you got shackles and flip kits to get where you wanna be.
I have seen 295/50/15's in back of a dent side, but not the specs of the rims.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 811
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A 3-4 inch drop is nothing on these trucks. hardly looks like it was changed unless it is sitting next to a full height truck. A 5 inch drop wouldn't be anything and you get bigger disk brakes and better handling.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SW Florida
I've done the CV swap on my '70. It's not really that bad if you're not in a hurry, but you do have to remove all the stock crossmember and steering, box the front frame, and adapt the power steering lines to the CV rack. Plus the wheel's bolt pattern doesn't match the stock F150 pattern. Handling is a lot better, stopping WAY better.
The drop beams aren't bad, it's really a 1 day exercise and then in reality the truck will drive the same as stock.
The drop beams aren't bad, it's really a 1 day exercise and then in reality the truck will drive the same as stock.
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Joined: Feb 2011
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How much fabrication is involved in the CV swap besides cutting out the cross members and boxing the frame?I am looking at lowering options also. I want something relatively easy to do since my shop was broken into and most of my tools were stolen. I like the added benefits of the bigger brakes and the ride of the control arms but it it requires alot of fab it may not be possible for me.
Thanks for the input
Thanks for the input
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