Rear leaves
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Rear leaves
So I wanted a truck and started looking at the old Fords just out of curiosity. The more I looked at them the more I liked 'em and I recently made the plunge. I bought a '59 that's had some work done already (I'll post some pics when I'm not at work--haha!)
My quuestion is this:
It has a Fatman MKII front end and the rear has been lowered by removing all but one leaf. The rear end is sitting about 2" above the frame rail and any substantial bump slams the axle into the frame. It's a little impractical and a bit too low for my taste anyway, so I'd like to raise it back up a little (maybe 3-4" or so.)
I'm sure there are a few different ways to accomplish this--obviously I could add leaves back (or maybe even just add coilovers?) But does anyone have any advice on how best to go about it? In other words, would I have to get a whole leaf set and just add and subtract several different combinations until it comes out they way I'd like or...?
Clearly, I've never messed with leaf springs before but it doesn't look like rocket science.
Any help from those more experienced is greatly appreciated!
thanks!
Sam
My quuestion is this:
It has a Fatman MKII front end and the rear has been lowered by removing all but one leaf. The rear end is sitting about 2" above the frame rail and any substantial bump slams the axle into the frame. It's a little impractical and a bit too low for my taste anyway, so I'd like to raise it back up a little (maybe 3-4" or so.)
I'm sure there are a few different ways to accomplish this--obviously I could add leaves back (or maybe even just add coilovers?) But does anyone have any advice on how best to go about it? In other words, would I have to get a whole leaf set and just add and subtract several different combinations until it comes out they way I'd like or...?
Clearly, I've never messed with leaf springs before but it doesn't look like rocket science.
Any help from those more experienced is greatly appreciated!
thanks!
Sam
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Alton, MO
The largest problem I have seen with lowering the rear is just what you have. Clearance. Adding to the springs would raise it & given what you are saying you want you should have sufficient clearance. It would be the easiest way BUT may not get you what you ultimately desire. I have seen people notch the frame which gives more clearance. I went with an IRS swap. A relatively easy swap & I have full suspension travel.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Welcome to FTE! 
One leaf rear springs is a recipe for disaster. They are probably arching in the wrong direction and could break and leave you stranded at any time. Four leaves is the recommended minimum for rear springs. Put those back in and you should be fine. You want a minimum of three inches of travel back there and 4-5 inches if you can get it without compromising the height you want. Also, make sure the bump stops are still there...
One leaf rear springs is a recipe for disaster. They are probably arching in the wrong direction and could break and leave you stranded at any time. Four leaves is the recommended minimum for rear springs. Put those back in and you should be fine. You want a minimum of three inches of travel back there and 4-5 inches if you can get it without compromising the height you want. Also, make sure the bump stops are still there...
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Joined: Apr 2012
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Thank you gentlemen!
I'll keep the IRS swap in mind, but I think I'll see how I like the stance by adding leaves back first. I'll look around for replacements and see what I can find. Are there aftermarket options available? And yes Vern, the bump stops are long gone--I'll get those back in there as soon as I can fit them in! haha!
I've only had it a week and that truck is growing on me already. I feel a hobby comin' on! haha!
Thanks again, guys!
Sam
I'll keep the IRS swap in mind, but I think I'll see how I like the stance by adding leaves back first. I'll look around for replacements and see what I can find. Are there aftermarket options available? And yes Vern, the bump stops are long gone--I'll get those back in there as soon as I can fit them in! haha!
I've only had it a week and that truck is growing on me already. I feel a hobby comin' on! haha!
Thanks again, guys!
Sam
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
I have some spare rear leaves that came out of my 49 F-1, however, they are probably not compatible with your 59 springs. They may be narrower or too short. They are headed to the scrap yard...
Maybe someone on here has removed some rear leaves from their 57-60 truck they might part with? Start another thread and ask. Can't hurt...
Maybe someone on here has removed some rear leaves from their 57-60 truck they might part with? Start another thread and ask. Can't hurt...
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,867
Likes: 3
From: Alton, MO
Sam there is nothing like driving an old truck. They just have so much personality. You can't get that from plastic. I think old truck smell must affect us like new car smell does. If used parts are acceptable you might check here http://classicfordtrucks.shutterfly.com/. Call Riff. His partner Doug is on this forum. He has the red & white '60. You will know it when you see it.
If used parts are acceptable you might check here http://classicfordtrucks.shutterfly.com/. Call Riff. His partner Doug is on this forum. He has the red & white '60. You will know it when you see it.
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Do you mean that there is a main leaf - which attaches to the mounts - and one more leaf beneath it?
I'm thinking it might have a 'Mono-leaf'.
I'm thinking it might have a 'Mono-leaf'.
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