will this work ? leaf spring
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
will this work ? leaf spring
had some problems seting up my rear. trying to get the ride hight where i need it. i took a normal 1975 f100 leaf spring pack took all leaf out only have the top and thick one on bottom. hen i drove it felt kind of squrley in the back.
i am think of going with a dodge dakota leaf same size but an inch longer in the back this would give me the drop i need and the added support.
any advise would be helpfull trying to get the ride hight i need with out drop hangers and axle flip?
i am think of going with a dodge dakota leaf same size but an inch longer in the back this would give me the drop i need and the added support.
any advise would be helpfull trying to get the ride hight i need with out drop hangers and axle flip?
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Don't run with just the main leaf & bottom leaf. Chances are you'll crack your leaf & that could lead to a bad scenario while driving.
Are you looking to lift or lower the rear end?
If you are looking to lower - get a longer shackle. The belltech ones they make for chevy silverados will bolt in and they come with 2 different leaf mounting holes for different amounts of "drop".
The only thing to watch for with this is since the shackle itself is longer you don't want it hitting the underside structure of the bed while the suspension cycles. They SHOULD fit with no problems, but look at this when putting them in as you may need to use the hole for the lesser amount of drop (1") vs. the 2" hole and then cut off the excess material.
If you need some clarification on this let me know & I can post some pics.
Are you looking to lift or lower the rear end?
If you are looking to lower - get a longer shackle. The belltech ones they make for chevy silverados will bolt in and they come with 2 different leaf mounting holes for different amounts of "drop".
The only thing to watch for with this is since the shackle itself is longer you don't want it hitting the underside structure of the bed while the suspension cycles. They SHOULD fit with no problems, but look at this when putting them in as you may need to use the hole for the lesser amount of drop (1") vs. the 2" hole and then cut off the excess material.
If you need some clarification on this let me know & I can post some pics.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 74
From: Hartford, AL
Also DJM makes a two inch shackle. I put them on my '73 with no clearance problem and dropped about 2 inches. You can get them for $60 a pair. If you take a leaf out, try just one in the middle....also you will end up with bad axle wrap where the pinion wants to point skyward if you have any motor.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa
Don't run with just the main leaf & bottom leaf. Chances are you'll crack your leaf & that could lead to a bad scenario while driving.
Are you looking to lift or lower the rear end?
If you are looking to lower - get a longer shackle. The belltech ones they make for chevy silverados will bolt in and they come with 2 different leaf mounting holes for different amounts of "drop".
The only thing to watch for with this is since the shackle itself is longer you don't want it hitting the underside structure of the bed while the suspension cycles. They SHOULD fit with no problems, but look at this when putting them in as you may need to use the hole for the lesser amount of drop (1") vs. the 2" hole and then cut off the excess material.
If you need some clarification on this let me know & I can post some pics.
Are you looking to lift or lower the rear end?
If you are looking to lower - get a longer shackle. The belltech ones they make for chevy silverados will bolt in and they come with 2 different leaf mounting holes for different amounts of "drop".
The only thing to watch for with this is since the shackle itself is longer you don't want it hitting the underside structure of the bed while the suspension cycles. They SHOULD fit with no problems, but look at this when putting them in as you may need to use the hole for the lesser amount of drop (1") vs. the 2" hole and then cut off the excess material.
If you need some clarification on this let me know & I can post some pics.
Do you happen to know what the part number for the belltech shackles are? I looked on their website but wasn't sure which ones I would need, I'm looking to do the same thing, drop the rear 2-3".
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa
I actually have the rear springs out right now, I guess the easiest thing to do is measure the shackle and see what belltech has.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
That works too. I know the Chevy 1500 ones work, but pretty much anything for a 2.5" wide leaf spring will. Stock shackles are 4.5" long mounting hole to mounting hole is I remember right, so anything longer will lower it. I think the Belltech ones I've seen in the past had the holes at 6.5" and 7.5" which is where they get the 2-3" drop number from.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,724
Likes: 1
From: peru kansas
pull the u bolts off and put rear end over the leafs instead of under them there you go instant droppage but who wants to lower a truck anyway......
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa
yeah, I don't want the leafs under the axle.....
I ordered the belltech shackles from summit, the part # is 6401 for the 2-3" drop, of course this also led to new shocks, bushings, bolts, etc, etc....all of which needed replaced anyway.
So I guess when all that comes I'll put the springs back together, but I'm going to leave the overload spring out, I don't have any intentions of ever hauling anything.
I ordered the belltech shackles from summit, the part # is 6401 for the 2-3" drop, of course this also led to new shocks, bushings, bolts, etc, etc....all of which needed replaced anyway.
So I guess when all that comes I'll put the springs back together, but I'm going to leave the overload spring out, I don't have any intentions of ever hauling anything.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
You'll be fine with the overload out then & will even get 1/2"-1" of drop out of it AND a truck that will ride better!
Let us know how the install goes & take pics along the way or when done with the new ride height.
Let us know how the install goes & take pics along the way or when done with the new ride height.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Front hanger determines where the axle rides and effects pinion angle much more. Move that & you most likely need to cycle the suspension again & figure out exactly where the axle will sit once moved, etc.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: NSW, Australia
It's a reasonably common mod, particularly on bumpsides. Yes, you may need to add shims to correct the pinion angle again, and yes you will need to work out where to mount the hanger to locate the wheel correctly in the wheel well, but it's a relatively easy and cheap swap, without affecting spring rates. '65-'79 Truck Suspension Lowering Basics - FORDification.com
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg, Pa
well the drop shackles are in, although you have to cut your bed support brace to use the 3" drop, and for the 2" drop you will need to cut the shackle, my bed isn't in that great of condition so I went with the 3" inch drop.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nick5446
1957 - 1960 F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
6
Sep 9, 2014 12:52 PM
rebocardo
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
1
Jul 8, 2004 11:05 PM