Ok, I know there is a thread like this already but I didnt want to hijack it. So here goes... I have a 77 F-100 with a 3 speed manual and a 302. I want to lower it about 3 " and I dont want to have the problems that beartracks had with his driveshaft at a zero degree angle, because how Tourque1st explained it (which makes sence) it will wear out parts fast. Also My engine as it is, sits much higher with the new intake, carb and carb spacer, I know I could get a smaller diameter air cleaner, because the one I hav enow sits just below the overhang where the washer fluid hoses and wire's run, it actualy sits under that and hardly clears it... What can I do about that? And if I lower my body will I run into any other problems about parts clearance?

 

well.... i dont really know alot about this subject, but i can help clarify some. If you body drop your truck (like the mini truck guys often do to make their trucks lay on the ground)... then you would have to worry about engine clearances and all that fun stuff, but the drop that you will more than likely go with is a Suspension drop. it shouldnt alter any clearances with the engine or tranny to the body at all. the only parts suspension drops alter are how far the wheels and/ or axels are from the frame, and anything related to those parts. It is more cost friendly to suspension drop a truck or almost anything than it is to body drop one because of all the modifications that must be made in order to bring the body lower on the frame. Hope this was some help to you and didnt confuse you any.

 

Just like slick said, you lower your suspension system. I have never seen any lowering kits for these trucks but some of the other users may know of some sources. To lower the body you would have to eliminate all of the body mount bushings which would vibrate you to death. Some of the older trucks have sources for lowering kits. Check in a "Custom Classic Truck" magazine.

 

Oh I know of many places that do it, and I know alot of mag's have the do it yourself kits that come with the new springs, They say there are 3 ways to lower your truck- Rake: Only the front is lowered, by installing front drop spring sets only- Drop: Front and rear 2" drop by installing front and rear 2" drop spring sets- and Slam: The front and the Rear of the truck are lowered to the maximum possible "lowness". The slam can be achieved by installing 2" front drop springs and 4" rear drop springs. Now I don't know much about lowering a truck, but it seems simple with the right tools, and I am thinking of doing the slam since it would only cost me about 550$. But the way they explain the slam, 2"front and 4" rear? That makes it sound like the front will be higher then the rear.... ? I am not understanding why the rear needs lower springs then the front? Is it because the stock height makes the rear 2" taller then the front already, and when adding the extra 2" to the rear it evens it out? Because if that is it all I want to do is a 2" drop for the front and the rear, because I like the look of the original stance with the rear a little higher... But I don't like the stock height because I know it can handle better if it were about 2" lower all around... What are every ones thoughts on this?

P.S.... If I did the 2" drop, front and rear, would I need new rear leaf drop spring sets? If I did this drop, I would not be towing or hauling anything except maybe 2-3 bails of hay....?

 

Racerdave, I was looking at that same kit , I am wanting to do the slam also, If you do it before me let me know how it turns out..I got a 79' 2wheel drive F-100 custom "SWB"

 

What do you meen by "SWB"? And if I am going to do the slam I need you to lend me more money ;-).. I was thinking of just doing the drop, and with the extra money I would be saving, buying sway bars for my front and rear. But since noone is even replying to this I am not sure if anyone knows anything about doing this?

COME ON PEOPLE CANT ANYONE EVEN HAVE A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LOWERING A 77 F-100 ??

 

SWB = Short Wheel Base

Btw, There is No such word as *Noone*

It is *No One *

 

I'm interested in doing this too. What kit are you talking about?

You cannot do it with springs alone! What do these kits do about the twin I beams? A 2" drop is not a slam, though you will notice it. On a truck like my stock '73 F-100, a slam would be more like 5" or even 6". But if you try to "slam" a twin I beam truck with really short springs only, without doing anything to the I beams, the tops of your front tires will lean in so bad (castor) it may be dangerous to drive, and your steering linkage may bind! In fact, any spring only drop on a I beam truck will effect alignment, and not for the better. There are a few companies that sell lowered I beams which use stock springs, and that may be the safest way to go. Far better then short springs. So far, no one makes lowered spindles that I can find.

Most 73-79 F series trucks are slightly higher in the rear to compensate for loads.

 

There does not seem to be a lot of interest in this forum about lowering these trucks. Be patient and someone will be along tho.

Have you tried checking with some of the older truck forum users here? Look thru the forums and email a few users that look like they may have some info/ideas.

 

Polcat, The lowering kit that me and Racerdavae was talking about is not really a slam, just 2" in front and 4" in the rear, buts that just the name of the kit in the book. They use only lowering coils and lowering leafs. I have also asked my local alignment shop about the "castor" problem and they just said that it really wouldnt bother the tilt of the tires much. Id say that it would give my truck alot better stance! It just sets way to high in the rear, anything will look better than it does now, as far as the way it sets anyway..

 

Well if you search my post you find plenty of info on AIM Industries parts for lowering a 73 to 79. I'm not totally happy with their stuff but I am finally happy with my ride and stance. You should check into DJM also.

I don't recommend doing this to the weak at heart. It required a lot of work and some corrective actions. It's also not cheap and will reduce your ability to carry load if you are not carefull.

If you want to start a new thread on Lowering a 73 to 79 truck I will do my best to answer specific questions.

 

I dont want to start a new thread... But I would love it if Tourque1st could change the name to ( Lowering a 73-79 SWB ).

I am not going with AIM no matter what. I have heard only bad things and pissed off people that went with them. I was told it was a simple process and that all I needed was new (shorter) springs, leaf springs for the rear, and a couple of other things.?

 

Racerdave, or anyone else check out my user gallery! I jus Put my ride on it!...

 

Name changed per request.

Do NOT try to get around the language filters.

 

Racer, I have lowered my 77 with 3" drop beams from PBI(dont think theyre around anymore), and cut two coils out, to get a healthy 5-6" up front. The two things I had to do to mine after the fact was:
1. The radius arm needed to be modified to allow the steering arm to go "through" the upper support of the "hole". I had to cut this support out, and weld in a plate to restrengthen the radius arm. PBI sent a template for this.
2. I had to cut my bumpstop shorter.

As for your angle changes in the rear end, after you lower the rear, when you flip the springs to the underside, get a block of 3" square tubing, and radius cut one end to the diameter of your rear axle. The amount of drop in the rear you want will determine how much square tubing you leave after the radius cut. Take the "flat" end of the tubing, and flush weld a plate in the tubing hole, to give more support. Drill a 1/2" hole in the exact center to allow the "pin", which holds your springs in line, to slide into this hole. Then take every thing to a muffler, or mechanic with a welder, and get him to make sure your pinion angles match up, and weld the square tubing into place. Bingo, your pinion angles line up, and your truck is lowered. I know I threw a lot atcha, so if you have any questions, I think you can contact me through FTE.....etc. I can send you some pix if you need.