lowering my 53
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
I sent you a pm.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
If you put the axle on top the spring you will need to C notch the frame for clearance and possibly the bed floor as well. DON'T remove the rubber axle bumper even if you C notch, axle to frame contact will do nasty things to both. Flipping the axle will also require removing the original spring mount, rewelding a new set on the other side of the axle after re-setting the pinion angle, new shock mounts and possibly even changing the driveshaft length. There are a lot of easier/cheaper ways to lower the rear.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
You really need to order a free Mid Fifty catalog www.midfifty.com there is a spreadsheet in it with all the different ways to lower the stock suspension front and rear and how much each will change the height. There is also instructions on which leafs to remove to soften and lower the ride, as well as reversed eye main leafs and plastic slider strips that should be added while the springs are apart. Anyone building a 53-56 needs to have a MF catalog at hand, it's better than a shop manual, and it's FREE!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
That's a no brainer! For rear: take out every other leaf (advance search on keywords "leaf spring disassembly", "safe" and my user name) and/or raise the hangers. Cost = 0, time 1 day if you take your time. Altho I would highly recommend replacing the spring eye bushings and hanger bolts while they are out. Difficulty 2.5 out of 10, 1 = extremely easy. Tools required: Jack, jackstands (2-4), basic hand tools, 2 large C clamps.
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
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thanks ax
taking out every other one ,,( 3 ) you think that would give me 1 1/2 to 2 inches ,, i have done springs before no problem ,, now when you say raise hangers you talking the rear hangers ? or the front hangers ,, i would say i will do the leafs removable dont know ,,, man i love this power steering ,, i wish the ratio was different like my newer truck but i still love it
thanks guys
taking out every other one ,,( 3 ) you think that would give me 1 1/2 to 2 inches ,, i have done springs before no problem ,, now when you say raise hangers you talking the rear hangers ? or the front hangers ,, i would say i will do the leafs removable dont know ,,, man i love this power steering ,, i wish the ratio was different like my newer truck but i still love it
thanks guys
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
thanks ax
taking out every other one ,,( 3 ) you think that would give me 1 1/2 to 2 inches ,, i have done springs before no problem ,, now when you say raise hangers you talking the rear hangers ? or the front hangers ,, i would say i will do the leafs removable dont know ,,, man i love this power steering ,, i wish the ratio was different like my newer truck but i still love it
thanks guys
taking out every other one ,,( 3 ) you think that would give me 1 1/2 to 2 inches ,, i have done springs before no problem ,, now when you say raise hangers you talking the rear hangers ? or the front hangers ,, i would say i will do the leafs removable dont know ,,, man i love this power steering ,, i wish the ratio was different like my newer truck but i still love it
thanks guys
Have you tried increasing the PS pump pressure 1 shim to speed up the steering? Also reducing the steering wheel diameter to 15 -16" will make it feel much quicker like a modern truck.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
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no i have done anything with the pump ,, i will look into the shim ,, i wont to keep the steering wheel love the look ,, but i need to looking into the shim , i think thats were i am getting my noise,, its only at a low idle i here it so that could be not enough pressure , could be my gear box is bad or wore i did buy it used ,, anyway i still love it should have done it way sooner ,, i can steer with 1 finger thats wild
i like the idea on the front hanger thats seems to be the easiest,,and simple
thanks ax
p.s. i guess if the pressure is off that would cause it to make noise ?? say like it needed a shim or 2 ??
i like the idea on the front hanger thats seems to be the easiest,,and simple
thanks ax
p.s. i guess if the pressure is off that would cause it to make noise ?? say like it needed a shim or 2 ??
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