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1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Fat Fendered and Classic Ford Trucks

Front Spring Question with Dropped Axle

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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 07:18 PM
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Front Spring Question with Dropped Axle

Hi Guys,
I'm getting further along in my build and decided to put the engine weight on the front solid axle and springs. The front axle is a 3 inch drop axle and I believe the front springs are lowering springs with one end being reverse eye. I also put the tie rod in to check clearances. What do you think of the clearance between the spring and the tie rod?

Also, now that the front spring has the engine weight, it compressed almost flat and the front spring hanger is pushed forward.

Does everything look OK or should I look at a different spring setup for the front?

Thanks!
 
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 09:19 PM
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The shackles are fine, the tie rod clearance should be okay too. JMO, those tie rod drops look really hokey.....I know lots of people use them, but they sure don't look safe to me. Seems like there should be a better option.

Also, with only 2 spring leafs I'd also be a bit concerned about spring wrap up under braking....how stiff are those springs? Are you using disc brakes?
 
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Old Jan 6, 2016 | 09:55 PM
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Originally Posted by tinman52
The shackles are fine, the tie rod clearance should be okay too. JMO, those tie rod drops look really hokey.....I know lots of people use them, but they sure don't look safe to me. Seems like there should be a better option.

Also, with only 2 spring leafs I'd also be a bit concerned about spring wrap up under braking....how stiff are those springs? Are you using disc brakes?

I got the dropped axle from Sids and those are his tie rod drops and tie rod. Yes, I have a disk brake conversion. What would you recommend instead? Thanks
 
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Old Jan 7, 2016 | 12:27 PM
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Those look like Posie's Dual Flex? If so they should work fine as they are tapered springs. Several of us here on this Forum use them.
 
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Old Jan 7, 2016 | 12:39 PM
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I decided to give Sid a call as well, real friendly and helpful person to deal with! We talked about my current axle and we were able to confirm they are posie springs. Also, he mentioned for our trucks (and his personal F1) that he always uses a 4 degree caster shim with his 3 in drop axle and posie springs setup. And once I get the shim in place I will have a little more clearance for the tie rod. I think I'm on the right track, thanks for all your input! Pics to come soon after the front end suspension has been rebuilt.
 
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Old Apr 5, 2022 | 09:24 PM
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Originally Posted by jgp1952
Hi Guys,
I'm getting further along in my build and decided to put the engine weight on the front solid axle and springs. The front axle is a 3 inch drop axle and I believe the front springs are lowering springs with one end being reverse eye. I also put the tie rod in to check clearances. What do you think of the clearance between the spring and the tie rod?

Also, now that the front spring has the engine weight, it compressed almost flat and the front spring hanger is pushed forward.

Does everything look OK or should I look at a different spring setup for the front?

Thanks!
I know this is a really old thread but I was wondering how much drop you got from this setup and what you used in the rear. Got a quote from Sid for this setup but couldn’t find any pictures after install.
 
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Old Apr 9, 2022 | 02:25 PM
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Originally Posted by jhelliot
I know this is a really old thread but I was wondering how much drop you got from this setup and what you used in the rear. Got a quote from Sid for this setup but couldn’t find any pictures after install.
I got a 2 ½" drop using Posie's Dual Flex in the front and Super Slides in the rear. But I used the original straight axle and not a dropped axle.







.
 
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