C notch needed?
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From: Orange County, CA
C notch needed?
Hey all, got a question for my '46, but since it's very similar to the '48 i figured I might get more help here. I'm going to be putting in an Explorer rear. My original axle was under spring mounted, I'm thinking of the Explorer over spring mounted. Will I need to notch the rear frame rails if I put the axle on top? I have not had a chance to mock it up yet, but I have heard some say that you need to notch the frame. Any input is appreciated.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Fallon,NV & Bainbridge OH
It all depends on the spring set up and how low you want your truck. If it will ride at stock height and never carry a load you probably wont need to notch the frame. Mock it up a take a gander. Two to three inches of clearance is lowest I would go with good springs and shocks.
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From: Orange County, CA
It has the stock springs now, but I will be removing a few leafs, and the front dropped with a dropped I-beam. Maybe I'll have to just leave the axle under springs and go to different springs to achieve the drop I want
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Brentwood, TN
I agree with Dave...unless you are going to get a little nuts with the lowering of the frame then the "over spring setup" should not need a frame notch. As you travel down this road a little word of caution...should you lower the frame a lot and use a notch, then you may run into trouble with the top of the differential housing hitting the floor of the bed. I would suggest selecting the frame height to match the ride height you are looking for...then use the springs to gain that height.
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From: Orange County, CA
Okay, good advice there, guys. I'm not looking to slam the truck, just bring it down about 3-4 inches. But the truck will be a driver, no trailer queen. I'm planning to do some looking distance road trips with it with plans to get it back on the road by July 4th.
Fleet Owner
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From: NM
Can you post a picture of the frame on your truck, in the area over the axle?
If you think about it, just flipping the axle raises the point of contact with the frame by the thickness of the original spring pack, plus the diameter of the (new) axle. That's gotta be 4" + 3" = 7". Plus some more for the spring perch. I'd bet on needing a C-notch, especially if you soften the springs.
If you think about it, just flipping the axle raises the point of contact with the frame by the thickness of the original spring pack, plus the diameter of the (new) axle. That's gotta be 4" + 3" = 7". Plus some more for the spring perch. I'd bet on needing a C-notch, especially if you soften the springs.
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From: Orange County, CA
After doing same measurements, which I should have done in the first place, in seeing that from the top of the spring pack to the bottom of frame rail, there is only about 4", so if the rear was on top of spring, there would be very little space for travel. Looks like I'll go under spring mount, but will try pulling leaves from the spring pack and see where that puts me. If I need more I'll check into reverse eye.
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