Lowering rear w/ flexomatic
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 64
From: Billings, MT
Lowering rear w/ flexomatic
So the new '70 has flexomatic rear springs and shackles and needs to come down about 3" in the rear. Does anyone make some new lowering springs that would replace the flexomatic leaves? Don't really care if the flexomatic stuff stays or not; I figured since I can't lower it the way it is might as well get new springs. Axle flip would be too low.
Thought of tracking down some used regular springs and doing drop hangers but that's probably dumb
Thought of tracking down some used regular springs and doing drop hangers but that's probably dumb
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 82
From: NorCal
A leaf spring hanger "half flip" would probably get ya close. Gotta correct the pinion angle though. A full flip results in a whopping 11 degrees of pinion correction. Better to cut and reweld the leaf pads if going this route. Don't stack shims but if ya do weld em together.
Otherwise, non-FOM leaf springs and a DJM shackle system....
... an axle flip is about 5.5 inches of drop.
Otherwise, non-FOM leaf springs and a DJM shackle system....
... an axle flip is about 5.5 inches of drop.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 783
From: Simi Valley, CA
So the new '70 has flexomatic rear springs and shackles and needs to come down about 3" in the rear. Does anyone make some new lowering springs that would replace the flexomatic leaves? Don't really care if the flexomatic stuff stays or not; I figured since I can't lower it the way it is might as well get new springs. Axle flip would be too low.
Thought of tracking down some used regular springs and doing drop hangers but that's probably dumb
Thought of tracking down some used regular springs and doing drop hangers but that's probably dumb
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 881
Likes: 1
From: Sudbury, ONT.
I used the DJM lowering shackles and hangers on my Flexomatic springs. It worked no problem. I have a thread about it here on FTE. I'd include a link to my thread but I don't know how to do that..........
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,600
Likes: 64
From: Billings, MT
How much drop did that get you?
I found a thread where someone had done the same but had to notch out the bed crossmember. Don't wanna do that to this super clean bed
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
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From: NorCal
Thanks.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 215
Likes: 3
From: Union City, CA
For what it's worth, Detroit spring https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/ makes leaf springs for our trucks up to 3" lower, or 3" higher.
New User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 20
Likes: 2
Picking up on this old string. My 1971 F250 Camper Special has the original Flexomatic springs. I am looking to lower the back end 2 or 3 inches so this Eaton Detroit Springs option is interesting. I don't want to have to notch my frame. If I use Eaton, can I avoid this? Also, I am wondering if I need to shorten the drive shaft if I lower the back end. Any advice regarding use of Eaton springs would be appreciated.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 187
Likes: 14
culpthm1,
There are different opinions and ideas on what to do with the FOM springs. I have a 71 LB with FOM springs and installed the DJM kit (almost). The forward leaf spring bracket from DJM will go in with no problems, but the rear shackle extension is the same exact height as the factory FOM triple bracket setup, so even if you install it, the spring does not move.
Here's the problem, because you only moved ONE side of the leaf, you are clocking the rear end angle about 8deg toward the sky. NOT good for the joint, so you will need a shim to make this work. I found an 8deg shim that worked perfectly and bolted it in so it won't move.
Notching the frame is done to make the axle clear the frame but you have to drop it 5" or more and then put 4 guys in the bed to hit the frame on a camper special. Swapping the rear springs with Eaton Detroit springs is expensive and will be 10% better for 200% more money and time.
There are different opinions and ideas on what to do with the FOM springs. I have a 71 LB with FOM springs and installed the DJM kit (almost). The forward leaf spring bracket from DJM will go in with no problems, but the rear shackle extension is the same exact height as the factory FOM triple bracket setup, so even if you install it, the spring does not move.
Here's the problem, because you only moved ONE side of the leaf, you are clocking the rear end angle about 8deg toward the sky. NOT good for the joint, so you will need a shim to make this work. I found an 8deg shim that worked perfectly and bolted it in so it won't move.
Notching the frame is done to make the axle clear the frame but you have to drop it 5" or more and then put 4 guys in the bed to hit the frame on a camper special. Swapping the rear springs with Eaton Detroit springs is expensive and will be 10% better for 200% more money and time.
New User
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
This is the DJM drop kit + shorter length leaf springs.
DJM 4" Lowering Shackle Kit
https://djmsuspension.com/product/hs1130-4/
Leaf Springs (Non EZ-Ride Length)
https://www.generalspringkc.com/prod...QaAnGPEALw_wcB