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Looking to improve ride (soften) on '29 Ford Pickup. Has dropped tube axle up front and coil overs in rear. Any suggestions as to what shocks up front would offer the best ride? Rear coil over springs are way too stiff. Thinking about going with 150 pound or less coil over springs. I think the ones on there currently are somewhere in the 250+ pound range. Would appreciate input from anyone who has changed the suspension on 28-31 Fords, cars or trucks since they have the same frame.
Looking to improve ride (soften) on '29 Ford Pickup. Has dropped tube axle up front and coil overs in rear. Any suggestions as to what shocks up front would offer the best ride? Rear coil over springs are way too stiff. Thinking about going with 150 pound or less coil over springs. I think the ones on there currently are somewhere in the 250+ pound range. Would appreciate input from anyone who has changed the suspension on 28-31 Fords, cars or trucks since they have the same frame.
It's been a while but I spent several years working at Pete & Jakes. It's possible your rear coil overs may have a color dot applied to the top of the coil. We did this to help keep track but have also seen it as far back as the Spax, Gabriel and other set ups. Give Jason a call at Pete and Jakes... its down to a science and will have a reference and gives good advice.
With the coil overs and tube I assume the front may be street rodded? If thats the case then you may already have aftermarket perch bolts that allow for a common shorty tube kit. They work quite well and the shorter length helps with room for maintenance and access. It would be helpful to know the front spring to determine its rate I've ran stock w/reverse eyed, custom made, and Posies over the year and each can ride different... key thing to watch is the shackle angle. If you're more traditional in your build you may look at the MGA Rear shocks to bolt upfront. They offer a vintage style look but will bolt in place or your original Hounda illes. You'll need a few links and arm adjustment to attach but can be altered for your driving needs through different oils. Let us know which path you choose.
The truck is a street rod. The rear shocks on there now came with the truck when I bought it and they are leaking as well as too stiff. I haven't pulled them yet but will check for a color dot as you suggest. The front shocks are tube shocks but appear to be too long. I think I need something around 7 inches compressed. I have read that nitrogen filled shocks ride too stiffly for 28-32 Fords and that an oil filled shock might work better. I don't know what spring I have in front. It appears to be a stock spring. Here are pictures of the front shocks and rear coil overs.
I replaced the coil overs and used 225 pound springs. The truck rides smoother but I still think there is room for improvement. Never could find any markings to verify the old springs but the wire is definitely heavier than the new 225 pound wire, so my guess is they are 250-300 pound springs which was way too heavy for the rear of my truck. I don't plan to haul anything heavy in the bed for sure. My next project is to improve the front shocks and replace the original steering box. I'm open for suggestions if anyone has any ideas. Looks like my choices are 65-66 Mustang, F-100, Vega, or Corvair. I'm leaning toward the F-100 box unless there is something new out there I'm not familiar with.
So, nobody has any suggestions as to improved steering on my 29 Ford?
With your four bar setup, it may be best to use the mustang box. You'll need to fab it up so the drag link runs as close to parallel to the bars as possible to eliminate bump steer.
I replaced the coil overs and used 225 pound springs. The truck rides smoother but I still think there is room for improvement. Never could find any markings to verify the old springs but the wire is definitely heavier than the new 225 pound wire, so my guess is they are 250-300 pound springs which was way too heavy for the rear of my truck. I don't plan to haul anything heavy in the bed for sure. My next project is to improve the front shocks and replace the original steering box. I'm open for suggestions if anyone has any ideas. Looks like my choices are 65-66 Mustang, F-100, Vega, or Corvair. I'm leaning toward the F-100 box unless there is something new out there I'm not familiar with.
Sorry for the absence. Great your making progress in the rear and yea those old springs are heavy, have those in a heavier ‘39 coupe and a little harsh. I'd again check with Jason at Pete and Jakes. Your front shocks look past it and a new set should make a big difference. For the box I’ve been happy with vega on the same set up. Small but sturdy with several new to choose from. Mustang is also good but often the bracket sets at the back of the 4-Bar-and can be a little problematic with certain headers and steering linkage, but still a good choice. Great condition F100 can be a little hard to find. Like he stated above making things parallel is big to eliminate bump steer.
Seems like the hot ticket for the fat fender & later box styles these days is a Toyota steering box.
Got any pics of how the total truck looks now?
Had not thought of a Toyota box. Is that an option for 28-32 Fords?. I have looked at Mustang and Vega boxes. Would like to use something I can do myself. I can weld but not great at it so a bolt-on of some kind would be best. No pictures currently as truck is mostly disassembled.
Read an article on the HAMB about using 80-87 Toyota 4x4 boxes in 56-60 Ford pickups. If that box fits 56-60 PU without too much hassle, then it would probably fit my 'A' with a little fabrication. One guy says a Toyota Land Cruiser box works as well. May look into these further. I'd like to find someone who has actually done it.
The Vega and Toyota boxes are used in cross steer applications. You are running a traditional type steer setup. With a Mustang/Cougar box the pitman arm will face up with the box mounted below the frame rail. This will put the drag link close to parallel with the 4-Bar and inline with the upper spindle arm, which is ideal. If you are going to do this I recommend you contact Pete & Jakes for one of their catalogs, which has a wealth of info on the proper way to set things up. Their number is 1-800-334-7240. Good luck!
The Vega and Toyota boxes are used in cross steer applications. You are running a traditional type steer setup. With a Mustang/Cougar box the pitman arm will face up with the box mounted below the frame rail. This will put the drag link close to parallel with the 4-Bar and inline with the upper spindle arm, which is ideal. If you are going to do this I recommend you contact Pete & Jakes for one of their catalogs, which has a wealth of info on the proper way to set things up. Their number is 1-800-334-7240. Good luck!
I know the Vega is cross steer which is why I'm not as interested in that one due to the fabrication involved in changing to cross steer. However, my impression is that the Toyota box is not cross steer since it is used extensively in Ford Pickups 53-60. Are you sure it is cross steer? The Mustang box is looking better all the time.
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