So I have about 1-1.25" of rake on my '56 that I'd like to get rid of. I know it might seem trivial as the truck sits pretty well, but it's not perfect to me. I'd like to tuck that rear tire up a little more in the rear fender.
My question is can I remove a couple of leafs to accomplish this safely? If not advisable, what are options for such a drop? Everything I see on the aftermarket is for 3-4" drops. Any suggestions?
I have 6-leaf spring packs right now, and the truck rides pretty hard. I wouldn't mind a bit softer ride either. She's also due for new rear shocks, so two birds....
*Edit: Forgot to mention my hangers/shackles are already up on the frame as high as they can go. Don't have a good pic, sorry

 

Your rear wheels look pretty deep. What size are the wheels and tires? Do they hit anywhere?

 

I would remove just the bottom leaf and then see where it sits.

 

Posie make a reversed eye springs that will lower your truck...... check them out.

 

The rears are 18x10 with a 295/45 tire. The fenders are 3' wider to accommodate. The tire face sits about 1.25" inside the fender lip. I have no clearance issues

 

Yeah, problem is the Posie's give a 2 or 3" drop. That's too much. I need about 1.25"

 

Do an axle flip, put your hangars back and then you can adjust it to where ever you want with a block. I would also remove two springs, 2&4th from the bottom.

 

You can try removing leaves, you've got nothing to lose there except labor. If it works, you're golden. In not, you'll know you need to come up with a plan B. Different people have differing levels of success with leaf removing, depending on the condition of their springs. From your description of your spring firmness, it sounds like you may be fine. It's a trial and error method, for sure.

A Plan B could entail something like Posie's reverse eye springs with relocating the hangers to gain back the height you need.

 

has any one ever split the spring mount on the axle? as in split it and use the top of the tubing as part of the spring mount. it would take a little work but it might lower it about 3/4 of a inch. maybe that and take out 2 springs would get you to be where you want to be. or maybe do as suggested and put the axle on top of the spring and relocate the hangers to be exactly where you want them to be. just my thoughts.

 

I like the way it sits now, what do you have up front ?

 

With a simple press you can reverse the camber on your rear main leaves which results in reversed eyes. That should be just about what you are looking for.

 

As far as wheels/tires, or suspension?

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I will try to pull a leaf or 2 and see how it sits and rides. If the ride height or quality isn't where I want it, I'll look to y'all's other suggestions.

Do those clamps just pry off? Are they reusable or do you have to replace them after removing?

 

Your better off with new clamps as the old ones will be weak and they need to be bent in different places after removing leafs.

Where is NorCal for you?

 

Yes, wheels & suspension.