What are the general method for lowering a straght axle and rear axle
for 48-52 trucks. I have a 51.

 

Two methods I have seen that work for the front are replacing the axle with a dropped axle, about $350 and a lot of labor to R&R the spindles/King pins.

An easier method is to either modify the leaf springs by removing some of the leafs and replacing the main leaf with a reverse eye main leaf. I talked to a guy at a car show that did this but he was not happy with the ride quality.

Myself, I replaced my front leaf springs because they had been butchered by a previous owner. I used a short smooth spring stack with reverse eyes from Mid Fifty who I found out dropped shipped them from another vendor. While I was at it I replaced the shackle pins. Gave me about a 2 1/2 inch drop on a V8 1955 F100. Also the added benefit of a smoother quieter ride from a softer spring rate and poly between the leafs. Don't forget to buy new shocks for the lowered ride height. I will get a little more drop when I replace the wheels and tires with a lower profile tire. This is sometimes overlooked, but you can change the ride height by selecting a tire with a smaller outside diameter. Like going from a light truck tire to a passenger car tire in my case.

I stayed away from mono leafs in the front because I had heard they have a stiff ride.

For the rear spring, again you can modify the springs like the front if you don't plan to haul any heavy loads. Also you can install an extended spring hanger for more drop. If you drop to much you will need to C notch the frame rails to allow room for the rear axle. Also you can replace the springs like I did in the front. My rear springs are OK but I am going to try a mono leaf with reversed eyes when I finish rebuilding the 9 inch rear. One caution about mono leafs on the rear. You have to flip the front spring hanger or they will bind and eventually break.

Happy hot rodding

 

....Stay tuned to my upcoming Frame-notching extravaganza for lowering the rear of my Effie! Should be within the next week. OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY!

 

Can you put 53-55 leafs on a 51-52 truck??

 

Why would you want to? I'm pretty sure they are different. Even within the 53-56 years the rear springs are different depending the number of leaves. Some are six leaf and some are eight. You might be able to make them work by changing the spring hangers, but I don't see the point since 48-52 springs are readily available...

Vern

 

53-56 springs are longer, thus, not as stiff a ride. You need to move the spring hangers.

 

FYI... 53-54 Springs are not as long as 55-56 springs.

Couple of inches shorter from what I remember.

Mike

 

ive heard of people heating the front ends and bending them up

 

Go to http://www.jalopyjournal.com look in the tech omatic section and look at the thread droppin axles writtin by Titus

 

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthre...reads.php?Cat= sorry try this link

 

Check the width of the springs, I believe the 48-51 a narrower

 

onelowzuki,

Are you sure thats the right link? Did a search on the poster and no poster.
Also the thread and nothing.

 

Yeah its right, last night it was on page 3
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthre...=&fpart=1&vc=1 hope this link works

 

I just checked the link on my last post and it took me right there.

 

So reverse eye springs give you about a 2 1/2" drop?