it seems to me that everyone wants to lower just the front end of the truck and jack the back y not lower the whole thing? is it easy to do if i keep the original strait axles? im kinda new to this

 

welcome to FTE pipkorn,
You should first do some searches on the subject you are looking for using the search function. There are many different ways you can lower your truck all around. What I chose the FIRST time was to buy a dropped axle for the front, and move the leafs under the rear axle. That gave me about a 4" drop all around. I then started removing leafs to get it a little lower than that. In my gallery is what my truck looked like with that setup. It got me low, but the ride quality left alot to be desired.

Take some time, and do some searches, there is TONS of info here, and once again- Welcome.

Rich

 

I tried to edit my last post, but the button dissappeared on me. Heres the pic I was talking about. Dropped axle, and leafs under rear axle. Pretty low?

 

ya thats perty much what i was looking for and im gonna see what i can find on a search thanks

 

You can do the flip kit like 55, that'll give you about a 6" drop in the rear. A lot of guys in here removed leaf springs. I'm running 4 leafs in the rear and it dropped it quite a bit. I also moved the front hangers about 1 " up on the frame rails. As for the front, the drop axle is the way to go. I also removed two leafs on the front, making it sit nice. I actually like the ride of the leaf springs removed versus all leafs. It takes that stiff bounce out of the leaf springs. Good luck

 

flip kit what do you mean by that im kinda new to the whole scene

 

Flip kit means you reverse the leaf springs in the back. In other words, your original springs should be sitting above the rear end. By taking the rear end and mounting it on top of the springs is called the flip kit. If you figure it out, by putting the rear end above the springs, your tires will now be closer to the top of the wheel wells That switch will lower the truck about 5-6". There occasions where you need to "c" notch the frame, basically cutting a figure C in the frame so the rear end doesn't bottom out when you go over a bump. I believe they sell kits to make it easier on the install.

 

midfifty has em!

FLIP KIT!

pipkorn, I suggest you look at some of the parts suppliers we endorse, order some catalogs, and ask questions. Theyre even fun to look at and highlight when youre broke.

55forder

 

I think I should throw in here as an option the monoleafs. With reversed eye they should drop down about 5 inches, without rewelding spring perches.

 

I called Mor Drop and got a quote of $300.00 to lower my front axle 3" for my 49 F-1. Now, say I lower my front 3" and add a rear lowering kit (seems to only come in 4") won't this seem dumb. Won't the rear be lower than the front? Is this a stupid question or is the front end already somewhat lower being stock? Am I doing this right???

 

It is definitely not a stupid question. Drops should be equal, or slightly more on the front end. You can make up the 1 inch difference in tire height.

 

Fordor- It's a good question. It really depends on the way your truck sits right now. The reason for the 4" in the rear is to level the truck. For instance newer F150's have kits which are called 3/4 lowering. Meaning 3" in the front and 4" in the back. Because the rear sits up a bit more than the front, the extra inch in the rear makes the truck look level. It really depends on what you like. Lowering a truck can be difficult to get the right stance. If you like the front lower than the back (that's what they call rake) Then I would stay away from the 4" lowering. Then again, it depends on the size tires your running also. If your tires are taller (meaning bigger in diameter) than the front size tires, you may find out after lowering the front 3", your truck is sitting like a stink bug and could use 4 or even more inches of drop. I usually lower the rear first, to the point where I like it. Then I'll calculate about how much I need to go down on the front to have it sit where I want it. There is a number of methods to tweak the suspension for example- removing leaf springs, or re arching the springs, different hangers, etc. Tires and rims play an important part when lowering the truck. Then again you can always "bag" it and then adjust your height the way you want it. Lots to think about. I'm still playing with setting my suspension up the way I want it. A little advice, find a good reputable shop that lowers trucks regularly. They could give you some sound recommendations on which way to go. (that's if you don't want to mess with it).
LOL- I just read 46Y's post. Beat me to it. It wasn't there a minute ago, must have been the same time. LOL.... I totally agree with him anyways.

 

imlowr2, very well put advice. Wish I would have thought of it!

 

Thanks guys. You really helped me out. Can't wait till the supernats. I want to go and check a bunch of trucks out and ask so many questions. Really looking forward to it.
Bob L.