Lowering a 64
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Lowering a 64
I would like to know all the ways to lower my 64 f100?I dont need much maybe 3-4 in. in front. and 2-3 in back.If i do a spring under would it be safe,I also dont want to C the frame.Is it possible to remove some springs out of the leaf?And what about the pitman arm?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts!
To find out where to ask this question, click on this link
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...88#post3272088
See you on the boards.
….
To find out where to ask this question, click on this link
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...88#post3272088
See you on the boards.
….
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Terre Haute, Indiana
I have a hard time believing the only reply to this post is from one of our administrators, This guy comes to the web site looking for info as a new user and no one responded!
For what it's worth better late than never.
On your front end you could go with dropped I beams like DJM suspension or from Chassis tech or a costly independant front suspension conversion either home made or an aftermarket like Street rod engineering or Fat Man Fabrications which both offer mustang 2 front kit options.
Since you do not want to notch your frame you may want to flip your rear spring hangers or look for some aftermarket hangers.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
For what it's worth better late than never.
On your front end you could go with dropped I beams like DJM suspension or from Chassis tech or a costly independant front suspension conversion either home made or an aftermarket like Street rod engineering or Fat Man Fabrications which both offer mustang 2 front kit options.
Since you do not want to notch your frame you may want to flip your rear spring hangers or look for some aftermarket hangers.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
buggs,
There's no easy way that I know of to do what your asking. Flipping the axles will lower you more than the 2-3 that you seek, the frame will need to be C'ed and the pitman arm shortened to take care of a wicked bump steer situation.(ask me how I know) I flipped both axles on my 64 but I like the ride height. Pictures in my gallery and good luck in your quest.
There's no easy way that I know of to do what your asking. Flipping the axles will lower you more than the 2-3 that you seek, the frame will need to be C'ed and the pitman arm shortened to take care of a wicked bump steer situation.(ask me how I know) I flipped both axles on my 64 but I like the ride height. Pictures in my gallery and good luck in your quest.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
On your front end you could go with dropped I beams like DJM suspension or from Chassis tech or a costly independant front suspension conversion either home made or an aftermarket like Street rod engineering or Fat Man Fabrications which both offer mustang 2 front kit options.
Nice information considering the poster has a 64 straight axle truck.
We can get 3 inches of drop on a stock 61 to 64 I beam truck axle with our drop service.
Or we can provide a engineered truck front suspension using Dakota components
that will drop the truck and still maintain the trucks GVRW, Typically 4.5" with four cyl springs and drop spindles are avalible for another 2".
Garbz
www.industrialchassisinc.com
Nice information considering the poster has a 64 straight axle truck.
We can get 3 inches of drop on a stock 61 to 64 I beam truck axle with our drop service.
Or we can provide a engineered truck front suspension using Dakota components
that will drop the truck and still maintain the trucks GVRW, Typically 4.5" with four cyl springs and drop spindles are avalible for another 2".
Garbz
www.industrialchassisinc.com
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
I too Have had this same problem. I don't think any 64s had I beams, I think they had only 4 corner leafs. De-arching and Mono Leafing (removing Leafs) seems to be the most popular. I have found one Company that makes drop leafs , but they were like $700 dollars for the front and $600 for the front. Take it to a custom shop near you, and see if they can de arch them by heating them up. Let me know if you have any luck!
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Originally Posted by inlandsurf
Take it to a custom shop near you, and see if they can de arch them by heating them up.
A heavy truck spring shop can make you a set of new leafs or correctly de arch the ones you have by hydraulic means and shorten them up as with the de arch the eye to eye will need adjustment as it will grow based on how much droop. You want to keep the leaf shackle verticle at ride height to maintain ride quality and full leaf travel.
Garbz
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 357
Likes: 0
I had a new main spring made for my front leafs and removed a couple as well (new spring has almost no arc eye to eye). It's about as low as it will go without riding completely on the frame. (still bumps out on any large bump) In the back I removed about half the springs (Think I have 4 left) and it lowered quite a bit. You could also use drop shackles and hangers in the back if you need a couple more inches to level it out. Or if you still use the truck to haul and want some load capacity. Pitman arm will be fine if your only going a couple inches. Hope this helps, mine dropped about as much as you are suggesting without cutting frame.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
Other options for the front are sending out your current single I beam to have it stretched or buy one from CPP that is a totally brand new tubular I beam with welded on ends. Both cost the same roughly unless you opt for lightening holes and polishing in your I beam. http://www.roadsters.com/axles/ or www.classicperformance.com
You can also buy reversed eye springs to lower it a bit. Monoleaf springs are so-so in my mind. I understand the concept of using light weight composite materials to make them but I am still leery of the longevity.
You can also buy reversed eye springs to lower it a bit. Monoleaf springs are so-so in my mind. I understand the concept of using light weight composite materials to make them but I am still leery of the longevity.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Mark
We do all Dave Manns axles..... www.industrialchassisinc.com.
We cannot do the twin I's contrary to advertisment.
CCP's are by Cen Pen in Palmyra Pa... At best hit and miss with avalibility... I dropped off my good 63 axle and spindles there four years ago for prototyping and still haven't got them back......
Garbz
Edit: Kelley just finished a 64 axle with 3" drop on monday and has a 32 heavy in the press now for So-Cal.
We do all Dave Manns axles..... www.industrialchassisinc.com.
We cannot do the twin I's contrary to advertisment.
CCP's are by Cen Pen in Palmyra Pa... At best hit and miss with avalibility... I dropped off my good 63 axle and spindles there four years ago for prototyping and still haven't got them back......
Garbz
Edit: Kelley just finished a 64 axle with 3" drop on monday and has a 32 heavy in the press now for So-Cal.
Last edited by garbz2; Sep 27, 2007 at 02:45 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,351
Likes: 1
From: Escondido, CA
I sometimes get frustrated that I have a limited availability to suspension parts. I will say however that the aftermarket is starting to catch up. I keep surfing the net for available parts and who makes them. I am glad to know that your company is helping to drain my wallet every chance I get. It's better then not knowing who is doing the work.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 762
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, Louisiana
Drop Shackle Source?
Does anyone know of an online souce for drop shackles for a 64 F100? So far I have only found them for 65s and newer. Not sure how much difference there is in the 64 and 65-67 but apparently there is some. Can you also use the drop shackles on the front or does this cause problems (steering etc)? I'm only looking for 2" or so...nothing drastic.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,060
Likes: 7
From: Glendale Arizona
Drop shackles on the front dont work as the shackle is two flat plates and 2 bolts.
This runs through the leaf and through a cast boss rivited to the inside channel of hte front frame horn.
Not enough room to really drop it down.
For a bit you can try removing a a leaf or two at a time and see how much she reacts. Be Aware the too many leafs will allow the axle to slam the stops and crack te front frame rails.
Easiest way to do the rear axle is undo the shackle perch and re bolt it higher up on the frame. re shim the axle with degree shims to bring the pinion to spec.
Garbz
This runs through the leaf and through a cast boss rivited to the inside channel of hte front frame horn.
Not enough room to really drop it down.
For a bit you can try removing a a leaf or two at a time and see how much she reacts. Be Aware the too many leafs will allow the axle to slam the stops and crack te front frame rails.
Easiest way to do the rear axle is undo the shackle perch and re bolt it higher up on the frame. re shim the axle with degree shims to bring the pinion to spec.
Garbz
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
your current single I beam
I had a new main spring made for my front leafs and removed a couple as well
