Lowering options
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Lowering options
I have a 1995 F150 4x2 with a 5sp manual transmission. I'd like to lower it a little, not for show or anything, but because I think it will float less on the roads. My question... do I need to lower it or is there a better shock option that might stiffen it up a little?
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Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Goose Creek SC
Welcome to FTE
There are shocks that are adjustable.......Places like Summit Racing and Jegs carry them. They claim to stiffen things up a lot and offer a better controlled ride. I think KYB brand is one of them. Google their catalogs and you can find more.
Personally I think the center of gravity has to be lowered to really make any difference in the top-heaviness and that "float". You can lower about 2" with lowering spindles or lowering coil springs in the front and either a shackling kit or lowering blocks in the rear. This amount lets you use stock shocks and doesn't mess up the normal alignment, toe-in "etc".
You will see a difference in handling if you lower it, way less lean in corners and a lot of that float will be gone. You will also have a bit stiffer and rougher ride and depending on your tire size, might rub on an occasional RR track or "whoop" in the road if you take them too fast.
See the pics of mine.....I bought it this way and the best we can figure is the PO brought it down in front about 4 and in back about 4-5. Front he did by cranking the torsion bars down...rear he heated the front 6" of the leaf spring and let it settle. Cheap way to do it on the rear and does ruin the spring. Mine rides very stable and corners great with hardly any lean....but it is a rough ride and I have to slow down on tracks and such.
Good Luck
Bob
There are shocks that are adjustable.......Places like Summit Racing and Jegs carry them. They claim to stiffen things up a lot and offer a better controlled ride. I think KYB brand is one of them. Google their catalogs and you can find more.
Personally I think the center of gravity has to be lowered to really make any difference in the top-heaviness and that "float". You can lower about 2" with lowering spindles or lowering coil springs in the front and either a shackling kit or lowering blocks in the rear. This amount lets you use stock shocks and doesn't mess up the normal alignment, toe-in "etc".
You will see a difference in handling if you lower it, way less lean in corners and a lot of that float will be gone. You will also have a bit stiffer and rougher ride and depending on your tire size, might rub on an occasional RR track or "whoop" in the road if you take them too fast.
See the pics of mine.....I bought it this way and the best we can figure is the PO brought it down in front about 4 and in back about 4-5. Front he did by cranking the torsion bars down...rear he heated the front 6" of the leaf spring and let it settle. Cheap way to do it on the rear and does ruin the spring. Mine rides very stable and corners great with hardly any lean....but it is a rough ride and I have to slow down on tracks and such.
Good Luck
Bob
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Quesnel, BC, Canada
Originally Posted by 92F150Flare
Personally I think the center of gravity has to be lowered to really make any difference in the top-heaviness and that "float".
Do you have sway bars? You can lower it but if you do it on the el cheapo and dont get the proper stuff you can end up with a more floaty feel. Spring rate is the big thing to watch for, the higher the number the stiffer the spring.
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