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1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Slick Sixties Ford Truck

Lowering benefits??

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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 10:45 AM
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Lowering benefits??

Would I gain any REAL handling/ride benefits by swapping all 4 of my top leaf springs for reverse eyes to gain an overall lowering of about 2"? I'm trying to
come up with a simple solution that helps diminish what Numberdummy calls the "Oxe Cart" ride on my '64. TIA!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 11:35 AM
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I would assume that lowering any vehicle would lower its center of gravity, therefore handling better to some degree. How much better I don't know yet!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by matt2491
I would assume that lowering any vehicle would lower its center of gravity, therefore handling better to some degree. How much better I don't know yet!
Agreed...however, whether it is worth the cost and hassle to make the modification is why I asked about REAL benefits...and what determines REAL, I'm not sure, but hoping someone here can enlighten me. I don't think I would bother if the improvements were marginal at best.
 

Last edited by Payner44; Dec 29, 2007 at 11:46 AM.
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 11:53 AM
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I think I'd go with some gas shocks and sway bars front and rear. Or a IFS of your choice. These trucks just really don't handle well. Radial tires help, maybe a power steering system (expensive and not easy) and simply keeping your speed down. Even the newer trucks with I-Beams are a handful at anything over 75-80. I think aerodynamics take over after 65 + and then your on your own.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 12:09 PM
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Just a personal opinion:

I like driving my slick BECAUSE of the way it handles! I think most of you guys would agree as well. Why would we keep owning and working on these trucks if we didn't love 'em for what they are? I find it so much fun to have scary brakes, barely any steering, not-so-nice handling, and an old school motor pushing you around in an heavy all-metal box!
 

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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 12:18 PM
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From: Beldenville, WI
Originally Posted by matt2491
Just a personal opinion:

I like driving my slick BECAUSE of the way it handles! I think most of you guys would agree as well. Why would we keep owning and working on these trucks if we didn't love 'em for what they are? I find it so much fun to have scary brakes, barely any steering, not-so-nice handling, and an old school motor pushing you around in an heavy all-metal box!
I agree, and have stated similar sentiments in other threads. My ONLY reason for seeking a better solution in this regard is for safety reasons. I don't go faster than 65, ever, and most often no more than 60 on the highway. However, there are times when my comfort level lowers and my nerves fray a little, if you know what I mean?
 

Last edited by Payner44; Dec 29, 2007 at 12:20 PM.
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 12:53 PM
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I do know what ya mean. Where you're coming from with the safety issues is obviously understandable, but I just wanted to share my thoughts.

If you wanted to go fast, you would soon know that these trucks sure aren't designed for that!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 03:10 PM
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I hear you about going fast. A few months back I took my '64 up to 75 MPH to see what would happen and scared the hell out of myself in the process...and I've gone 175 MPH before in a Vette without even batting an eye!
 
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 03:33 PM
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How'd you get up to 75?? I see you've got a 292, and a 4-speed...

Does that have overdrive? What about your differential?
 
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 04:38 PM
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Just stepped on the gas...with the 4.10 Dana 60.2 rearend it was revving around 3500 RPM. What scared me was all the shaking and vibrating it was making!
 

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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Payner44
I agree, and have stated similar sentiments in other threads. My ONLY reason for seeking a better solution in this regard is for safety reasons. I don't go faster than 65, ever, and most often no more than 60 on the highway. However, there are times when my comfort level lowers and my nerves fray a little, if you know what I mean?


I have to ask Payner44 about the post above stating, "I don't go over 65, ever"

In another quote you responded by saying that.....

<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 5504509" vAlign=top><TD class=alt2>I hear you about going fast. A few months back I took my '64 up to 75 MPH to see what would happen and scared the hell out of myself in the process...and I've gone 175 MPH before in a Vette without even batting an eye! </TD></TR><TR><TD class=thead colSpan=2>Today 01:53 PM</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Which is it, do you never go over 65, ever, or just a slip up?
 
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Old Dec 29, 2007 | 06:47 PM
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Originally Posted by 4.6 liter DOHC
I have to ask Payner44 about the post above stating, "I don't go over 65, ever"

In another quote you responded by saying that.....

<table class="tborder" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr title="Post 5504509" valign="top"><td class="alt2">I hear you about going fast. A few months back I took my '64 up to 75 MPH to see what would happen and scared the hell out of myself in the process...and I've gone 175 MPH before in a Vette without even batting an eye! </td></tr><tr><td class="thead" colspan="2">Today 01:53 PM</td></tr></tbody></table>


Which is it, do you never go over 65, ever, or just a slip up?
Good point...I was actually referring to my everyday driving habits with this particular truck...the 75MPH effort was only a one time thing to see what would happen, which served to re-enforce my habit of staying at 65MPH or less. I go a hell of a lot faster in my wife's '06 Silverado, though!
 

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Old Dec 30, 2007 | 12:05 PM
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Unbelievable. Back when gas was "cheap" and I could afford a 390 as an everyday commuter, 80mph was an everyday thing. If you didn't you'd get ran over by the Hindu/Muslim truck drivers from British Columbia!
My 65 handles great with no mods to the suspension other than gas shocks and 2" smaller od tires. Good tires do make a world of difference.
The tin does dance the whotuzzy at 100mph though.

There are many performance designs for solid axles. You can visit a local speed shop for ideas on how to improve your handling.
 
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Old Jan 1, 2008 | 09:32 AM
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Thanks to all for the suggestions. Although, I seem to have struck a few nerves with this thread, but am not sure which and why...
 
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