Drop Front End
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Enfield Connecticut
Since we're on the subject here, and sorry for partially hijacking this post...
If I were to install one of those 3" drop axles, would the alignment of my truck drastically change? I know it would on new style suspensions, but I've never worked with old stuff really...so you'll have to forgive me if this is a stupid newb question
If I were to install one of those 3" drop axles, would the alignment of my truck drastically change? I know it would on new style suspensions, but I've never worked with old stuff really...so you'll have to forgive me if this is a stupid newb question
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by joedellcarter
Since we're on the subject here, and sorry for partially hijacking this post...
If I were to install one of those 3" drop axles, would the alignment of my truck drastically change? I know it would on new style suspensions, but I've never worked with old stuff really...so you'll have to forgive me if this is a stupid newb question
If I were to install one of those 3" drop axles, would the alignment of my truck drastically change? I know it would on new style suspensions, but I've never worked with old stuff really...so you'll have to forgive me if this is a stupid newb question
New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, BC Canada
I just installed a drop axle in my 53 merc. I used tie rod drops from Mid 50 and used 4 degree shims and a solid tie rod that are recomended with a drop axle. I didn't have to bend the steering arms and did not have to modify the drag link. The only problem I had was using the tie rod drops with the new tie rod ends. The Left and right tie rods came from two different manufacturers. The left one had a longer theaded shaft on it that interfered with the tie rod drop and the cotter pin hole was drilled too high on the shaft so the nut could back off. I had to grind the tie rod end threaded shaft shorter and use a washer under the nut to get the cotter pin and nut to line up. Also I had to grind the faces of the nut on one of the tie rod ends so that my wrench would fit onto it. It was either metric nut or a bad overseas factory attempt to make it a standard size. All in all the install was not difficult. Gord
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: S.C.
Gord,
Are you driving your truck yet? I got both of my tie-rod ends from Auto Zone they went on without any issues, I also got the heavy duty tie rod, drop axle, & tie rod extenders w/2degree shims from Mid-fifty. I didn't have to make any modifications other than to roll some sand paper to sand out the top hole so the 9/16 bold would slid in. It may be another week before I get my truck back together to see how it rides.
Are you driving your truck yet? I got both of my tie-rod ends from Auto Zone they went on without any issues, I also got the heavy duty tie rod, drop axle, & tie rod extenders w/2degree shims from Mid-fifty. I didn't have to make any modifications other than to roll some sand paper to sand out the top hole so the 9/16 bold would slid in. It may be another week before I get my truck back together to see how it rides.
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New User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, BC Canada
Hi Jaye, My trucks not drivable yet, I'm rebuilding the rear suspension right now and then the chasis will be complete and I'll move onto the bodywork. I'm waiting on rear suspension parts right now. (extended rear spring hangers, spring pins and bushings.) I removed some leaves from the rear and will be adding poly spring liners. If I need the rear lower I'll raise the spring perches up on the frame. A local racing/machine shop is currently widening my stock rims by 2 inches so I can keep my stock hubcaps. We don't have an autozone in my area and the suppliers (Napa etc.)in my area were charging over double the price of Mid-50 for the parts I needed. Gord
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: S.C.
I was going to rebuild my rear suspension to stock then lower it with the extended Y-hangers so I wouldn't have to drill any extra holes; after adding everything up I came out cheaper with TCI rear leaf kit or the Pro street from Mid-50 so I went with TCI (free shipping $469) after much confusion & discussing among the FTE personnel I finally got it installed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,292
Likes: 8
From: sparta ky.
i put 86 s10 springs on my 51, 7" longer, 3 leafs and the hangers go under the frame which gives you room for some monster rubber, i've got 285/16's on it now about 12" wide but hopefully soon some 14" wide wheels and 16-17" wide tires, rear end on top of spring no c-notch, rides real good.
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