installed drop axle this weekend (pics)
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse NY
installed drop axle this weekend (pics)
I finally go around to installing the drop axle in my 55 on sunday....can't wait to flip the rear axle now and get the whole thing on the ground
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
Your 53 looks great he much of a drop was your axle. I just recieved my 3" dropped Axle for my 51F1 and I have a couple questions. Did you install the Tie Rod Extenders, I'am not sure at the moment weather to heat and bend the arms or purchase the Tie Rod Extenders. Did you have to modify the Drag Link at all.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse NY
Your 53 looks great he much of a drop was your axle. I just recieved my 3" dropped Axle for my 51F1 and I have a couple questions. Did you install the Tie Rod Extenders, I'am not sure at the moment weather to heat and bend the arms or purchase the Tie Rod Extenders. Did you have to modify the Drag Link at all.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
From: S.C.
uc4me,
I installed the drop axle about two months ago I like the way it drive however I went to get an alignment and was told the axle was off (one side higher) I plan on taking it to a frame/alignment shop where this old guy works who knows a lot about these trucks to have the frame checked. To me it appears like my wheels are angled out how are yours? Have ou driven your truck yet it look great.
I installed the drop axle about two months ago I like the way it drive however I went to get an alignment and was told the axle was off (one side higher) I plan on taking it to a frame/alignment shop where this old guy works who knows a lot about these trucks to have the frame checked. To me it appears like my wheels are angled out how are yours? Have ou driven your truck yet it look great.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 828
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis, Indiana
I am looking to get one but seem to be having a hard time, where did you get your axel from? Was it a pretty straight forward install, what if any issues did yoou have while installing it?
Thanks,
Kyle
Thanks,
Kyle
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse NY
uc4me,
I installed the drop axle about two months ago I like the way it drive however I went to get an alignment and was told the axle was off (one side higher) I plan on taking it to a frame/alignment shop where this old guy works who knows a lot about these trucks to have the frame checked. To me it appears like my wheels are angled out how are yours? Have ou driven your truck yet it look great.
I installed the drop axle about two months ago I like the way it drive however I went to get an alignment and was told the axle was off (one side higher) I plan on taking it to a frame/alignment shop where this old guy works who knows a lot about these trucks to have the frame checked. To me it appears like my wheels are angled out how are yours? Have ou driven your truck yet it look great.
It'll be a while until the truck is drivable, still lots to do.
No issues with the install except for bonking my head on the front of the frame while I was getting under the truck
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 2
From: Seattle WA.
I bought my 3" Dropped Axle from Sid Droppedaxles.com it is a dropped stock I-Beam. It was $350.00 plus $25.00 shipping outright, I didn't have to send in my old axle. I just recieved it on Friday, haven't installed it yet. I'm trying to figure out if it's best to install the Tie Rod Drops, or try to heat and bend the steering arms down. I may have to go to the Hamb, or Hotrodders form, for some answers though. I think most of the guys on this forum are into the IFS units. Nothing wrong with that of course just seems the other forums are more into dropped straight axles.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Syracuse NY
Its a CPP 3 inch drop..like the ones they sell at midfifty, I bought it from a guy who decided to go with IFS after purchasing the drop axle. Otherwise I would have had my original axle stretched, there is a guy on the H.A.M.B. who does it and I have heard good things about the results
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
tie rod drops with the solid tie rod if your running power steering. but to err on the side of caution I'd run a solid tie rod anyway. Problem with bending your own axle is the camber and caster built into the kingpin location. For the draglink, you want it to remain as close to stock as possible to prevent unusual steering habits. bumpsteer may be more pronounced, too.
Mordrop is one to have a decent reputation.
PS: that flipped grille has a Darth vader feel...I like it!!!
Mordrop is one to have a decent reputation.
PS: that flipped grille has a Darth vader feel...I like it!!!
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,005
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita
I installed the Mo drop straight axle which is 3 inch drop. The install is straightforward. I had difficulty with mine on the angle of the draglink, which made my truck have some serious bumpsteer. Hit a bump and I'd be three lanes over. Very hard to control. I cut the steering box arm about 1 inch shorter to raise up my draglink. The steering arm was already bent to avoid the tie rod so I didn't need the tie rod kit. Be careful on heating and bending the steering arm. It's forged steel, very tough to heat and bend. You really don't want to bend that arm because it could cause it to weaken and break after heating. I'd get the tie rod kit, especially with the CPP and MF type drop axles. My other problem was I dropped the front end so low, I couldn't drive it up on the alignment rack. Had to find someone with the floor/ground alignment.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I installed mine a few weeks ago and put on disc brakes with, but I am trying to deal with the angle of the pitman arm and steering link. Is there a pitman arm that will work on a 53 F100 with the stock box that is shorter? I would not be comfortable with one that is cut and shortened.