I'm just wondering how low can I get the rear of my 53 f-100. I've seen plenty of options for the front so I need to gather info about the rear. Been looking around the forum and other sites but haven't been able to find the answers I've been looking for. I have a couple standards I would like to stick by. No 4 link and No c-notch. With those 2 factors I'm extreamly limited. BUt how low can I get it and what do I have to do to get it there?

From what I've seen the standard is a 4in drop spring but I did see a drop spring advertised for a 6in drop. Would that be with a notched frame?

 

If you don't want to C-notch you aren't going to get below 4". I have a 4" drop using TCI's rear leaf kit which I didn't C-notch, I hit a pot hole last week and I think my acle may have hit the axle stops however,not to hard.

 

bought the pro street from mid fifty. it gives a 4 to 6 inch drop. its adjustable

 

If you dont want a c notch and a 4 link
forget about LOW

 

The frame will always limit you!!

 

keith56 said it all, you have to C-notch, or your going to hit the frame every time you hit a bump and that over time will beat the S$^# out of your truck

 

Can you get a 4" drop without a c-notch?

 

Thanks guys, that is what is what I figured, 4" maximum drop. So for springs advertized for a 4" drop, will they be a straight replacement, with no welding of new or relocating the mounting brackets? The reason why I ask is I do not have a welder nor do I even know how to weld. I would like to do this myself to save as much cash as possible.

 

There are companys that make bolt in "c" notch kits. You might check into that. hope that helps.

 

here is a good place to get a bolt in notch. no welding required and you wont have to raise your bed.
Bolt-in C-Notch Kit | suicidedoors.com

 

Those look great however, I think they may be universal I couldn't find what model/year truck/car they were for. I have some however, I don't think I need them. The only thing you are going to get that will bold in (springs) are going to be the short & smooth stack or mono leafs from MF I don't think they are a 4" drop though. The TCI kit I got I had to drill holes for the brackets and weld the spring pads to the axle.

 

Yea the Short and Smooth Stacks from MF are most likely what I'm going to go with. I did notice you can get extended "y" hangers to go with the springs for a 5" drop in the rear. But as mentioned a c-notch is recommended if breaking the 4" barrier.

So is the only real advantage in going with a Pro-street kit or TCI's kit, is to relocate the springs inside the frame rails, so you can get wider wheels and tires?

 

To add to 53rat's( I hope you don't mind) question, if the springs were moved inwards, what does that do to being able to mount a gas tank in back? And, how wide of a tire can be mounted with springs inboard compared to outboard? I'm getting ready to buy the rear fenders that are three inches wider, but maybe my money would be better spent on mounting the springs in-board to get wider tires ( already have functional stock rear fenders)???

 

if you move the springs in you have to narrow the tank about 3/4 inch each side on a 21 gal aluminum tank. with the springs mounted under the frame and using the pro street kit from mid fifty it will drop 4 to 6 inches depending what holes you use.

 

I used a TCI kit on my F1, which dropped the frame 4". When I looked at the travel that was left, I decided to add a c notch just to keep the travel reasonable.