Lowering a 1978 F100

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Dec 16, 2009 | 07:26 AM

cbfatm

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Lowering a 1978 F100

Hi,

I am new to this forum and I am new to F series fords, my name is Sam

I have just picked up a 1978 LWB F100, in the future I will be putting on big wheels and lowering it, can you make an F100 lower by cutting the springs, or does that not work? I would like the top of the fenders to sit at the top of the tyre,

Thank you

Dec 16, 2009 | 02:03 PM

projectbad78

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you can get by with just a little bit of cutting unless you get your beams bent....theres a couple of lowering threads on here, heres one that you can scrounge thru

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...ents-here.html

Dec 16, 2009 | 06:32 PM

hp246

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Welcome cbfatm. You have several options when it comes to lowering your truck. Projectbad is correct in that this has been visited many times. The first question you have to anser is how low do you want to go? If you want the rails riding on the ground, you will want to bag it. A couple of guys have tackled that and they have some great threads and pics. if you want to go 3-4 inches, there are a variety of kits DJM is one top name in the business. I did my 76 with a DJM kit. There are several reasons to go with a kit over cutting springs. First, you retain your alignment numbers. Second, the kits are well engineered and safe. You will find some links here to cutting and flipping springs as well. Remember, if you go that route, you are basically doing your own engineering.

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the site.

Dec 16, 2009 | 08:32 PM

cbfatm

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Thanks a lot for that,

How much of the springs can be cut? Is the alignment going to be a problem? Any other problems I would encounter? Can I cut the springs a little at a time to see what difference each bit makes? Can I cut both the front and rear springs? Do I have to take the springs out to cut them?

Thank you

Dec 16, 2009 | 10:18 PM

jsutton

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From: Northeast LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbfatm

The hardest part about the alignment is finding a place that still has the equipment, and someone who knows how to align it. You don't have to take the springs completely out to cut them, but you do have to take the two top retaining bolts out so the top of the spring can fall out of the pocket to get access to it. No you can't cut the rear springs, they are leaf springs. You can take them off and CAREFULLY remove a leaf or two depending how many are in the spring pack for some drop.

Dec 17, 2009 | 12:26 AM

cbfatm

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Do'h I knew the rear has leaf springs don't know what I was thinking

Are there aftermarket lowering blocks available for the leaf springs? Or just remove a couple like you said?

When cutting the front springs do you cut from the top or bottom?

Thanks again

Dec 17, 2009 | 12:36 AM

projectbad78

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you would have to do a flip kit before you could ever use lowering blocks. you can flip your front leaf spring hanger for a few inches or drop shackles