I was just wondering if anyone has tryed to put the front axle on top of the front springs for some drop, I realize that some bracket fabbing is required to do it and oil pan clearance is needed. Is there any other issues?

 

onelow, I have looked into this as well and unless there is quite an arch to your springs (which would defeat getting it lower), there probably will not be enough clearance between the top of the axle and the bottom of the frame. Depending on how much drop you would get, there may also be a need to adjust the drag link angle. With drop axles this is done with a spacer.

It seems the best solution to lowering, if keeping the straight axle, is by way of a dropped axle. You can also remove a couple of leaves but this is a minor drop and often softens the ride too much.

Several years ago one of the magazines boxed and notched the front frame on their "Centerline" project truck. Then they flipped the axle to the top of the springs. They also had to torch off the flange on the axle for the u-bolts and weld on a new flanges on the opposite side of the axle to properly locate it. They installed a Saginaw power steering box as well. They had to put a spacer where the tie rod bolts to the steering rod due to the drop. They ended up getting about 4"-5" of drop if memory serves but the job included welding to box and notch the frame. A lot of work considering you still have the stock straight axle.

I hope this doesn't come across as if I'm trying to rain on a good idea

Kevin

 

I actually have alot of arc in my springs, my idea was to flip the front axle, remove a couple of leaves to the point it almost touched the frame. I was going to then use air cylinders to raise the truck to drive it and be able to lower it at local cruise spots. I definatly know the air cylinders set up would work Just had questions about the rest, and no offense to IFS guys but i prefer straight axles. When i looked at mine earlier today it appeared there was enough room for the tie rod and steering arm to work properly. But i am always open to suggestions, opinions, and ideas so keep them coming in
Thanks
Jon

 

I just went out to measure a little and fust by flipping the axle would give a 5 inch drop, the tierod/steering arm will clear the leaf springs, theonly mod to the steering system would be the arm the drag link bolts to (the almost "u"shaped thing) i can't remember the name of it off hand, possibly heat it and bend it down a little just so everything is lined up better, probably be ok like it is, just more bumpsteer i think, tell me what you guys think, i don't get offeneded easily

 

Zuk

Calculate the amount of suspension travel you will have when this is all done. You need 3 inches, regardless of suspension type. Especially for the heavy end of your truck. Kecky speaks the truth. A lot of guys here smarter than me have said many times a drop axle is the way to fly if you want to dump a straight axle excessive amounts. Few things will trash a vehicle worse than suspension bottom out. I'd hate to see you C-notch your frame up there too.

 

From my figures, the air cylinder will be bottomed out when the suspension is all the way down (when the axle almost touchs the frame) i wouldn't notch the frame either. This down position would only be used while parked at the local hangouts and cruise in's. With the air in the cylinders it whould raise it about 5- 6 inchs easy (the cylinders have 8 inch stroke) therefore returning it to stock geometry. The only exception is the leaf springs which with the leafs removed it has greater flexability in the up or down range. They are predominatly there for locating purposes only. the cylinders will carry 90% of the weight. Does this make sense? I already have everything to do it this way, i wish i had the funds to buy a drop axle but Santa bought alot of toys for the little guys in the house. If you see any problems please tell me. Any advice is appreciated
Thanks
Jon

 

Jon, in order to get the up and down movement needed to raise and lower via the air cylinders, I would think you would have to remove several leaves. If you get down to only, say two leaves, then there might be a problem with the axle wrapping or tilting forward and back (deflecting) when you hit bumps etc. Part of the strength of the leaf spring suspension is that there are multiples leaves. The axle wrapping or tilting forward and back will affect handling.

When you look at air bags for a leaf spring REAR suspension, they remove several leaves to allow the rear to move up and down. This is similar to what you are talking about for the front. I would think this type of setup would not work well for the front leaf spring suspension because of the complication of the wheels that steer and the effect of the "axle wrap" on steering geometry.

I hope that my thoughts make some sort of sense. I have given this some thought as it seemed like a good thing. Air bags on the front and flip the axle. After much thought I came to the conclusion the easiest way to get a low straight axle front suspension is by way of a dropped axle.

I would be very interested in how it works for you if you do this and if any handling problems arise.


Kevin

 

I really havn't decided to do this yet, sometimes i get strange ideas and need people to set me back straight. I never thought of the axle wrap . I appreciate you reminding me of it. Even if i do get a drop axle i think i will still go for the air cylinders. Maybe i will get the leaf springs dearched to avoid the axle wrap (a good friend works at a spring shop) I am surprised the other guys havn't chimed in on this subject

 

Zuk

I am not as old and wise as many here, but I've been screwing stuff up for about 25 years. "Moderation in all things", a favorite quote of mine spoken by Himmelberg, or perhaps it was Ben Franklin. You're playing with geometry, physics and such. There is a line somewhere you can't cross without severely messing up your ride and handling. In four years on this forum I haven't met the person who said the line was five inches dump on a SA.

Anyway, you can get a couple three inches of drop from a straight axle and it will work great. It's been done countless times. Go overboard and your truck will be miserable to drive. Many have gone before you. I'm not saying five or six can't be done. There may be someone who successfully did it. If you find that person, make sure they aren't lying, and then copy their plan to the letter.

Your idea sounds workable, if you back off on the drop expectations a bit. I'm sure you'll get some more opinions soon.

 

After spending the past 1/2 hour with measuring tapes, levels,sticks,clubs and various rocks (caveman style) I think i am going to go with this idea with a drop axle so i don't have to modify the leaf springs as much, the main key is it won't be drivin at this height just showing off a little