53 ford f-100 ride height
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Joined: Mar 2003
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53 ford f-100 ride height
I just finished my 390fe in my 53 ford f-100. I also just started it and boy does it rock. My concern is the ride height. looking from the side and measuring....I am at 51/2 iches at the rear of the front fender where the running board bolts to the fender.Now, I have a mus 11 front susp with a coil cut out of big block springs, regular tires as I have not chosen the final rims and tires. Should I be concerned??? and how would I bring it up a few inches if I went with low profile tires and large rims.Anyway yu get the just...It seems i would need to be very very very careful or I will be doing body work on the running boards and fenders alot.Thanks Fellas. DJ
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
5-1/2" is plenty of clearance for street. It's not low until you can roll a beercan. 
Our street cars have 4 & 4-1/2" clearance. When selecting wheels and tires just look at the tire diameter. Ultra low profile tires (rubberbands) ride very harsh and the wheels are easily damaged by even a shallow pothole or RR crossing. Besides IMHO they look really dumb on a truck (or even on a car for that matter), look like wagon wheels.
If you need to raise it up, just put in springs WITHOUT a coil cut off.
Our street cars have 4 & 4-1/2" clearance. When selecting wheels and tires just look at the tire diameter. Ultra low profile tires (rubberbands) ride very harsh and the wheels are easily damaged by even a shallow pothole or RR crossing. Besides IMHO they look really dumb on a truck (or even on a car for that matter), look like wagon wheels.
If you need to raise it up, just put in springs WITHOUT a coil cut off.
Last edited by AXracer; Jan 13, 2006 at 01:32 PM.
Clean & Classy
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,656
Likes: 20
From: Riverside CA..
What you need to be concerned with is, are your A-arms parallel with the ground? Thats what you are looking for. Either more spring or less to accomplish this. I,m going through the process now. Wayne
Junior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 53
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From: Halstead, Ks
53 Ford F-100 ride height
My ride, 53 Mercury with Mustang 2, with dropped spindles and 1 coil cut rode with 4 1/2 inches below running board. Drove over 5000 mi. in 05, including Super Tour to Nats., with no problems. Have converted to air bag, lower A arm level at 20 pound pressure. So still sets the same. I agree if you want more height go to stock springs.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Originally Posted by AXracer
5-1/2" is plenty of clearance for street. It's not low until you can roll a beercan.
Our street cars have 4 & 4-1/2" clearance. When selecting wheels and tires just look at the tire diameter. Ultra low profile tires (rubberbands) ride very harsh and the wheels are easily damaged by even a shallow pothole or RR crossing. Besides IMHO they look really dumb on a truck (or even on a car for that matter), look like wagon wheels.
If you need to raise it up, just put in springs WITHOUT a coil cut off.
Our street cars have 4 & 4-1/2" clearance. When selecting wheels and tires just look at the tire diameter. Ultra low profile tires (rubberbands) ride very harsh and the wheels are easily damaged by even a shallow pothole or RR crossing. Besides IMHO they look really dumb on a truck (or even on a car for that matter), look like wagon wheels.
If you need to raise it up, just put in springs WITHOUT a coil cut off.
To each his own but I am with you on this one. I may be too old fashinon but I don't see why there is a trend to "wagon wheels"
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
They don't do anything for me either. Give me big fat baloney tires on 15 or 16 inch wheels any day... 
Vern
Vern
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Moro Bay, AR
Boy, I thought I was the only one who didn't like the big wheels and rubber bands. These really look out of place on our old trucks and ride like crap. Keep a taller tire and smaller wheel anyday for a good ride.
