Lowering a 47 1/2 ton questions
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Lowering a 47 1/2 ton questions
I am looking for some help with a cost effective solution for lowering my 47, it sits way too high. I have already converted to disc brakes up front and power steering box and the rear has been changed out to a 12 bolt c**v model, but still retains the multiple leafs(about 10 front and back and the lever shocks. So I am looking to see what the best solution is for springs(aftermarket seller or local spring shop) and shocks I would need to find upper frame brackets for front and rear as well as lower mount for each or a shock bar across the back between the frame. Any suggestions would be a great help. I am not interested in an IFS at this time.
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Wild Wonderful WV
My strongest suggestion is to talk to the folks at Chassis Engineering. Are you planning to keep the flatty ???
I used a 4" drop axle up front, a reverse eye transverse spring up front. In the rear I used a Posie's parrallel leaf spring setup and eliminated the rear transverse spring. Chassis Engineering has complete front and rear kits for these setups.
Chassis Engineering, Quality Street Rod Chassis Components
P.S. Be sure and tell the folks at Chassis engineering that you converted the front brakes to discs. It will probably make a difference in your steering arms and the disc brake caliper brakets. You have to keep the drag link and front tie rod as near parallel as possible.
I used a 4" drop axle up front, a reverse eye transverse spring up front. In the rear I used a Posie's parrallel leaf spring setup and eliminated the rear transverse spring. Chassis Engineering has complete front and rear kits for these setups.
Chassis Engineering, Quality Street Rod Chassis Components
P.S. Be sure and tell the folks at Chassis engineering that you converted the front brakes to discs. It will probably make a difference in your steering arms and the disc brake caliper brakets. You have to keep the drag link and front tie rod as near parallel as possible.
Last edited by 41inWV; Jul 28, 2008 at 12:02 PM. Reason: Additional thought
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Thanks for the info 41 in WV. Your setup is different to the 47 pickup and I have started to look at the chassis engineering parts. The truck currently has a 302 and C4 setup.
3Mike6, I was looking to get the tires into the wheel wells. Now the lip of the fender is about 8 inches higher(extremely high. I just bought the truck last year and i am in the process of re-wiring, a new dash and gauge setup as well as replacement of an add on power booster and single jam jar master that is leaking. I haven't really driven as yet other than off the trailer, but just looking at it, it must be a very harsh ride.
3Mike6, I was looking to get the tires into the wheel wells. Now the lip of the fender is about 8 inches higher(extremely high. I just bought the truck last year and i am in the process of re-wiring, a new dash and gauge setup as well as replacement of an add on power booster and single jam jar master that is leaking. I haven't really driven as yet other than off the trailer, but just looking at it, it must be a very harsh ride.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,688
Likes: 4
From: Southern Oregon
I used a 4 inch drop axle in front with single leaf springs. Front end is at a good height. Rear end has single leafs also, with reversed eyes. A definite improvement, but still not ideal. One day I will look at putting the rear axle over the springs instead of under, and that should work.
There are some pretty good pics in my gallery of the front suspension.
There are some pretty good pics in my gallery of the front suspension.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale,Ca.
Wow...you have 8 inches between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender? I assume the front?
That;s way, way higher than it ever came from Ford.
Maybe someone replaced those springs with something else?
I have a set of F1 springs(off a '48, but sure they are the same) I can measure the unloaded heighth so you can try to get an idea of what you're working with...give me until late tomorrow morning, I need to make a dump run, then pick up some drywall from HD..be ;ate morning before I get back home.
That;s way, way higher than it ever came from Ford.
Maybe someone replaced those springs with something else?
I have a set of F1 springs(off a '48, but sure they are the same) I can measure the unloaded heighth so you can try to get an idea of what you're working with...give me until late tomorrow morning, I need to make a dump run, then pick up some drywall from HD..be ;ate morning before I get back home.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Thanks for the great info. I checked out your gallery 46yblock and that stance looks great. Did you make the upper front shock brackets or where they from a later model?
3mike6 i will see if I can create a gallery and post a few picts to show how high fender is over 235 x 15 tire. I believe there are about 10 leafs at least and they even have a small coil inserted in the centre of the leaf setup I assume to compensate for old leaver shocks.
3mike6 i will see if I can create a gallery and post a few picts to show how high fender is over 235 x 15 tire. I believe there are about 10 leafs at least and they even have a small coil inserted in the centre of the leaf setup I assume to compensate for old leaver shocks.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
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
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,688
Likes: 4
From: Southern Oregon
Thanks for the great info. I checked out your gallery 46yblock and that stance looks great. Did you make the upper front shock brackets or where they from a later model?
3mike6 i will see if I can create a gallery and post a few picts to show how high fender is over 235 x 15 tire. I believe there are about 10 leafs at least and they even have a small coil inserted in the centre of the leaf setup I assume to compensate for old leaver shocks.
3mike6 i will see if I can create a gallery and post a few picts to show how high fender is over 235 x 15 tire. I believe there are about 10 leafs at least and they even have a small coil inserted in the centre of the leaf setup I assume to compensate for old leaver shocks.
As for stance. It looks awsome from a dead on front view, either standing still or coming at you down the highway. The rear fenders show above the fronts and it is cool. However, from a side view fenders are still too high off the wheels for my likiing. Oh well.
Rear shocks are mounted onto a welded in cross member. If you do a crossmember for shock mount, think also about possible location for underbed fuel tank. I didnt.
Guys regularly take everyother leaf out to improve ride. For rears minimum would be 4 springs retained.
Mike
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
46yblock,
that's great info. I was looking at moving the tank from under front seat to between rear frame rails using a mustang tank and square tubing to mount it in. I will watch out for positioning to ensure shock bar can be mounted between rails.
John
that's great info. I was looking at moving the tank from under front seat to between rear frame rails using a mustang tank and square tubing to mount it in. I will watch out for positioning to ensure shock bar can be mounted between rails.
John
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale,Ca.
I checked the F-1 springs I have, from center of each eye to the top of the spring pack, is about 4.5 inches.., I don't think it'd chnage more than 1/2 inch to an inch with an engine and sheetmetal on top.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Wild Wonderful WV
To get a close idea of what your ride height will be without having to install the engine etc for weight is to install the transverse spring with ONLY the main leaf of the spring. Thats the method Pete and Jakes and Chassis Engineering suggest.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale,Ca.
That said, when I put (before I too it out) the 5.0/AOD down on my '36 with a traverse spring front end, it only dropped it maybe 1/2 inch...this with the original '36 springs.
I think (IMO) he needs to invesigate why the front end is so high, then make a game plan
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,688
Likes: 4
From: Southern Oregon
An axle and spring business can reduce the arc in springs. Most of them also have data going back to 1946 and maybe earlier, so could check the arc and eye to eye measurement to make sure the spings are to specification.
Personally I would look for other alternatives. For example, when I was first putting together the '46 I had new rear springs made. Took out all but 6 leaves. It's ride was bad on kidneys and rear was way up there. Still have the new springs with 10 miles on them if anyone needs em.
Personally I would look for other alternatives. For example, when I was first putting together the '46 I had new rear springs made. Took out all but 6 leaves. It's ride was bad on kidneys and rear was way up there. Still have the new springs with 10 miles on them if anyone needs em.
New User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
lowering
I have a 1947 that I have lowered I can send you a picture and if you like the stance I can tell you exactly how i did it. However if your using the stock springs and lowering as much as I did you are going to have to accept very limited travel about 2 inches which is fine on a smooth road but hell on a bumpy road. There is a picture of the truck on the msn user groups 42-47 trucks under daniels drag truck paint was not complete at this time but thats is how the truck sits.