Hi, I have a 56 F100 that I am working my way through while keeping it on the road as my daily driver. Used every day this winter and not missed a beat.
I have just fitted new dampers on the front which has monoleaf springs. It now rides very well and this has made me realise the back needs some attention too.
Firstly can you guys confirm what I have to work with? I think It is a 9" rear end with stock leaf springs that have had some leaves removed,
It is soft enough if a little high but the dampers are next to useless.
Can you recommend some decent dampers for this setup? Ideally with a part number, something I can possibly buy or cross reference in the UK. Monroe maybe? It is not a race truck so I don't think I need to fit sport suspension.
Secondly, would I see a significant ride improvement fitting a new spring set with a 3" drop? An expensive option but I don't mind if the rewards are worth it.
Regarding the pics I am thinking the shackle has been fitted wrong way round?
Wiring is on the to do list but it all works so other things come first.
Thanks very much.

 

Have to see the center section of rear end but the shock mounts look to be stock 2 1/2 dia. I just changed mine out for a 9 " and the they are 3" dia.

 

Found some more pics.
Out of interest I have read that it may be a good thing to add some weight in the back of these trucks, such as some checker plate steel sheets in the bed.
Would that be alongside removing leaves or just with stock spring setup?
Thanks.

 

If you look at the bottommost nut that holds the differential in the housing, you can see on yours that it is impossible to access with a socket because it is obstructed by the pinion assembly. This is the quickest way to positively identify a 9" Ford axle. And yes, it would appear that the left shackle has been installed backwards. This shouldn't affect the way it functions. It just makes it a little tougher to get to the grease zerk. The leaf spring has a reversed eye for lowering, so at a minimum the main leaf is not stock and has been replaced. The leaf alignment clips look stock, though. My guess would be that you have stock springs with a few leaves removed and reversed eye main leaves added. In my opinion, going to a new spring assembly that has nylon buttons between the leaves is one of the best things that you can do for the ride on these old trucks. There is a tremendous amount of friction for the spring to overcome as it flexes when the leaves are in direct contact with each other. Think of the nylon buttons as bearings for your springs. The do-it-yourself leaf liners serve the same purpose and would be a less expensive option if you don't mind tearing the spring apart to install the liners. Take a look at Posies springs if you decide to replace them.

Oh, and I wouldn't suggest adding steel plates to the bed to increase weight in an attempt to help the ride. It will tank your fuel economy, increase your stopping distance, and possibly even make the truck perform sluggishly. Then there are the potential issues with rust under or between the plates (I've heard it rains occasionally in the UK). Fix your suspension and you'll be glad you did!

 

If you change your settings and put in your location we can all see it in the top RHS of your post. Might help with replies.

I can't help with a comparable shock available in the UK, Mine were for a totally different set-up, But if you take one off and measure it up you might get something from here that will do. I vaguely remember somebody mentioning A VW Beetle but no idea of year or whether it is a straight swap.
Monroe Shock Dimensions

I tried removing leaves and it didn't work out - was too soft. You should have 6 leaves in a pack. Can't tell for sure what you have but they should look something like this


There are a number of ways to lower the rear such as longer shackles, adjustable forward mounts, re-drilling the frame and raising the mounts up. Midfifty has a variety of options and their effect on the website. Look under Lowering Help. And your shackles are the correct way round. (EDIT - Missed what BlueOvalRage pointed out)

The question as to whether you need to lower can only be answered by yourself. The main thing is that everything is in good order.

 

Part of the reason for asking about what I have is I dont know if the shocks are stock fitment, different length for that axle maybe, different mountings etc.
I might just measure them and try to get a match off a van.
Thing is most parts counter staff wont get off their *** without a make and model

 

 

here ya go, formula and calculator in link

http://www.tribology-abc.com/calculators/t14_9.htm