The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Axle drop advice

I have a 1950 3100 with the stock original suspension and 16" rims. I have read allot about the 3" and 4" drop. I would like to do the 4" drop but concerned that if anything would go bad the 4" and the scrub line would be to low. I really would like to do chrome smoothie 15" rims and fatten the rim up a bit, but not against 16" to keep it somewhat off the ground if i had a flat. What rims and tires are you running with both the 3" and 4" drops from sids? I am not looking to change my springs at this point. Please chime in with info and pictures would be awesome. Thanks Steve

I looked into this some with the stock 16" wheels and didnt expect any issues with clearance from what I saw online and I believe they had advise listed on the SID website too.

Do you want 4" total drop? If you change your tires and wheels, think about whether you want shorter tires too, this will help dictate how much drop you want on your axle.

I used a 3" drop axle from Sid, removed 2 leafs and am running 15x7 rims with 215/70 tires. Gave me about a 6" realized drop. I talked to Sid and he cautioned me about scrub line issues on the 4" axle. I was also able to modify my steering fairly easily with the 3", which is something to consider.

@ coffeeman and 46gmcpu, I Spoke with Sid, i am going with the 4" drop axle, my springs appear to be a bit tired so everything should fall into place, I would like to get around 5" so we will see how it looks. I will sort out the wheels once its lowered. I am having him modify all my steering parts so it should be a fairly simple project to reinstall. Still interested to here from some other bolters with the 4" drop and what rim / tires they chose. Thanks again. Steve

I used Sids 3" drop with Posies springs and a 15x7 rim with 4" backspacing and a 235-75 radial tire. When static the tires will clear the tie rod ends but WILL rub significantly when turning. The steering arms can be modified to rectify the problem but that creates bad Ackerman that you won't be happy with. I recommend going with a 6" wide rim with 3" backspacing and a 215 or 205 tire. Other than that you won't have any trouble.

Dave

thanks dave

I got 9/16" spacing from my disc brake conversion. The tires don't rub but it's close. I had to flip my tie rods and am using modern style ends. The trick is getting the caster sorted out. Because of my rake, I don't have near enough caster. I think I need about 6 degrees total. Also check the pitman arm angle for bump steer. Needs to be parallel.

thanks, Sid is modifying all the components for my drop and recommends 4 degrees caster for radials. I will be disassembling this weekend, should have everything back for assembly mid feb. then its rim and tire decision time.

My suspension is all stock but because I'm running radials, I switched to 4° shims and noticed a real improvment in handling. That simple change allowed me to cruise roads at 55 mph that I used to white knuckle at 40mph or avoid all together.

Be careful when you drop that axle- - - -it's heavy, and even if you only drop it 3 inches, it could mash a toe.
Jerry

I was gonna suggest he just let the air out of the tires.

You guys area a hoot, toes are just fine, truck bit my bald head though! one of those rare occasions i wish i had hair to protect it a bit!

Thanks two tone, have them on my parts list!

Ah yes, the bald head. Like my Grandpa (and now myself) used to say, " Less hair to comb, but more face to warsh."