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| | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | I want to take it down about 4 inches...
I was hoping of putting the axle on top of the leaf springs... I am very much a bux down kinda guy...
This truck is my daily driver...
Is there a good procedure for doing this? I have heard you have to weld a plate on the axle etc...
I would like to find a write up with photos so I can do it right...old school all the way..please point me in the right direction...
m
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | I've tried that, lowered it tons. Never ever got it done (driving) before I opted for a IFS clip. Travel was the problem. I'll send ya pics if ya want, but I ain't guarenteeing it'll work. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | I've read about guys who did it.... on a 52 panel...
but i've never seen photos or a how to..I am hopin for a weekend project...
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,517 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,517 | How about mono-leaf springs? I have a pair,300.00
Marty | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | the idea was to do it with what I have...
I can pull leaf springs and that will drop it a bit, but the swap should give me the 4 inches of drop that I want..
Time and tools I have, cash I don't...
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Oct 2003 Posts: 5,152 | Are you talking about a '51? Welding pads on the axle is not the only way to do this. I've seen it done using some u-shaped blocks that had a deep groove the axle fit into, and which fit under the existing pads, forming a new pad to sit on top the axle. I'll bet it was more harsh riding than no springs at all because it would have some momentum when the axle hit the frame. There is a picture of it here. You'll need to c-notch and box the frame. Keep in mind that the motor is mounted on pads in front and behind the axle. Reducing strength in that area might be dangerous. In my opinion there is not a good way to do this. There are far better options for lowering your truck.
1955 1st GMC Suburban | 1954 GMC 250 trailer puller project | 1954 GMC 250 Hydra-Matic | 1954 Chevy 3100 . 1947 Chevy COE | and more...
It's true. I really don't do anything but browse the Internet looking for trouble... | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | I figured I'd remove a few springs and go from there
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 1,756 | You never stated if you were just lowering the front,back or both? different applications. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 | Put smaller rims and tires on it.
No, really front or rear? | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | first front then if needed the rear...
I have a plan for the rear... the front seems more perplexing...it is a 1951 3100. My goal is 4 inches
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 427 | Your best bet is to sub frame or mustang II. Putting the axle on top of the springs will cause clearence issues, both with the axle as well as the tie rods.
You can also buy a drop axle, but I think you only get like 2 inches with it. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,388 Crusty Old Sarge | | Crusty Old Sarge Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,388 | Mike 1951, do a search on this subject. I asked the question about a month back and had a lot of answers. Try dropped straight axle. The spring over can be done it takes some work but there is clearence. You need to play with the steering geometery to get it right but it worth 4"- 5" of drop.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400"The Book of Thor"Read the story in the DITY1960 Chevrolet C10"A Family Heirloom"Follow the story in the DITY Gallery'59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting) If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 | after searching around alot i found a guy who drops your axle or sells you a dropped 4" front axle for a measily $300 he also told me if i were to take a few leafs off the front springs i'd get the 5"-6" i want.
as far as the back its a no brainer 5" blocks and long u bolts
i thought alot about doing what your talking about with the front axle but i want the truck to be safe and some what comfortable since i want to take it on 400 mile trips every once in a while. i figured $300 to drop the front and only about $50 bucks to drop the rear seems reasonable. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 13 | You might want to check with you local and state laws, but some states won't let you use lowering block on the front axel.
Evan | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | in colorado a 51 has no real laws... no emissions... nothing...who had the dropped 4"? I've only seen the 3"....where can you get the 5" blocks?
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | Mike, tell me if you get the pics. As you can see, it was low. Tie rods cleared, but something would have to be figured out with the drag link. Shorten it, but that may cause steering problems. Good Luck  | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | thanks, much appreciated!
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 108 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 108 | Don't take out to many leafs....I bought my truck back in October...the guy had lowered by taking out 6 leafs in the back...which left the axle on the frame....I had to put air shocks on the rear which raised it up 2"....it rides horribly..I'm in the process of raising it back up... | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,388 Crusty Old Sarge | | Crusty Old Sarge Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,388 | Colin, why not post the pic's so we can all compare notes. I have run the axle above the springs for a couple of years and haven't had any problem. I have thought about cuting a "C" in the frame but haven't done it. With a V8 it's tight but I haven't bottomed out.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400"The Book of Thor"Read the story in the DITY1960 Chevrolet C10"A Family Heirloom"Follow the story in the DITY Gallery'59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting) If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | I am keeping the 235.... the cool factor won't let me remove it..(plus it's been so darn reliable...dual fentons is the goal, with an offy or....I did see a weiand intake for a 235 on ebay one time... A blown straight 6 with a saginaw...
that would be sick...I figure I'd like to drop it 4-5 inches.... I found a guy that does white wall paint... I am planning satin black and dark grey exterior, black on the fenders and roof, grey for the body... and chevy 235 blue for the interior and steelies..
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 108 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 108 | Mike,
Nice truck...I just recently pulled out my 216 out and put a 235 from a 57 in it. My 216 was very tired. I wanted to rebuild it but was suggested to find a 57 -63 235. Lucky I came across one already rebuilt. My wife said since we are putting in something else to do it right...So I got the go ahead to put carters, fentons dual manifold and fenton headers...I topped it off with glass packs...Runs great now. Now just waiting on rear end parts from Patricks so I can drive faster than 45. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | wow!! your wife must really love you! mine is still being patient and understanding about the "truck thing" What I described, will be my truck in a few years, I drive it as I work on it, so major mods are on the back burner as it is my only vehicle... needless to say I was willing to make the sacrifice.. 
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 388 | Hey Mike51, I removed 3 leafs(per side) from my front springs and I'm in the process of installing a 327(about 150# lighter than the I-6)
It will lower about 2.5-3". I also went with 5 lug 15" wheels and tires. Haven't trimmed the bumpstops yet but may have to. Remember if you do lower, get the lowered gas shock! It will make the diffrence in ride and handleing. Good luck!
-Mike | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | I have a buddy who has a hook up with kyb... so I will be goin with those... This is not the first vehicle I have lowered, I just want to talk to the experts so I do it right... The end goal is ( for all intensive purposes) a period correct hot rod truck.
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | Here ya go Tuts. Like I said, I changed it before I ever got it on the road. I wouldn't mind seeing pictures of your set up though because I know it will work. Thanks | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,388 Crusty Old Sarge | | Crusty Old Sarge Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 3,388 | Colin Thanks. You took a different approach to it with the longer ubolts. I used shorter ubolt from the bottom, I tried it as you had it set up but the ubolts dropped below the rim height. I cut the original mount off the axle and welded the plate to the underside of the axle. I removed 2 leafs and moved the tie rod ends below the steering arms. The only real issue I had was the lower shock mount. I swapped them side to side and bolted them above the new mounting plate behind the axle. I had to move the shock to the rear as I was using a saginaw power box( using a kit from Brothers). The drag link mounts below the steering arm on the axle and above the pitman arm at the box. Once I set the engine in and had the cab back on it settled some but I still have 3.5" of clearence at the frame. I have thought about cutting a "C" into the frame but can't bring myself to cut the truck. I have had it this way for a couple of years now and haven't had any issues with driving, and I live in the country on a dirt road. I should also add that I dropped the rear as well, moving the axle above the springs here too. The Truck sets low, but not lowrider, I run 245/60/15's on 8" Rally wheels. I will have to get some pictures of the setup when I get back home form here(Iraq), the axle flip is good for 4-5" of drop, my front bumper is 7" above the ground. Maybe I can get the set up added to Tech Tips later.
~ Craig 1958 Viking 4400"The Book of Thor"Read the story in the DITY1960 Chevrolet C10"A Family Heirloom"Follow the story in the DITY Gallery'59 Apache 31, 327 V8 (0.030 over), Muncie M20 4 Speed, GM 10 Bolt Rear... long term project (30 years and counting) If you don't like driving yourTruck, you won't drive yourTruck..| Living life in the SLOW lane | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | it sounds like you have it set up! get home safe... I'm pretty stoked to see the photos..
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 | Mike the guys name is SID this is his site: http://droppedaxles.com/ pretty cool guy. he just dropped a axle 4" for me this weekend and i should be getting it next week. $300 with your core or $350 without. and these are the 5" lowering blocks for the rear i found: http://store.gaugemagazine.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1690 although i'm probably going to just make my own blocks and use long u bolts, and save the $80 bucks for something else. on the front i plan on taking off a few leafs to get my desired 5" front and back. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | thanks I will check them out...
what does it cost to ship an axle?
that can't be cheap...
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | Ethan, does he do custom drops to 4"? The site advertises a 3". A 4" like you are talking about witha few leaf springs removed would be the way to go... I like the fact that he sells real 51 axles that have been dropped, it keeps the old school feel.
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2001 Posts: 439 | Can't wait to see the pictures TUT,
sounds like you have it all figured out.
Ethan,
With the five inch rear blocks and long ubolts, will the rim still be below the ubolts. If you get a blow out, you don't want the ubolt to catch the road as i'm sure you know. ??
Thanks
Colin | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | Ideally I'd like my truck to sit like this but about 3 inches higher... the angle and everything looks about right... I'd just still like to be able to drive it on a daily basis.. [img] http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l129/mikelamphere/stance.jpg[/img]
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 | well i found him through ebay he sells axles on there as well from time to time. the one that i lost the bid on that he had on ebay was a 4" and i emailed him and asked for the 4" and he did it no problem. says 4" is his max. the shipping he had quoted me i believe was around $45 bucks. the axles weigh 36lbs. but since i work for fedex and i get a huge discount he agreed to ship it fedex to me. nice guy really went out of his way to work with me. i'll take some shots of the drop axle when i get it next week and post it so you guys can ck it out.
as far as the 5" blocks and blow out. guess im gonna have to cross my fingers on that one lol | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 |
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 27 | | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | I just realized I am on killbillet with you too..
I ordered my axle today...
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 595 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jul 2005 Posts: 595 | there is a guy i salt lake that drops axles. i believe he is in the throttler's club. check out the h.a.m.b. website those guys will know. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 127 | I ordered one from droppedaxles.com
I am just wondering if I will need to mod the steering components..
"I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy." -D. Parker 1951 Chevy 3100 | | | | | Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 191 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2005 Posts: 191 | | | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 132 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 132 | heck mike, i've got a 50 jimmy 6 winder for sale that's got a subframe intalled.
prolly could be talked into delivering it;)
i miss obscene phone calls...
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