The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk suspension again

What is the least amount of stock leaf springs I can run under the front axle. I tried a mono-leaf but didnt get what I wanted so I am trying a different approach. No I dont want a dropped axle-reason being I dont feel like replacing all the parts once they are disturbed and dont want to go back on. So i am thinking that less leafs the better. A slight reverse flex is what I am going for but not sure if anyone has tried it yet. I am not going for a total slam just about 3 inches from frame with a gas shock to help

I think I pulled a couple out of my 46, now the leaves are riding just flat. First set of leaves bent beyond the level position, bent the other way and broke a leaf. You could also use a shock with a helper coil to help the leaf springs. The dropped axle was a pain with having to modify the steering arms etc etc.

bolted 54, in my rear i took out 4 of the original 7 leafs out and got 2 inch drop.
my front i have a 3 inch dropped axle form sid at droppedaxles.com.
i too didnt want the hassle of messing with king pins and getting all mad, so when i ordered the front axle i had him modify the steerign arms for newer style tie rod ends and went ahead and had him install the king pins and spindles also.
everything completely installed on axle, including shipping was $620.00.
and when i get around to it, i will send him my old stuff for core and get $180.00 of that back, 50 for the axle, 60 for steering arms, and 70 for the spindles, so for $440.00 it is a super deal. along with the dropped axle i took 1 leaf out and got another 5/8 of an inch, 3 5/8 total drop.
leonard

I tried the mono leaf and got maybe 2-1/2 inches drop so I took that out and used the top three oem leafs. Its right where I want it now I still have about 3" of clearance from the frame but you have to scrap the frame bumper. The springs sag a little but I have gas shocks to help out. Actually I might go back and ad a leaf. But as far as the dropped axle I really just dont have the money right now but I am probably gonna end up getting one in the future. This set up should hold me over for a few months so I can save for that.

cool bolted 54, as long as you are happy, thats all that matters.
i ws going to go with a mustang II IFS, but am glad i went with the dropped axle instead. save me a ton of trouble and money.

please, post some pics of your truck man..

leonard

I am working on the pics but i am waiting on a new front fender and cant stand to post any pics until its presentable. I am running the three longest leafs and there is a little over flex but it should hold. Only problem right now is the gas shock is almost bottomed out but it should last for a few months till I can get a dropped axle.

cool man, its just we love to see everyones projects here on the bolt.
good luck.
leonard