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Jul 21st, 2025 | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 10 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 10 | Hi all you Stovebolters,
My question is: how many leafs may I remove "safely" to lower the frontend of my 49 3100 pickup and still have drive-ability? I already have the powersteering conversion and disc brakes up front. I installed a TCI rear spring conversion and 69 Camaro 10 bolt in the back, so 4-5 inches lower in the back.
Thanks for your help!
Wayne | | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 388 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 388 | Wayne,
I did the same thing you did and also put 15" wheels in place of the 16's and I removed 3 of the smallest leafs and installed spring sheets between each , new u bolts and center bolt. I wish I could go lower but the bumpstops are bout 1" from frame and new lowered gas shocks make the diffrence.
Good luck!
Mike | | | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,516 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,516 | | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 | wayne,
on my 57 i am running just 3 of the original 6 leafs, with gas shocks, and it rides "decent". gotta watch out for the bigger bumps in the road since it will bottom out kind of easily, but the look, stance, is what i was after.
oh yea, im also running one of Sid's 3 inch dropped axles.
leonard | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 1,554 | Taking leaves out of front springs seems to be a Mickey Mouse idea.There are good front ends on the market that will get you lowered and also have a nice comfortable ride and handling.I put an M2 front end in my 55 from TCI it works great. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 | yea, taking the leafs out is just a temporary solution for me, but it works decent.
i hope to one day do an IFS install like the mustang II, but dont know when i will have those funds available.
leonard | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,464 | I'm sticking with my dropped axle and Mickey Mouse 3-leafs removed. Rides and handles great.
I don't trust a system that was basically designed for a Pinto or a Mustang II. Had one in a '59 truck and it was fine for 2 years. I came out one morning to drive it to work and the front end was completely collapsed, truck was sitting on the ground! I guess during the night the springs got together and decided they weren't going to support that kind of weight any more!!
I never trusted that dang frontend after that. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 | I'm sticking with my dropped axle and Mickey Mouse 3-leafs removed. Rides and handles great.
I don't trust a system that was basically designed for a Pinto or a Mustang II. Had one in a '59 truck and it was fine for 2 years. I came out one morning to drive it to work and the front end was completely collapsed, truck was sitting on the ground! I guess during the night the springs got together and decided they weren't going to support that kind of weight any more!!
I never trusted that dang frontend after that. WOW.... no kidding.... maybe i will always stick with my mickey mouse drop too. LOL. that sounds scary for sure... leonard | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 348 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 348 | dropped axle, mustang II, or g body clip you can see my burb 4 inch dropped axle mono leafs, de-arc rear leafs | | |
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