The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline dropped axle

Has anyone ever tried to use a "dropped Axle" (www.droppedaxels.com) to lower the front end about 4 inches on a 51 chevy pickup? I have been debating on the heidts suspension but don't want to spend $3,000 on it. Any help would be appreciated to find something cheaper, safer and better!

I went with Sid at droppedaxles.com. I got the 3" with the 3" posie springs. Sid is a great guy to deal with. Sent my axle to him and had everything back within 2 weeks! Also sent him my steering arms and he converted them from ball and socket and tapped them for tie rod ends. Got rear posie 3" springs and 3" block kit as well as new front shackles for front and back. Used the front springs on the back for an extra 1/2" of drop.

Give him a call. He will answer all your questions. Leave a message if you get no answer. He WILL call you back.

Splib,

Thank you so much for telling about your experience with Sid. How much did you end up dropping your truck? I would love to see pictures. I am thinking of dropping mine 4 inches and then use 18s on front and 20s on rear. Still debating on tire sizes though.

I'll see if I can get some pics up. The running boards are 6" off the ground.

Try this. Scroll up for pics.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/va-dc-md-ca...62-splib-winter-project.html#post8262989

I went with sid's too, and dropped my 46 1/2 ton 3" re done my stock springs, I sent him my axle and all my steering arms and he sent me back all new tie rods and a new draglink, and a modified steering arm, in a little over a week, he set me up real nice and didnt break my bank

i guess that my decision is made for me then. If i drop the front 4 inches, what do you guys recommend me doing. what size tire should i put on the front, would a 16 fit? I want to leave a 2 inch difference between front and back.

The wheels on mine are 16's. all depends on width.

how wide did you go?

Mine are stock. Got some 15x6 wheels also. Going to go with 235x75x15's on them.

i have 225x75r15 on the front and 235x75r15 on the rear with corvette rally wheels (picture) ...235x75r15 will be too big for the front they will rub the steering arm, I already tried it, just a heads up

thanks for the heads up hoozat. I have no desire to change or tub the rear or do expensive changes to the front end. how much did you lower your truck?

I also used Sid's 4 inch drop axle. I also went with his modified steering setup and 3 inch lowering blocks in the rear. I removed 2 springs from the front and rear to drop it just a little bit more. I have 15x6 in rims with a 3.25 back spacing and 235/70/15 tires on it. Everything clears well and it was a cinch to put on. One thing that you will need to get is 4* caster shims. I have an extra pair since my local napa wanted me to buy 6 of them when I only needed 2. I ended up buying them online and bought 2 extra just in case.

Here's a picture of how the front end sits.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q268/cotsi95/chevy%203100/frontdrop_zpsd5d2474d.jpg

i used sids 3" drop axle in the front with stock springs and in the rear,all i did was remove 2 springs from the bottom of the springs and put them on the top of the spring with new center bolts and straps that go around the springs, it gave me almost 2" lower in the rear

I've got one of Sid's 4" drop axles in front and his 3" blocks in the rear plus two leaves removed all round. Tires are 7.50x16.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8202549825_02ae4a68dc_b.jpg

http://rustyfiftyone.com/2012/11/18/attitude-adjustment-ol-girl-is-at-an-all-time-low/

I have been looking at lowering the front end 4 inches and then figuring how high to leave the back since i want the back about 2 inches higher. I am also debating a lower profile tire but not sure how low.....

Thanks guys, this is really helping me to plan what i want to do and how to save a few dollars.

Chris