The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop rear end swap

I'm trying to swap in a new rear end into my '51 3100 using the stock springs. Question 1: If I use the stock springs, the spring's center bolt is not centered on the centerline of the axle. Should I build special spring perches to accomodate the difference when switching to a rigidly mounted axle, or move the actual spring mounts on the frame back? Question 2: How many and which leaves (I have 8 in each leaf pack, consider the shortest leaf as #1) should I remove to attain a lowering of around 3-4"? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Casey

No need to build special perches. I ordered some up from http://www.summitracing.com or you can go to your local trailer supply shop and buy a pair.

I would use lowering blocks rather then pulling leafs out of the spring pack.....your looking at more wrap of the rearend with softer springs and wear on the u-joints.

You can drill the center of a lowering block to locate the center pin of the leaf spring pack and install the u-bolts and all on the rearend. Then with everything connected...but loose you can slide the rearend back to center it in the fender openings. Lower the truck and verify the tires are centered and then tighten everything. Your spring perch will have the stock pin hole that you can mark the top of the lowering block. Remove the block, drill and tap for a bolt which will locate the rearend to the lowering block

Another trick is to just turn the springs around that will move your pin to a more favorable positon further back in the wheel well. Then you can add your lowering blocks to get it down or take out a couple springs like someone said.