Lowering on the Cheap

[Ridgerunner]

How did you figure the degree you needed?

 

[flareside_thunder]

My buddy's dad builds his own racecars and had a camber gauge.....I honestly think it could have used a 3.5 degree but as long as you keep the tires rotated, you're golden.

 

[Ridgerunner]

So your old Flareside handled great?

 

[flareside_thunder]

Hell yea, like it was on rails.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Sweet!!!! One project before I can lower it. That is rebuild my AOD

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is it possible to flip the rear axle with spring perches?

 

[flareside_thunder]

You mean, do a spring under by putting the axle on top of the springs.....or do you mean longer shackles?

 

[Ridgerunner]

You mean, do a spring under by putting the axle on top of the springs.....or do you mean longer shackles?

Put the axle over the top of the leaf springs like a car.

 

[flareside_thunder]

You can, and that is initially how I was going to do it, but the bumpstops were firmly planted on the axle.....no suspension movement whatsoever.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Can the bump stop be removed?

 

[flareside_thunder]

Yea, but ya gotta think....you've only got about 2 inches anyways with the bumpstop in there.....

 

[Ridgerunner]

isn't that how they do flip kits?

 

[flareside_thunder]

Yup.....but a lot of times the frame has to be notched.

 

[Ridgerunner]

That won't do. I imagine that makes the frame weaker.

 

[Beach66Bum]

That won't do. I imagine that makes the frame weaker.

Morning Cliff they make C-notch brackets to reinforce the frame after cutting. The best out there is BellTech. Once installed properly, there is no weak spot in the frame, the only thing is you will always have to have the brackets there even if you decide to go back to stock. You only need to notch the frame if you go more than 4"-5". You can use shackles to get a 2" drop for the rear, and 2"shorter coils for the front. You can also get shorter bump stops. Really have to decide how much drop you want, how much hauling function you still need, and of course your budget. Try sourcing out DJM, they have great drops at a budget price. Let me know how you make out, I did a 3/5 drop on one of my trucks with all BellTech components. Coils and drop spindles for the front, and shackles and drop leafs for the rear. Street Scene drop shocks to finish it off. Was pricey but the way COOL factor is awesome, and it really does make your truck handle like it's on rails!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Think I will stick to the original plan or do this.

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27407

 

[Beach66Bum]

Think I will stick to the original plan or do this.

http://www.fordtruckfanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27407

simple totally Awesome !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what a sweet truck he has. wish I had a shop to work in, and hide what I'm doing from the Wife

 

[jtmacready]

Good idea? Bad idea?
If it says 1" to 2" drop, is that really to be expected?



I'd like to cheaply flatten out the stance on my 81'

 

[Ridgerunner]

Good idea? Bad idea?
If it says 1" to 2" drop, is that really to be expected?



I'd like to cheaply flatten out the stance on my 81'

I bought the lowering shackles from O'Reillys for my 85 that I had it did more to level it than lower it. I also had to modify the bed frame for it to work. If you want to lower your truck it would be better to order a kit from Summit.

 

[jtmacready]

Like this???

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/d...s/year/1983/make/ford/model/f-150?prefilter=1

I can't find anything that's specific for a 1981...

Thanks,
JT