64 F-100 lowering question

tiny1969 · Post by **tiny1969** » October 11, 2011, 6:13 pm

hi everyone i hope im posting in the right section id really like to lower my 64 im building but i dont really want to get into c notching the frame seems like may be alot of work maybe not how much clarence do i need for suspension travel if i move the front spindle and the back housings on top of the leaf springs or whats the best way to do it

Uncle Skip · Post by **Uncle Skip** » October 11, 2011, 6:42 pm

Tiny.
There ain't nothing easy about dropping a truck down in the weeds, but unless you want to go with an IRS conversion of some kind (Fat Man or the Dakota swap) you can get a professionally dropped front axle from Nostalgia Sid that will make that end of your life a lot easier.
The rear is more complicated, depending on how low you're trying to go. If you're really going to slam the back this is probably what you're going to have to deal with.
This is Daryl Davis's truck.
A spring flip gives you this much clearance. Not enough.
[albumimg]8966[/albumimg]

Notched frame gives you about 8" of travel which should be fine, but he still has to deal with mounting the shocks.
[albumimg]9203[/albumimg]

I need to get some updated photos because he's pretty much finished the rear of this project and it looks really good. Just a killer amount of work.
Good luck.

tiny1969 · Post by **tiny1969** » October 11, 2011, 7:22 pm

ty uncle skip i kinda thought is was alot of work ill probally just leave it alone i only want to drop it about 3 inches but for the time and extra money i think im better off letting it like it is

Uncle Skip · Post by **Uncle Skip** » October 11, 2011, 7:46 pm

Tiny.
Unless you have experience or have experienced help, slamming a truck isn't something you should take on. (in my opinion)
I think you're making the right decision.

Rusted64 · Post by **Rusted64** » October 11, 2011, 8:24 pm

Tiny, Skip has a good points, as always.

I am taking on the axle flip and small C notch similar to Daryl's. In fact, I will be using a set of pipe halves I got from him and it will probably look very much like his.

As Skip said, it not the easiest thing to do. There are a lot of things to take into consideration, like pinion angle toward trans when flipped, notching, shocks mounting, creating new plates for the U bolts, etc.

Doing this also requires some special fabrication skills. Not only for the planning, but for the welding, cutting and cleanup. Not to mention access to the tools and equipment needed. Fortunately for me, I was able get a lot of this stuff before the economy down turn and when I built a custom chopper ( sold because of economy).

You can look into some mono rear springs, but you are looking at around 4 to 5 hundred dollars.

So you have options, if you have the skills or money and maybe both, it could be possible.

But again, Skip is right with his comments.

Haus · Post by **Haus** » October 11, 2011, 8:28 pm

Throw enough time and money at something and anythings possible. If you don't have the skills or tools you may find someone nearby who can teach you, or has the equipment.

Rusted64 · Post by **Rusted64** » October 11, 2011, 9:08 pm

This is very true, but I think 99% of us here too frugal.

Bill W · Post by **Bill W** » October 11, 2011, 9:40 pm

what about flipping over the front bracket on the rear leaf springs?

Post by **Greg D** » October 11, 2011, 9:51 pm

1964 F 250 converted to an F 100;
Reverse eye mono leafs on the front - stock F 250 springs with leafs removed rear;
More pics in my build thread - link in my signature.

charliemccraney · Post by **charliemccraney** » October 11, 2011, 10:30 pm

I know it's not right, but you can get by if you ensure that a rubber snubber is in place to prevent the axle from hitting the frame. I know several people running around like that until they can afford to notch the frame. You have to keep an eye on the snubber because it will wear out quickly in this case.

Rusted64 · Post by **Rusted64** » October 11, 2011, 10:31 pm

Bill W wrote:what about flipping over the front bracket on the rear leaf springs?

I thought about that also previously, but was told that is not an option on the 64.

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » October 11, 2011, 11:21 pm

it's not long enough and won't you much if any drop. i can't remember now why i didn't do on my 61. i know the front hanger for the rear spring is a different design than the 65 and up hanger.
i think that flipping it would create a bind because it is shorter and won't allow any spring travel.

tiny1969 · Post by **tiny1969** » October 12, 2011, 4:34 am

thank you everyone i beleive im going to let it alone im pretty good with doing stuff like that and have plenty of tools but im so far into this thing now it will save me a bunch just by letting it like it is i sure do appreciate all the feedback seems like a grat bunch of guy's on here thank you all so much

okiewelder · Post by **okiewelder** » October 13, 2011, 8:39 am

Hey Greg D, what are those rims? they look good on that truck!!

64 F-100 lowering question

64 F-100 lowering question

Rims on truck