Removing a Few Leafs From My '64?

matt2491 · Post by **matt2491** » May 5, 2008, 12:34 pm

If I remove every other leaf from each of my leaf spring packs in my '64 F100, how many inches lower would it get? Anyone who has done this kind of thing, please share your comments.

Also, how much softer would the ride get? Would it be so soft that it would bottom out all the time?

I'd like to lower my truck just a bit to take the edge off the "tippity-top" look, but don't want to spend any money on it (you know, the same old story).

There are 6 leafs in the front springs and 5 leafs in the rear.

Here's a few pics:

Shiny · Post by **Shiny** » May 5, 2008, 1:21 pm

I've done this a few times.

I'd go with 2 leafs out of the back and 2 or 3 out of the front.
See how it is then go for another one out of each.
Should drive a lil better but might get a lil bumpsteer.
And you can always cut your rubber snubbers a lil too.

-Shiny

jwh f-100 · Post by **jwh f-100** » May 5, 2008, 1:42 pm

Hey Matt, Sorry to hi-jack your thread but if you dont mind can you post some photos of your headers from different angles??? Is your crossmember under the bell housing still in place???? How well do they clear the z-bar???

Most will say long tube headers will not work on a truck. I am certian they are correct but am curious how yours are set up. Maybe the difference is between a y-block and a small block. I had a set of "long tube" headers given to me that came off a mid 80's 4x4.

matt2491 · Post by **matt2491** » May 5, 2008, 7:34 pm

Shiny wrote:I've done this a few times.

I'd go with 2 leafs out of the back and 2 or 3 out of the front.
See how it is then go for another one out of each.
Should drive a lil better but might get a lil bumpsteer.
And you can always cut your rubber snubbers a lil too.

-Shiny

Thanks for the input. Here's a pic of the rear:

Could you give me some advice as to exactly WHICH leafs I should remove from the front and rear?

Shiny · Post by **Shiny** » May 6, 2008, 1:29 am

On the rear there I'd take the bottom two out and see where it sits, on the front start at the bottom and take out every 2nd one.

-Shiny

matt2491 · Post by **matt2491** » May 6, 2008, 10:38 am

The original U-bolts didn't have lockwashers. When I reinstall the axle, should I put some in?

Shiny · Post by **Shiny** » May 6, 2008, 2:16 pm

I would, and make sure you re-tighten em after a day or two of driving.

-Shiny

Fanatic · Post by **Fanatic** » May 6, 2008, 5:23 pm

On the front I only took out the longest one / next to the main leaf / and I'm down to one inch from my rubber bumper.
Sits pretty good (I Think anyway)
Here's mine -yellow next to Charlie's stock Uni

matt2491 · Post by **matt2491** » May 6, 2008, 8:00 pm

You know what, tomorrow I think I will run by the hardware store and get some new U-bolts.

I spent today pulling it all apart and playing around with different leafs to see what the end effect would be. With 2 leafs out, which seems to be what everyone suggests/has done, the leaf springs couldn't even support the truck. It just sat on the bumpstops? Is this because of the heavy 292?

However, with 1 spring out (third from the bottom) it looked like this:

And this is a picture of stock (the other side since I didn't touch it):

Looks like 2 or 3 inches lower.

If I were to cut the bumpstop down (about half), do you think that would be enough suspension travel clearance? Or could I go any lower by taking out a bigger leaf?

Alan Mclennan · Post by **Alan Mclennan** » May 6, 2008, 8:36 pm

I might be wrong and flog me if I am but I think your springs on the right hand side have collapsed

Alan,

shawns fords · Post by **shawns fords** » May 6, 2008, 9:37 pm

I think your right Alan. they look really worn out.

I took one leaf out of my front. the center leaf. I have a 460 up there and I still have about 4" before I hit the snub. I also cleaned them up really nice painted them black, lubricated the bushings on the ends of each leaf, bought ne U bolts and nuts. You should always when replacing old worn out U bolts, as well as the bushings in the eyelets and the bolts and nuts for them
here is how it sits now. you will prob like lower but this is what I am happy with. I like the front up high like a gasser with that axle

and just for kicks I was having fun one day

matt2491 · Post by **matt2491** » May 7, 2008, 10:09 am

Okay, you know what, I think the whole removing-leafs idea is a bit too dangerous for my liking.

Maybe I could just flip a few leafs over the top of the main leaf in negative arch, and then clamp it all together. I think it would get it lower at the same time retain more of the original spring rate? Also, it should be stronger?

lefty · Post by **lefty** » May 7, 2008, 10:45 am

Is it possible to just flip them over, and how much would that lower one? Im interested in lower the Uni... Y'all told me I should not use the Mustang II, so I have decided to stick with the stock stuff until I can gather another front suspension. Good info... thanks guys.

tcoupekyle · Post by **tcoupekyle** » May 7, 2008, 10:55 am

I took the two factory helper type springs out of the back of my longbed 66 and it could actually be a little lower

lefty · Post by **lefty** » May 7, 2008, 12:16 pm

I would like it to be just a little lower than Fanatics... all the way around.

ICEMAN6166 · Post by **ICEMAN6166** » May 7, 2008, 12:39 pm

matt2491 wrote:You know what, tomorrow I think I will run by the hardware store and get some new U-bolts.

when it comes to u bolts
ace is NOT the place.

you need to get those from a spring shop where they will be made of some decent material, not grade Z chinese stuff.

lefty · Post by **lefty** » May 7, 2008, 12:52 pm

ROOK!! Godzirra!! Run for your Rife!! Seriously... I hate cheap parts from China.

Thats the best Chinese impression I have. Sorry guys, I will go take my meds now.

36truck · Post by **36truck** » May 7, 2008, 12:53 pm

I think any body thats wants to lower by removing springs should start with new springs. With all the years of carrying weight on them they lose the strength to hold up the weight when you remove the leafs.

lefty · Post by **lefty** » May 7, 2008, 12:55 pm

Tom, do you think flipping them will work? Instead of taking them apart?

36truck · Post by **36truck** » May 7, 2008, 1:21 pm

I think that would be way to much drop be sitting on axle.