Ok, I have a 51 Chevy that has 2 coils cut off the front. But I want to lower the front it another couple of inches. I know that I can get dropped uprights for it that will lower it 2 inches. I have also heard that a 53 upright will lower it 1 inch. I have also heard that on a 53 you can flip the uprights left to right and lower it. Can you do this on a 51? Or will a flipped 53 upright on a 51 lower it 3 inches? Or would 53 lowered uprights on a 51 work? Its all a bit confusing.
If I remember right, You can only flip flop on fords. I think the angle is way off on the chevys and if you did it you would have some serious camber issues. Why dont you just snip another coil. i have a 54 and I cut 3 1/4 rounds out, Gave me over 4 inches
I would cut another coil, but eventually I want to bag the front, and to get it low enough without doing a Mustang 2 I will need to have dropped spindles, uprights or both.
no spindles, only dropped uprights. I dont think its necessary if you bag it properly. there wasa thread on bagging the stock suspension a while back, i'm pretty sure the lower arms were modded and the spring pocket was cut out and that was it. found: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72871&highlight=control+arm+air+bag+chevy
Its alot of work to bag the stock frontend, You have to cut out the lower arm shock mount and weld in a flat plate, cut the upper spring pockets, weld them up and weld up and reinforce the front crossmember, bags with dropped uprights will get in in the weeds, If thats what you looking for. Try to hit up Happyhoppy he bagged his stock frontend. And remeber you have to modifiy your steering arms with the new uprights
You guys are going to hate this, but I am thinking of using air cylinders in the front. Sure they have different ride caricteristics than bags, but it looks to me to be alot less fab. Those with dropped spindles would be perfect! I wish there were more detailed pics of the front suspension in the 54 in that other thread.
We installed stock 53 uprights to a 49 chevy stock front suspencion, you get 1" drop! Direct swap nothing else required!
they need a "s" bend to keep the linkage flat (where it was before) and the tie rod parallel (1.5-2" up) There is another thread about those control arms, with some more pics...
unfortunately, our cars are heavy, but it is possible. would ride like hell with a cylinder big enough to lift a chevy. http://www.lowridereuromagazine.com/tech/0301lre_airtech/
That's right you can't flip em because the camber is built in. Fords only. If you're going through all the trouble, go for the dropped uprights. I did the '53 upright swap, and got about an inch. Go with airbags instead of cylinders. If you don't want to cut the shock towers, you can try those sleeved airride shock/bag combos that fit in the space of coilovers. They are pricey though.
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