1952-59 Ford Lowering blocks, how much is too much?

Pretty close. That end will move about 2x the shackle length. But, the other end of the spring stays where it is netting about the shackle length drop.

 

I am gonna build a pair out of alum stock I have. What size holes do I need? I'll need one tapped with a Allen head bolt and the other drilled to accept the old locator. Trying to wrap my mind around this. So what size should the stock locator pin be?

 

Not too much work...If I remember from 40+ years back, it can be done without taking anything apart.

 

No trying to hack anyone's thread but, I'd be interested in knowing how to do that .

 

Eric, I don't know if you know this, you can flip the shackles with out taking it apart. If you can get the car on the rack and a long steel pipe in between the shackle and the spring, you can flip it back where it belongs. I have done it in both directions and I know it works.

 

I have just jacked up car with frame to let rear end fall and take load off springs, then pry them over as mentioned. I haven't had to dis***emble (from what I remember).

Not sure on the pin size Chris.

 

Yup...that is what I was remembering.....at least Guthrie's way....I've never had a lift to work with, lol.

 

Ok. Here's what my car is supposed to look like. Took a whole 5 minutes to fix. Thanks guys.

 

Oops. Forgot pic.

 

Very nice! Looks great!

 

Much better looking now!

 

Ta-dah!

 

Looks great. I did build a set of blocks this week out of 3x2 solid aluminum. Haven't gotten around to installing them yet.

 

Be sure to post pics for us. I'm thinking real hard on putting in 3" blocks myself. Are the p***enger car springs 2" or 1.750" wide? Just asking because my wagons springs are 1.750.

 

Longroof...you forgot the drumroll, lol. Looks perfect.

 

In '57 the difference was the number of leafs, not the width. Logic tells me the same would apply for other years, otherwise all the related parts would have to be different for each model...pads, shackles, u-bolts, etc. It makes sense to keep all that stuff the same and just vary the spring strength. But who ever said the manufactures were logical?

 

Oh man, don't tell me that......

 

I need to correct myself. My springs are 2" wide. It's the lowering block that was 1.750. I had a teething baby fussing when I posted that. Sorry.

 

Good deal. I am just glad I don't have to whittle 1/4" off each block.

 

You may have to if you blocks are 2" wide. The pads and retainers fit over the block. If it is 2" I don't think it will work.

 

That looks much better now 56longroof, I noticed the shackles flipped before but just figured you knew about it because back in my younger days we used to flip them to get the look like a drag car and fit larger tires.

 

I totally missed it. It was a little troublesome because everyone that had 2" blocks,there car was lower than mine. Guess it was my blonde moment.

 

I got, but never installed, 1" x 2" wide blocks for mine. I checked the new pads/retainers over them and they fit just fine. I think he'll be ok. I was just going to disc grind a chamfer on the blocks if needed as the pads are not very deep. The chamfer wasn't needed.

 

a tool tip, btw, if the blocks need some material removed and you don't have a bridgeport handy...Aluminum can be worked a little with a grinding disc...just force a beeswax stick into the surface of the disc. That keeps the alum. from galling up on the disc. The beeswax stick is what you normally would use on a saw blade for lubrication when cutting aluminum.

 

No Bridgeport.... people actually live like that?

 

I do. I have chopsaws and grinders.

 

Chopsaw and grinders here also.

 

The condition of your springs makes a difference as well. I have 4" blocks on mine, and with the current (brand new, stock height) springs I have no issues, other than trying to get the wheels/tires off. But with my old saggy stock springs, I would occasionally rub the driveshaft a little on the floor behind where the back seat would be.

 

Do you guys have indoor plumbing and no outhouse, just wondering....

 

Nope carry buckets of water from the well every mornin'. We have the deluxe 2 hole out house. The neighbors are so jealous.