considering lowering the rear end 2 or 3 inches with blocks... For you guys with OEM 52-59 rear axle housings, what kit did you end up using?
Most kits like the ones available at Autozone etc. are for 2 1/2" wide springs most 1949-56 Fords used 2" wide springs https://butchscoolstuff.com/rear-3-drop-lowering-block-kit-for-all-cars-with-2-wide-spring-2405/ Butch's also offers this if your old springs need some help https://butchscoolstuff.com/rear-spring-tune-up-kit-for-49-56-ford-cars-135-2361f/
Maybe someone has changed out the rear leaf spring center bolt on my '53 mainline, but none of the lowering blocks I've seen available anywhere have the locating hole that matches the head of said bolt...I'm at work right now, not at home with a mic to measure the head of the bolt but it's gotta be closer to 5/8" instead of the 1/2" most seem to be?I'm pretty sure I could just flip it around and let the nut rest there instead and be okay, but I'm curious how y'all that say you just put blocks out back dealt with this?
Pretty sure I replaced those pins on mine with allen head cap screws when I was running the stock leafs. In my case, I did it because one of the pins was broken and this was long before I got the idea that I wanted to lower the car. FWIW, I'm running a set of drop springs from Posies and a set of standard blocks from Speedway right now.
Hmm...I don’t remember having any issue with mine but also used an old set of blocks which may have accounted for the larger diameter pin as you mention. I have also done what boneyard mentions too lots of times mainly when pulling leaves on an old truck or something and need a shorter pin. Allen head bolts work good. Just be sure to clamp your spring together before taking the pin loose.
I feel kinda silly for not just going ahead and doing this when I first noticed the issue, I'm one of those weird people that, even though I'm modifying something, I want to keep as many of genuine old parts as possible...I've been looking for a set of blocks that would fit, finally made a set out of 2"x 2" heavy square steel tube, but no drill bit the size of the original larger bolt head Thanks for the replies, y'all It takes me longer to get these projects on the road than it used to, a part of aging I'm not fond of hahaha...
Do I have this straight - you can't find a drill bit to drill the proper size hole? Got a machine shop around there? They should be able to drill it. Hardware store? Friend?
I can't find it in my stash of tools Things go slower since the stroke, and taking care of my 86 year old mother and attempting to get a house built out of town takes money and time away from the car hobby, but it's something I'll never have regrets about when all is said and done As much as I like the old cars, they're material things...family is what matters...I might have it as close to finished as projects ever get by noon-thirty the day of my own funeral, which I'll be late for because someone needs help LoL! I've got friends that will let me use their manual lathes and such, they don't mind letting me borrow drill bits because I'm the one in the group that can sharpen them instead of tossing them and buying another. As far as the hole being proper, I reckon whatever size hole that fits whichever center bolt I resign myself to use will be burdened to exist as "proper." Thanks for your input, and my apologies to anyone offended if it seems I tried to hijack this post, I just thought the information might be of use to someone else that may find themselves in a similar situation.
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