Is it possible to simply weld spring perches to the opposite side of the axle, or would there be some reason not to? I would like to lower my 1951 half ton Chevy pickup using lowering blocks. The problem is that to use lowering blocks, I would need the spring perches to be on the opposite side of the axle ***embly. Some specifics on the axle ***embly in question: -a 3:08 ratio -10 bolt, -posi, -Supposed to fit 82-91 4x4 Blazer, 81-87 4x4 Chevy and GMC Truck and 81-91 4x4 Chevy and GMC Suburban. -Produced for Military use -Never been used (still in it's wooden army crate) Any help would be appreciated.
yes why not, the thing is when you weld on the axle it can "bend". Heat the axle all away round when you weld on the new mount. Then we have the issue of suspension travel check it out before the final welding.
it is done all the time, and on the plus side it is probably the easiest way to lower your car...I flipped my axle to the top and took out one leaf in my spring pack on my 55 f-100 and it dropped 6-7 inches.....probably closer to 7 and that is with a new main leaf so it will settle
Cool. Thanks for the help guys. I just didn't want to end up a statistic, if there was some technical or safety reason not to do it.
I see no reason it can't be done. Once you move the axle up on the spring you should'nt need to run a lowereing block.Look at how late model 88 and up chevy trucks are lowered. You flip the axle up on top of the spring and it sets in a boxed peice of metal cut to go around the axle. The ends of it sort of lock up into the bottom of the original spring perch whick is still in the original location on top of the axle.Thes trucks are lowered 6 inches just from flipping the axle. You may have to C the frame to keep from bottoming out. You'll also have to check your pinion angle. On my 90 truck I had to run a small angled spacer to correct the angle.
One other thing to consider is the fact that the driveshaft may need to be shortened. The distance between the transmission tailshaft yoke and rear end pinion flange becomes shorter on a lowered vehicle. The driveshaft yoke may bottom out in the transmission and cause damage when the suspension reaches its full downward travel.
from what I have read and heard...if you flip the axle on the chevy trucks you will be too close to the frame... notice the chevy leafs attach on the side. the fords are underneath. I have heard of flipping the axle on the chevys AND moving the leafs underneath and taking out a leaf too. this will get you lower and will allow for bigger tires with offset rims. this is all reading and hear say...i have not done this...
I don't know where you got this information but Ford NEVER mounted truck axles over spring leafs on thier trucks. Since the dawn of time unitll 1960 GM always mounted the axle over the spring unless it was a 3/4 ton + truck. [ QUOTE ] Chevy tends to place the axle under the springs and Ford places the axle over the springs [/ QUOTE ] I suppose the question is about using this axle you have?? [ QUOTE ] Some specifics on the axle ***embly in question: -a 3:08 ratio -10 bolt, -posi, -Supposed to fit 82-91 4x4 Blazer, 81-87 4x4 Chevy and GMC Truck and 81-91 4x4 Chevy and GMC Suburban. -Produced for Military use -Never been used (still in it's wooden army crate) [/ QUOTE ] So yes you would need to carve off the mounting brackets and replace them to match your 51 Chevy truck. I would put money on this axle in question being too wide for your application.
[ QUOTE ] I would put money on this axle in question being too wide for your application. [/ QUOTE ] There is only a 1 inch difference between the axles, backing plate to backing plate. [ QUOTE ] Your truck came from the factory with the rear axle mounted on top of the springs. [/ QUOTE ] It's actually on the side, but the deal is that I'm not using the stock axle.
PLEASE DO NOT MEASURE BACKING PLATES !! That doesn't tell you a damn thing other than where the backing plates are. Measure to the wheel flanges where the wheel will bolt up to. Stock 51 Chevy axles are aprox 61" wide and the axle you plan on using is going to be in the 63-65" wide range.
always been told the full size trucks are TOOOO wide but a 4x4 S-10 truck or blazer rear end will work also here's a list of rearend widths http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/ifs&rearend.htm http://hiqties.hypermart.net/9inch.html#housing http://dfwmotorsport.com/Fairlane/9inchrearends.htm hope these help......joe
Thank you both for the info. I went out and measured again (and again and again ). The stock axle is aproximately 61" wide at the outside flanges. The 4X4 Blazer axle I'm going to swap it with is aproximately 63 1/2" at the outside flanges. The original axle is still bolted up under the truck along with the same dimension wheels I will be using. There are currently 2 inches of clearance between the outside of the tires and the inside of the rear fenders. All things being equal, there should be 3/4" clearance on both sides when I'm done. Is that clearance cutting it a bit too close?
Provided you are using the same wheels and tires, yeah 3/4" is pretty close to the outside of the fender but will p***.
[ QUOTE ] [ QUOTE ] Your truck came from the factory with the rear axle mounted on top of the springs. [/ QUOTE ] It's actually on the side, but the deal is that I'm not using the stock axle. [/ QUOTE ] What do you mean 'on the side'? The axle is either on top, or underneath, the springs.... Someone suggested there would not be room for the axle between the springs and the frame. If you are using the stock springs and the diameter of your axle tubes are the typical 3 inches, you have room. That was the point of my response. But I still don't understand 'on the side'....
[ QUOTE ] What do you mean 'on the side'? The axle is either on top, or underneath, the springs.... [/ QUOTE ] I went out and snapped a picture. (Nice resolution ) You're right OldSub. The axle is "over the springs" but the spring perch itself is actually welded to the side (or front) of the axle.
That perch allows the axle to pivot above the spring. The torque tube locates the axle, not the springs. I have one out in the yard with not bed on it, so I've been able to look it over pretty well.
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