Lowering my 51 chevy

I was gonna put blocks on the back but I've been told that if I put 3inch blocks like I want then the U-bolts will hang down lower than the rim so if I got a flat the u-bolt would hit the ground. What does everyone think about that?

 

I took out 2 leaves and 2 inch blocks I made with air shocks. It rode fine for what I had in it. If there was anyone in the back seat it would bottom out on the frame.

 

I was thinking about that when planning to lower my poncho, so I made up a custom lowering plates that wraps around the bottom of the leaf springs, but keeps the U-bolts and nuts above the scrub line.

 

what if I dearch the leaf springs. I have had a some people tell me to do that. Whats your opinion on that and where would I get it done?

 

use them and trim the ubolts.

 

Is there room to trim them?

 

I used four inch blocks and it looks like if I get a flat it would hit but I'm not sure about three, I'm planning on having my spring dearched and taking two inches of block out, providing it sits where I want it to when i'm done. Any spring shop should be able to dearch your springs for about $100, I think that's what I was quoted, good luck

 

Your original U-bolts won't fit anyway when you add lowering blocks; they will be too short. If you buy new lowering blocks they should come with new U-bolts that will be the right length. If you buy long U-bolts at the hardware store, those might be way too long (of course, you could just cut them off) but hardware store U-bolts might not be strong enough anyway.

 

OK, I totally misunderstood your question, didn't I? Listen to those other guys.

 

dearch the springs!!! its cheaper and the spring works guy can have it done fast. [$100.00} max.

 

well mabe not cheaper, but its a good way to go!!! i think. i had it done, and was well pleased with the results.

 

Spend the money.....4 link and bags

 

...this idea works great; I've done the same before with good results.

 

I have 3 inch blocks and only 3 leafs in it and the rear suspension is way to soft plus i need to notch the frame. I personally would dearch the springs and blocks if necessary. I would not sacrafice all of that firm suspension removing too many springs.. I am not a air bag kind of guy. I like em low and drag em over speed bumps and drive way as needed.

 

Just cut the excess off and you will be fine. Unless your using super small low profile tires I dont understand how the Ubolts would hang that low to scrap.

 

Stepped A-arms, 1 1/2 coils cut out of the front(although it is motorless in this pic) stepped frames rails, 3 inch blocks, only four leafs on each side in the rear.

 

ive got 4 inch blocks. if i got a flat they would deffinitly hit. the look is great tho, especially if your on a budget. i just try not to think about getting a flat, it makes me feel better.

 

Same here!!!!

 

I put 3' blocks on mine , it rides and does just fine , had to cut the bolts off though , I did however had to have the u-bolts made , their the squared off ones , and the kit comes with the rounded off ones , hope this helps out.

 

Ok, I'm a idiot , what does "dearch" mean , never heard the term.

 

Your leaf springs have an arch in them. De-arching them makes them practicaly flat.

 

Ohh.... DE-arch...lol , that makes a little more sense , couldn't get around "dearch" thought it was one word , rhyming with "search"...lol, sorry for sounding like a idiot !!

 

yeah, so I wasn't sure either at first...
but from what I understand say it like "de-arch"
taking the arch out fo the springs basically

anybody correct me if I'm wrong.

BTW Good Stuff on all the feedback, I will be lowering our '51 real soon and I'm soaking it up.

 

I have 3" blocks and de-arched springs. i am scrub line safe... barely.

 

Oh, I see somebody alread said that ahah... well, clarified it for me.

 

you have any pics of what it looks like this way? (3" blcks and dearched)
and as for the dearching... is this something that can be done easily at home like with a torch? I mean like taking them out and heating and beating... (take it easy on me guys, I'm learning) or does it have to be brought to a shop?

 

this is from a couple of years ago. the car now has taller bias plies on it. this was with a 215 70 15 radial.

 

LOL... man, I have a pic of your car on my computer... I found it browsing a while back and saved it to show my girl... I told my girl it looks alot like what I had in mind for our car.
What did you do to drop the front?
Looking Good and I like the drop on it.
thanks bro,
Larry

 

the front has 2" dropped uprights

 

I have 4" Jamco springs and 3" blocks. I cut the u-bolts off just below the nuts and I am still above the scrub line.