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Projects Lowering 1956 F100

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 56fatfender, Oct 29, 2009.

  1. 56fatfender
    Joined: Oct 20, 2009
    Posts: 3

    56fatfender
    Member
    from louisiana

    Pros & con 3" drop axle or lowernig with spring ? Not sure witch way to go?
     
  2. Use the search feature. TONS of threads on the subject.
     
  3. Rif Raf
    Joined: Nov 9, 2005
    Posts: 86

    Rif Raf
    Member

    I was in the same boat, but I think I have decided to graft in a Crown Vic sub, get disc breakes, power steering, and the drop. I wanted to go with springs but the axel will hit my oil pan and the dropped axel just is not enough drop for me. Good Luck!

    Kyle
     
  4. Used Up Junk
    Joined: Nov 12, 2008
    Posts: 673

    Used Up Junk
    Member
    from Merced, CA

    Some friends and I just put a set of 3" drop spings I picked up cheap (I know that part dosen't help) in my '55 pickup, they are the detroit spring reverse eye springs. The nice thing about this setup over a dropped axle is that you get a drop and new springs in one shot. My springs are the "corrective" springs as well, they are designed to push the axle forward to center the wheel in the wheelwell. This is a major improvment in looks in my eyes. At a later time I am going to have the stock axle dropped as well but I want to go pretty low. Hope this helps, later, Roger
     
  5. chloichina
    Joined: Feb 8, 2009
    Posts: 101

    chloichina
    Member
    from Florida

    I have a 60 F100 and ordered springs from Eaton springs they can custom make them for stronger springs while lowering them. It dropped my truck 4" to 4 1/2" from stock the only issue is every once in a while I do bottom out but it needs to be a hard hit. I have approx 3-4 inches of spring travel. Now if that is not enough all you need is a 2-3" drop axle and you are in the weeds. Good luck
     
  6. 56fatfender
    Joined: Oct 20, 2009
    Posts: 3

    56fatfender
    Member
    from louisiana

    Was just thinking drop axle would a better ride.
     
  7. 56fatfender
    Joined: Oct 20, 2009
    Posts: 3

    56fatfender
    Member
    from louisiana

    have a better ride
     
  8. willymakeit
    Joined: Apr 13, 2009
    Posts: 1,340

    willymakeit
    Member

    If the springs are wore out then new springs are needed anyways. Personally I'm using down and forward with buttons in them since I was faced with this. Check out Mid Fifty for the different options and prices.
     
  9. Used Up Junk
    Joined: Nov 12, 2008
    Posts: 673

    Used Up Junk
    Member
    from Merced, CA

    I had the exact same situation as willymakeit, that's the other reason I went with the springs. It sounds like willymakeit and I have the same set of springs as mine came from Mid Fifty as well. So how does your truck ride and drive willymakeit?
     
  10. 55 Mercury
    Joined: Mar 18, 2006
    Posts: 889

    55 Mercury
    Member

    I have a 3" dropped axle, reversed eyes and two leaves removed. After market spring improve the ride. Remember the amount of drop from lowering springs is from factory height the day it rolled out of Ford. Over the years they have all settled quit a bit. I learned when I changed out my rear springs and it did not lower my truck anymore that I already had it, but boy it rode and drove nice. I found other ways to lower the rear then..Sid
    www.droppedaxles.com
     

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  11. Soviet
    Joined: Sep 4, 2005
    Posts: 729

    Soviet
    Member

    Post an intro and use the search function.
     
  12. chloichina
    Joined: Feb 8, 2009
    Posts: 101

    chloichina
    Member
    from Florida

    Springs are the first thing I would change and see where you are, they are over 50 years old and have supported that truck for a while. They're tired and why risk a break. The old springs are prone to cracking and it is very hard to find the fractures till it could be to late. My springs from Eaton are multi leaf springs rated for my lighter engine and transmission. The ride is awsome suprizing for springs. She corners great with little body roll (I will admit a IFS will handle better but comes with a lot of fabrication) good thing is its a 56 and there are many choices the only thing I would not do is get a mono leaf they are cheap, for a reason, and they are great for show trucks but not for daily drivers like mine. The best ride will be IFS. Im sorry but, a truck with springs is still a truck with springs and rides like one. If you stick with the leaf springs get new ones rated for your engine and tranny (Talk to the tech guys from Eaton http://www.eatonsprings.com/ ) with the recomended drop and install them. See where you are and if you want to get the drop axle after you now how much further you want to drop. Plus you will be secure it will work like you want. BTW Eaton also sells all the hanging hardware very hard to find for a 1960 Truck
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2009
  13. Doc Squat
    Joined: Apr 17, 2008
    Posts: 1,375

    Doc Squat
    Member
    from tulsa, ok

    I used a Volarie on my 56 F-100. Loved the ride.
    ______________________________________________________________________
    Like I told the kid, "Your music's not too loud, it's just like OKC, it sucks!"
     
  14. 55 Mercury
    Joined: Mar 18, 2006
    Posts: 889

    55 Mercury
    Member

    Please don't take this the wrong way.....
    "IFS is like a fat girl. They ride nice but Traditional Hot Rodders don't brag to there buddies about them" LOL
     
  15. mcaguitars
    Joined: Jun 25, 2008
    Posts: 2

    mcaguitars
    Member

    I have both a 3" dropped axle from Sid, as well as 3" drop mono leafs (down and forwards) on my '56. I would also strongly recommend front and rear anti-sway bars.
     
  16. bdynpnt
    Joined: Feb 9, 2009
    Posts: 354

    bdynpnt
    Member

    i put a 64 F100 axle under my 56 in 73 and it dropped it an inch and a half . the 64 also had a lot better brakes than the 56 , later on i went to I F S though i liked it a lot better
     
  17. 1956 F100
    Joined: Nov 26, 2007
    Posts: 800

    1956 F100
    Member
    from Louisiana

    Here is mine it has a narrowed pacer under it with Granada rack. Rebuilt it all not long ago handles OK. Cush ride on highway. DSC00014.JPG

    DSC00016.JPG
     
  18. willymakeit
    Joined: Apr 13, 2009
    Posts: 1,340

    willymakeit
    Member

    Will know in about 3months or less.
     
  19. onedge
    Joined: May 25, 2006
    Posts: 999

    onedge
    Member

    good analogy Sid I like that one.
     
  20. FoMoCo_MoFo
    Joined: Mar 30, 2001
    Posts: 1,666

    FoMoCo_MoFo
    Member

    IFS works real well on 53-56 F100's better than any drop axle. Who gives a shit if it's traditional or not. It's a mid-50's truck not a 30's roadster.

    IFS, a 4-bar set up and a good set of coil overs all around is the way to go. It's the difference between driving a LOW truck nicely on the highway at 65mph and hanging on for dear life.

    No Limit makes a frontend system under the name Wide Ride and it is engineered specifically for these trucks.
     

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