Easiest/cheapest way to lower the rear of a 1965 f100 ( For a non hamber buddy)

I have a buddy with a 1965 f100 short bed and he wants to lower the rear of it. He says he has bought some lowering blocks and doesn't have any u bolts. He also said he doesn't care about the ride. Can he just flip the axle? I would help him but im a bit far from him. Remember....this isn't my truck. If anyone has done this and has any info on doing or has a few pics of your set up that would be great. Thanks!

 

I don't believe lowering blocks will do much since the axle sits on top of the spring. Yes, he CAN flip the axle-which may get him him more than he wants. The stock U-Bolts should work if he just flips it. If he flips it AND uses the lowering blocks, he'll be REALLY low and will need longer U-bolts. What's his plan for the front?

 

What about the spring plat with the mounting "dawel"

 

Look for rear lowering shackles you can adjust it for 1" or 2" drop for around $50.00.

 

Stock, the axle sits below the spring, By the rest of your post I think you knew that but just typed it wrong.



Either remove some springs or the shackles as posted. That will not get him very low, but is easiest.

OR as posted, move the axle to the top of the springs. Commonly referred to as flipping it. However you don't rotate it you just move it to the top of the springs. He can use the old u bolts, but will have to get new spring saddles and weld them on.

That will lower the rear the twice the distance from the center of the axle to the center of the spring pack. It is approximately 6 inches.

There will only be about an inch and a half between the u bolts and the frame though, that is where the C notch is required for more travel.


Not very hard, I did one on a 64 swb ford last year.

 

You'd think after 30 years of F-100 ownership, I'd get that right. I knew what I was thinking but said it wrong.

 

If he wants a 3" to 4" drop you can put new front spring hangers on inplace of the stock ones (shown below the lowering shackles).

 

I will let him know about the lowering front and rear shackles.

 

If he is going to use blocks he is going to have to flip the axle. Blocks if the axle is under the spring are going to raise it.

Anyway flipping it will give him around 3"-4" of drop depending on the thickness of the spring pack and how tall his new spring pads are.

I have removed a leaf or two as well as de-arching the spring but that can be expensive or difficult the axle flip is the easiest.

I have a question for you or a suggestion for him depending on how you look at it. If he can't afford U bolts how can he afford to hot rod it (or customize it if you prefer)?

Why don't you invite him over the the weekend and show him how to move the axle to the top of the springs.

 

If he can't afford u-bolts and still wants to lower the rear and has no concern about the ride quality, he can always remove some air from the rear tires. Oy.

 

Easiest and cheapest, four bags of Sakrete. Had this in my Silverado for a couple of years, looked right under the tarp and instantly adjustable. I had already had it professionally lowered, but just wanted a bit more.

 

I lowered my 64 F100 by flipping the rear end and using axle pads from Tractor Supply. ( Supposed to go on a trailer )An idea I got from here. I took off the u-bolts, took out the tie bolt and turned it over and using the same u-bolts, put it all back together. Cut out the frame to be sure and welded in two pieces of 5-inch pipe, cut in half. Cost $10.00 for the axle pads.

 

We lowered my buddies '65 in about 2 hours with the hangers. I did the flip and blocks on mine. C-notched and boxed the frame, it took me the whole weekend cause I was learning how to weld at the same time.

 

I,lower the rear of my 65 by removing all but the two longest leaf springs.

 

Remove some leafs and have a spring shop dearch or reverse the main. Here in SLC its only about $100. Should get you at least three inches.

 

Get a set of mono leafs. I got a 62 unibody and wound of snapping my leaf pack in half. Put the monos on and it rides way better. got them fopr 120 bucks. I did have to widen the shackles to take the wider mono leafs. Came off a Nove or something.

 

That is the easiest & cheapest.

 

I was reading up on some tricks, and someone had an article showing a guy who flipped the spring hangers. Not sure how much drop it would give you. I plan to do my longbrd 65 soon as I get the rearend I want for it.

 

My buddy has decided to keep it as is till he can either afford to have a 4 link, notch and air ride set up or trade the truck. Thanks everyone!