Tuck and I were just discussing how to lower the front end of my '53 F-100... he suggested flipping the front axle and c-notching the frame, instead of de-arching the springs, going to a mono-leaf, or doing a drop-axle. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has done this before... is it worth it compared to the other options listed above? Thanks in advance, Ben
I think I've heard of someone doing that but I cant remember where.I'd look at oil pan clearance,you will lose about 5 or 6 inches there that you wont lose with a dropped axle.
I am pretty sure that this was covered in an early issue of "Custom and Classic Trucks." Not sure the vintage of the F-100, but think it to be the variety. I'll try to look into the back issues and see if I can find it......
LOL...Well IF you did LITERALLY flip the axle I guess it would! What he's talking about is putting the axle above the springs to lower the truck...but you keep it right side up. You don't turn it over!!! "Flipping" is a poor description when you think about it. For some reason, when I think of this modification, KILLER comes to mind. I think he's posted some info on it in the past...but don't hold me to it. Potential for Oil pan and tierod issues.
Devino, you wouldnt be flip floping the axle, its just putting the front axle on top of the leafs. If you flipflopped a rear axle your forward gears would make your car travel backward. That'd be pretty cool though, 3 reverse gears!!!
"Flipping" is a common term in the truck community for putting the axle (generally the rear one) on top of the springs. Ask a mini-trucker what it means to "channel" a car and you might get a blank stare- but the same discussion about "body-dropping" will be a lengthy one with many "DUDES!" blurted with the descriptions.
Found that article, and a follow on. "Custom and Classic Trucks," Dec '94, p. 76. Follow-on article Feb '95, p. 50. They did quite a bit of fabrication, but the finished product seemed to be pretty nice. Article about finished truck in Dec '96, and a few other articles in various issues in between. Might not be as simple as you would hope, but it appears possible.
JimA, what all did you have to change to get this to work? Steering linkage? Shock mounts? etc? My plan was (for the sake of $$) to get it running and driving, and then do a drop, but Tuck started the gears churning (slowly mind you! )... this may be a way to get the low ride height that I want, along with being inexpensive (if time consuming). Oh, also photos of your truck would be great... keeps the inspiration rolling! Thanks, Ben
No scanner here, but I suppose I can figure it out at school. Not too hopeful about the ability of the scanner to get legible pics, but I'll try. Animal
I did it on a 57 F100 and it wasnt in the weeds but it got it pretty low. i also took a leaf out of the stack too... sorry it was 6-7 years ago before I had a camera or a computer...
Any chance we can get a verbal description of what you did? Did you have engine/frame clearance issues? Move the shocks/shorter shocks? How did you fasten the axle to the springs? etc. ? Thanks! Ben
I think the proper term is reversed spring, Or axle over spring. It is a pretty straight forward procedure. Depending on the condition of the mounting hardware. You might want to find some backup hardware if you're wanting to get it done in a day and drive it. Those rusty front end bolts are a******!
I'd like to hear more as well. I have a 57 with the straight 6 and I think the axle would hit the pan. Of course,I think my springs are pretty wore out. I think Killer did this and had to lift the engine.
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