I lowered the rear on my 54’ today with 2” blocks on sagged springs, which I believe has equated to about 3 1/2” from stock. Now I’ve got horrible noises at takeoff. Anybody know where to get angled block shims for 2” wide springs? Also has anyone lowered 3-4” and had to correct the pinion angle? If so, how many degrees? Anyway, here’s some pics....cause we all love pics.
go to ebay motors and type in tapered lowering blocks in the search block at the top.........lots will come up.
Once you go 4 " or more you will have drive line issues, I wouldn't drive it much till you get it fixed or in the meantime put it back stock.
The best quality shims come from warriorproducts.com. The 80's Jeep CJ7's have 2" wide front springs.
Agreed. I only drove it around the block.....I live in the mountains, and when coming uphill it was horrible unless I let off the gas. Pretty safe to say that my driveline angle is on the brink of binding the u joint at rest. So, under torque (load) the axle wraps on the soft springs and raised height (further out from the fulcrum now) and the u joint is in a bind. I would measure the angles to correct, but obviously the pinion and trans angles havent changed, they are only further from each other in al***ude causing the drive shaft to be at a more extreme angle. So, should I just shim the axle 4 degrees or so and run it? Or try to raise the trans AND shim the axle? Thats why I wondered if anyone with 4" blocks or any extreme rear drop had any input and/ or experience with this issue. I appreciate the look out though, Jeff!
Check too that the drive shaft does not hit the tunnel under the rear seat. You man need to make the tunnel taller for clearance. Consider what may happen if you take on a full load of p***engers.
Thanks 56, It actually was hitting the end of one of the back seat, center seatbelt bolts on the first attempt. I ground that down and sprayed fresh black paint on the tunnel and drive shaft and tried again. Its not hitting anymore...just horrible popping like noise under load. SEEMS that its gotta be u joint binding under load, or its hitting the tunnel and I'm not seeing it. I also wonder if strapping the leaf spring pack would lessen the axle wrap, if it is the case. I'm surprised that no one has chimed in with a healthy drop that has experienced this. I ordered an angle gauge and some shims....I'll play with it this weekend. Wish I had a GoPro camera that I could put under the car! lol. My Wife told me "You made it look cooler and undriveable for now....good job, Babe"
You will probably find more information on lowering here: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum...coil-springs-49-thru-59-ford-and-merc.260795/ as it is a HUGE article so you may want to ask on that thread too.
U-joints can take a 22 total degree swing. Watch a YouTube of a IMCA modified rear end movement to see what I mean. Remember it goes into the third member near the bottom. I agree with your wrap up contact that with the blocks and weak springs making noise. Look under the car on the end of the tunnel for "witness" marks. If it were me I'd go with 1" blocks and save the 2's" if you replace it he springs.
Update: I installed 4 degree shims and all is well. Drove it about 70 miles yesterday without issue. No hitting, no vibration. Thanks everyone.
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