Technical Lowering a '57 SuperChief

If you’ve never clipped a ride consider this.
It is cheaper on the initial investment. And more stuff is available.
For some buyers, it will diminish interest. I’ve seen so many crudely done ones so have others.
The older style rear steer clips are harder to find. They generally graft easier due to how the front frame rails are made.
There is a lot of fab work involved to graft the frame. Plus modifying inner fenders, making a radiator support mount and bumper mounts.
Lots of measuring, fitting and welding.
Bolting on some pricey parts cost more initially but involve less work.

 

Alright. No Clipping!

 

Can I turn the upright upside down?

 

Some will say yes and some no on flipping uprights.
The camber will have to be addressed. Flipping will cause the tire to lean out at the top instead of slightly inward.
I’ve seen the uprights heated and bent. Ive heard of guys modifying upper control arms.
Then the steering arms need modified.

It’s been done.

 

Everyone will tell you cut springs will give you bump steer, make your car ride and handle terrible, and be the worst choice. 19 years ago when I was a teen, we cut the springs on my 62 Bel Air. It was lowered around 3". The car has stock shocks, stock steering, etc. To this day, it feels like driving a car with 61 year-old suspension technology. But it doesn't bump steer, and it's a nice floaty ride still. I've never damaged anything because the shocks are stock or because it doesn't have enough travel, or because of steering geometry. Depending on the age of your springs, they may be sagged out anyways. Cutting the springs is the simplest and cheapest way to lower your car. If you don't like how it rides, then you can plan some different suspension modifications while driving your cool-looking lowered car.

There's a benefit to getting the car on the road close to how you want it then making changes as you go, rather than having to do everything perfectly the first time.

 

It’s all about skill level and understanding front end geometry. If in the dark just slightly, best to buy uprights that have all the home work figured out all ready.

 

Both my Pontiac rear ends have redrilled for a 4-3/4” Chevrolet pattern. Not rocket science…

 

3 inch front springs

how’s it drive?
Don’t know yet.
I’m confident it will do just fine.

 

Also where in Canada are you?

 

Dave D, Jason mentions trimming your front springs for a lower stance along with Fat Man parts. That would be fine if you only trim a little. I prefer to order new springs to custom length. My brother (Super/Stock Poncho) and I have both ordered a few set of springs from Coil Springs Specialties 785-437-2025 and have been very pleased. They are experts at what they do and have records of most older cars and what the stock spring was and all you have to do is tell them how much higher or lower you want it.

 

When I trimmed my '57 springs, I found it easiest to support the outer A frame with a jack & loosen & lower the arm from the inside end. Comes apart & goes together easy!
One inch drop front & rear. Rear has Eaton leafs.

 

Hey Anthony,

What year are the Aerostar springs? Looks like that sit the front end nice and low.

Dave

 

I'm located in the Greater Toronto Area (in Pickering).

 

Hi Scott,

Thanks for the referral to Coil Spring Specialties. I will definitely have a look into them. I have original coils that I figure have some sag and wear.

 

Honestly I think they are all the same.
I just guessed on the year.
there’s a good bit of info on them here. Just search Aerostar springs

 

Also, any recommendations where I can find 3" rear lowering blocks? Is 3" the max?

 

Just need to know your spring width.
The block shouldn’t be wider than the spring. That can cause u bolt fitment issues.
I’ve made em out of square and rectangle tubing.
But most parts stores carry em

 

Thanks Anthony.

 

I had a '57 Chieftan about 60 years ago. I found that you can make a J bolt that will slip over a spring coil and there is a hole in the A frame that it will go through. Just crank it down until the spring coil is pulled down tight then cut the remaining threads off the bolt. Easy to undo.

 

# CC850 Moog… I think I bought them for a 1989 Ford AeroStar.

 

So it sounds like the best course of action is to put 3" S10 lowering blocks in the back and cut the front coils by 1.5 to 2 coils with a shave of the bumpstop. There isn't much more to do in the rear, however if I don't like the height in the front, I could either try Aerostar coils or add a 1" spacer between the A-arm and lower spring cup (apparently will give 3" drop). I would like to thank everyone for their input. This info is greatly appreciated.

 

Given a new spring, 1.5 coils = 3 inches.

 

What is the bolt pattern of a 57 Super Chief? Anyone know?

 

5 on 5”

 

If I cut the coils in the front and put blocks in the back, do I keep the stock shocks or do I need a shock with shorter travel?

 

I typically try to find shorter shocks for the front when I cut springs. The rear depends where the lower part of the shock is mounted. Some vehicles don’t need shorter rear shocks if lowering with blocks since the mounting location of the shock stays in the same position and the axle just moves up.