Customs Lowering block question...

I am planning on installing a lowering block kit on the rear of my '55 Desoto. I would like to go 3", but am not sure if that would work with my fairly steep driveway. Would I be able to install a 2" kit and later add some 1" blocks if I think I can get away with 3". Would this work?

As for the front end, there are two "stiffening spacers" on each coil spring that I will remove and see how much it drops, then maybe consider cutting the coils.

Thanks, Dusty

 

IMO, not a good idea to "stack" lowering blocks, plus I doubt that 2"lowering blocks are gonna have U-bolts long enough for another inch later.
Dave

 

I am sure there are people here that would claim that it is OK to stack lowering blocks ... I am NOT one of them. Try 2" if it isn't low enough, buy 3" ... sell the 2"ers on Craigs List AFTER you have verified that you are happy with the 3"ers. Lowering blocks are not very expensive.

You should also buy Ubolts with enough thread on them so you don't need to buy longer ones for the 3" blocks. If you settle on the 2"ers, trim off the bolts.

 

I think by the time you purchase the 1inch, how much would you save over the 3 inch not worth taking the chance as stated above, sell the 2 inch if that's the way you want to go

 

i probably wouldn't stack em. buy the 3" if u dont like em u can cut em down and drill the female side, and cut the longer u bolts. try to find solid aluminum if u can. then u only gotta buy em once.

 

x2 on the stacking. you can spit a block out from the torsional force of taking a turn, then getting in your driveway is no longer a problem.

 

The nice thing about blocks is what you see is what you get. Duct tape a three inch hunk of wood to the part your worried about dragging and see if it clears when you pull in the drive.

 

Sounds like 3" will be the way to go! If that's too much, I can get 2" blocks and cut the u-bolts.

Thanks!

 

pull out until your rear tires are at the low point, then get out of the car and see how much room you have before the bumper hits. that should give you an idea of how much you can lower the car.

 

Cut coils and lowering block.... all you need for proper stance.

I deal with a steep driveway everyday. A decent pari of air adjustable shocks will do the trick. Pump some air in the lines before I leave. Let air out when I cruise. Pump more air in when I get back home.

 

Why didn't I think of this?

Maybe I aint as smart as I think I is!

 

Don't forget about the "leverage factor". Three inches at the axle won't be three inches at the bumper (meaning it will be more at the bumper).

 

And after you lower the front, the rear will raise a bit.
Why not make your own blocks from 1/4" wall square tubing and some center pins?

 

Well I bit the bullet and installed a 3" lowering block kit last weekend! I have enough clearance to back up the driveway and I love the look! I also removed 4 spring spacers from the front coils, dropping it about an inch and a half. Changed the "baby moons" and trim rings and installed some "chrome smoothies" I had laying around. I also installed some "dummy spots" bought from a fellow HAMBer. "Shaving" and body work is next!

"Before and after" pics below.

 

I may have to cut 1/2 a coil or so in the front!

 

Rather than cutting the coils, (irreversible!) I am considering using some coil spring clamps from "Jegs". I wouldn't think this would adversely affect handling any differently than cutting the coils.

Any thoughts on this?