I just picked up a 54 belair convert, rebuilt engine, brakes, etc. I want it to lay out nice, not on the frame, but close. I know this question has been done a thousand times, I am not looking for the old how do I lower my car, I read all the old threads. What I want to know is for a daily driver, are the tube u joints gonna last with the low stance? I was told by some oldtimers that any lower than four inches puts the ujoints in a bit of a bind. And second how close are the stock front wheels when sittin low, is it still plenty drivable. I hate to do a MII and open rear right away since its all new. And how many people have the P.S on theirs? the engine is fresh and not started yet so I dont kow how the steering feels. Should I keep it or not. Thanks Fella's and gals..........
I don't know how the PS feels, if you do decide to take it off, don't chunk it in the garbage. It is rare and highly sought after by restorers. You need to keep the double groove crank pulley with it to make it worth top dollar. I don't know exactly how low you can go with the torque tube, but I know it is limited...probably limited to less than what you want from what you have said. You will probably have to switch to open drive line or somehow re-mount the engine and trans higher to keep the angle not so steep between that and the rear end.
here is my old 50 with the tube and air ride. cant go much lower then this. The front had 2.5 turns cut out. i later went with 4" drop springs. This is with a real tall tire too a G78 15
My pal's wife has a clean '51 with MII up front, and flipped/dearched springs and a 4" frame notch out back with air shocks...sits nice as hell, about as low as the '50 above and rides like a new car