The nice thing about September is planning the winter's project. I need to talk about lowering the stock front end of my 51 pickup 4 inches and the rear end 3 inches. I found some pictures on line showing the result and like the look.
I bought 3" lowering blocks for the rear and intend to rework all four springs (disassemble, install teflon between springs and grind down the ends of each spring to help with the movement, use original connect point to the rear axle housing) Is there anything else you'd suggest other than sand blasting each leaf and then painting it all once the springs are back together?
The front end still has me scratching my head. I found 4" drop axles on line and understand the process (I think). Same treatment to the front springs as the rear, stock spindles on the drop axle, replace the bolts holding the springs to the I-beam axle.
My question is how do I deal with the change in the relationship of the pitman arm (now 4" (?)higher than the connection to the tie-rods (?)) etc. Although there would then be a difference in height couldn't I just extend the connection rod assembly and go for it? If not how do I adjust for change? I'm interested in keeping the pitman arm as it is, is there an adapter to connect the rod on the other end to the original connection point?
I'm interested in making the swap but intend to keep the original parts and the ability to go back to stock if I or the next owner want to do so.
Also, what is the view concerning removing a leaf or two from each rear spring and each front spring to help lower the body and smooth out the ride? (Again, my intent is to keep the leaves, identify which spring they belong to and keep them)
Thanks for all youir help,
Ted Lazenby
Member #4730
