Lowering An Early Model?

[kenshapiro2002]

Just read somewhere that lowering the rear of an early model isn't a good idea because of the single U joint . That true? Anybody lowered the rear of an early model with decent results?

[tboltkc]

The problem is that lowering it in the rear changes the camber. The lower you go, the more severe the camber gets.

[UNSAFE]

.

[Luke Geis]

I found that cutting 1 coil from the springs gets it about as low as you would like to realistically go and tire wear is still good. The camber angle is good and is actually better for performance handling. Any lower though and clearance issues are going to be common. You can place a late model trans axle in the car but you will have to shave the axle. This is not ideal of course, but I have gotten away with it for the last 8 years.

[freedo]

I found that cutting 1 coil from the springs gets it about as low as you would like to realistically go and tire wear is still good. The camber angle is good and is actually better for performance handling. Any lower though and clearance issues are going to be common. You can place a late model trans axle in the car but you will have to shave the axle. This is not ideal of course, but I have gotten away with it for the last 8 years.

you have a before and after pic of the spring cutting?

[Trip]

Main problem as mentioned is camber change. Lower an early too much without making major mods and you can see the tops of the wheels leaning in.. looks like something is broken.

[Luke Geis]

i do not have a before and after. But it lowers it by about 1.5" - 2".

[freedo]

i might attempt lowering my 64 this weekend

[freedo]

Front springs 1 coil. Should be done in the next hour or so

[freedo]

1 coil is a tad over 1" drop going to cut another coil and then half or a one coil in the back

[terribleted]

If you cut 1/2 coil the spring will not nest properly in its upper and lower perchs. It is ideal to cut exactly, one coil so the ends of the spring can sit in their designed stops to keep them from rotating. 1/2 coil cuts can be done but spring shift can be an issue. Of course ideally the spring should be flattened as well like the end was before it was cut.

[freedo]

If you cut 1/2 coil the spring will not nest properly in its upper and lower perchs. It is ideal to cut exactly, one coil so the ends of the spring can sit in their designed stops to keep them from rotating. 1/2 coil cuts can be done but spring shift can be an issue. Of course ideally the spring should be flattened as well like the end was before it was cut.

I decided on cutting another coil. Got to figure out how to remove the rear springs now

[sam60]

I bought it like this but it appears lowered. I think it is just the tire/wheel combo.

I'll spray those weeds tomorrow.

[sam60]

Sorry. I thought I saw this in new posts.

[freedo]

Two coils cut up front, rear is stock

[flat6_musik]

Nice! I also cut 2 coils from the front of my '65. I thought you had to cut the coils as either 1 or 2 removed, not 1.5 etc. Now I read that it's okay to cut them in 1/2 sizes. Who knew? I sort of wish I did 1.5 instead of 2. My front seems to have gotten even lower than when I first cut them.