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  #1  
Old 08-21-2008, 12:39 PM
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Help with suspension

Hey guys need some opinions on suspension. Take a look at the pics and tell me why this frame is riding so high. What do I need to do to lower it. Appreciate any help.

Bob
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Old 08-21-2008, 01:41 PM
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re: Help with suspension

add weight to it
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Old 08-21-2008, 03:04 PM
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re: Help with suspension

I'm not sure what frame that is and what body is going on top of it. That might make a difference in the answers.

You could use lowering blocks between the rear axle and the springs which would raise the axle up and lower the frame closer to the ground. You could also use flatter springs with less arch to bring the rear end down. Another way would be to change the mounting of the springs to the sides of the frame instead of under the frame. Or you could do any two or all or these suggestions.
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Old 08-21-2008, 06:26 PM
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re: Help with suspension

Quote:
Originally Posted by home brew
I'm not sure what frame that is and what body is going on top of it. That might make a difference in the answers.

You could use lowering blocks between the rear axle and the springs which would raise the axle up and lower the frame closer to the ground. You could also use flatter springs with less arch to bring the rear end down. Another way would be to change the mounting of the springs to the sides of the frame instead of under the frame. Or you could do any two or all or these suggestions.


It's a 29 chevy 3 window coupe. I wondered if that would be enough weight to lower it down some. I thought about the lowering blocks, but would'nt that only give me a few more inches. I guess I'll wait till I get the body on before I decide what else to do. Thanks for the help.
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Old 08-21-2008, 07:27 PM
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re: Help with suspension

Just a tip..when I set a frame on the frame jig I block it to the finished ride height then if it needs to be raised a bit i find that a lot easier to do..Watch the scrub line as that needs to be maintained..Last one I built came of of the jig and needed very little adjustment..

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Old 08-21-2008, 08:43 PM
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re: Help with suspension

Hey, I thought that frame looked chevy.
I had the same problem with my 31. Had the stock springs rearched and way to high.
I went and put in a chassis eng, universal rear spring set up. I mounted the rear perches just in front of the stock ones. Used a hole on the frame to locate the front perches that the stock perches used, and drilled new holes for the other. Their kit is a weld in , but I opted to drill holes in their perches and bolt it in.
I now have the full weight of everything excep the rear seat(its a sedan).
The springs are almost flat now and the ride height is perfect. I have 28 inch tires on the rear and almost 2 inches clearence to the fender lip. @ inch blocks would put it in the weeds.
The stock springs were also flat before I took it apart.
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Old 08-22-2008, 08:20 AM
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re: Help with suspension

Reverse the direction of the rear shackles so that the spring "eye" is above the rear shackle frame mount. This will drop the rear of the frame down quite a bit.

The way you have them installed now is what used to be done to raise the rear of a vehicle "on the cheap".
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Old 08-23-2008, 08:06 AM
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re: Help with suspension

Bob88 sent me a photo of his rear shackle mounts. See photo below. He asked for a further explanation of what I posted above.

From his photo it appears that there is not enough room to reverse the shackles without some modifications to his frame.

I have attached a sketch to illustrate what I was suggesting and is something that was and can be done on some vehicles. I did this myself on a 1954 Ford to raise it because of sagging rear springs.

He does have some other options.

He can modify the frame.

He can use a de-arched set of springs.

He can install lowering blocks.

If lowering blocks are used care must be exercised to keep the ends of the 'U' bolts from being too close to the ground and a sway bar should be considered because side to side sway is increased when using lowering blocks.
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Old 08-23-2008, 09:21 AM
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re: Help with suspension

Looking at your diagram I see that my springs are already reversed. Like I said in my pm, looks like I'll wait till the body is on and then probably go to different springs if need be. Appreciate all the help.

Bob
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Old 09-06-2008, 04:35 PM
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re: Help with suspension

He can also raise the forward pivot point

and use reverse eye springs.
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