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Customs Lowering a 1954 Chevy for city driving...???

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by worthop, Apr 16, 2014.

  1. worthop
    Joined: Sep 19, 2005
    Posts: 441

    worthop
    Member

    I'm going to get new springs/shocks from Jamco for my '54.... I would like the 3" lowering kit, afraid it may be too much the the roads we have here in NYC (not that well maintained....)
    any pics of yours, and details/opinions would be appreciated
     
  2. atomickustom
    Joined: Aug 30, 2005
    Posts: 3,409

    atomickustom
    Member

    Dropping one of these cars 3-4 inches is no problem at all. My '53 (see avatar) sits at least 4 inches lower than stock and exactly ONE time in 12,000 miles I smacked the K-member pulling out of a gas station, but there was a serious hump in the road and an oddly-angled exit to the street.

    I also had a '50 Ford couple lowered 3 inches and never came anywhere near dragging or scraping. You'll be fine.
     
  3. worthop
    Joined: Sep 19, 2005
    Posts: 441

    worthop
    Member

    Thanks....how did you go about lowering? cut coils? Jamco?
     
  4. s55mercury66
    Joined: Jul 6, 2009
    Posts: 4,335

    s55mercury66
    Member
    from SW Wyoming

    Having just returned from my first trip to NYC, I would think long and hard about dropping your ride 3". Might see if there is a social group from NYC and ask some questions there. Had a good time there too, I have to say.
     

  5. JeffB2
    Joined: Dec 18, 2006
    Posts: 9,484

    JeffB2
    Member
    from Phoenix,AZ

    You can scratch off Jamco and save yourself some bucks,here is how.Your stock coil springs are a MOOG 639 go to this chart: http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/moog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/MOOG_Coil_Springs_Spec.pdf and look up the type of coil ends and the diameter they are and the installed height and write it down,next look for other coils using the same ends with a shorter installed height with a similar load spec,write down the part number and google it to find the best deal. here are the specs on your stock springs: http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MOOG-639
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2014
  6. worthop
    Joined: Sep 19, 2005
    Posts: 441

    worthop
    Member

    ha....so you see, s55mercury66! ha! Thanks for the link, JeffB2... I will consider that....How about getting corresponding shocks, though?
     
  7. 54FISH
    Joined: Jan 10, 2011
    Posts: 356

    54FISH
    Member

    Better check threads on Jamco , not recommended by some .
     
  8. malibustevens
    Joined: Jan 7, 2012
    Posts: 287

    malibustevens
    Member
    from Illinois

    I got my springs for the 50 Chevy made to my specifications from coilspringspecialties.com

    They were awesome to deal with and had them to me in 4 days. No complaints and great customer service.

    Oh yeah the springs are perfect as well.

    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  9. Lone Star Mopar
    Joined: Nov 2, 2005
    Posts: 3,811

    Lone Star Mopar
    Member

    Step your control arms up front, and retain full suspension travel. 3" blocks out back, 4" doesn't leave much room for travel, I know... Gambino sells Posie's 3" drop springs, ain't cheap but gives better travel than getting it all with blocks. Should be ok, depending on your roads.... They really look better lower, but driveability can be an issue on shitty roads. Trim your bumpstops in half, and get a pair of air shocks in case you need to lift it up a little.

    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  10. Big Mac
    Joined: Sep 12, 2007
    Posts: 1,565

    Big Mac
    Member
    1. Utah HAMBers

    I must be doing something wrong... I have 3" blocks in mine and I had to notch my frame because the axle was hitting the frame on every little bump. Even with the frame notched my pumpkin still hits the trunk floor occasionally. Mine doesn't seem very low either. ???
     
  11. 57countrysedan
    Joined: Oct 28, 2012
    Posts: 370

    57countrysedan
    Member
    from NY

    Hello fellow New Yorker! I like how you said are roads arent well maintained. That was a compliment! Our roads suck. Any way i dont have the same car as you but i did lower my wagon about 3in or so and find that i do bottom out on some roads. Usualy at highway speed with dips in the road and some speed bumps and driveways. I think id be fine if it wasn't for my headers going under the control arms. Plus i dont have a sway bar so i have a lot of body roll. Besides u learn the roads so ull be fine. I say lower it!


    Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
     
  12. TERPU
    Joined: Jan 2, 2004
    Posts: 2,372

    TERPU
    Member

    Here is my recipe for a very driven and long haul/town driven car. It does bump the rear axle once in a while but it's worth it.

    Front coils if yu cut off 1-1/2 coils it lowers the front 3". This is dependant on weight and spring resiliance but it's always pretty close.

    The rear throw some 3" blocks in and it'll be fine.

    While you are under there check the front pivot for the steering and make sure it's tight, and all the ball joints.

    In the rear make sure the bolts are all tight, but the big one is make sure the brake line is not on top of the axle.

    Have fun and be safe,

    Tim
     
  13. Big Mac
    Joined: Sep 12, 2007
    Posts: 1,565

    Big Mac
    Member
    1. Utah HAMBers

    I learned that one the hard way.....
     
  14. chopolds
    Joined: Oct 22, 2001
    Posts: 6,208

    chopolds
    Member
    from howell, nj
    1. Kustom Painters

    OK, I had a 54 Chevy, and I live in NJ, and the roads arent' much better here than you have.
    It was lowered pretty much 3-4 in from when I got it. It wasn't super low, but still rode nice and only had problems in the deepest potholes and ruts. Cut coils up front, and lowering blocks out back. I put over 50K miles on i, mostly here in NJ, but I did do a lot of traveling out of state.
    The only thing I have to add to this, is that when you are talking about lowering a car, you need to be specific on whether the suspension and springs have been replaced, back to stock or if you are trying to lower a car with 70 year old springs! Makes a HUGE difference! Both in ride height, and ride quality. # in. lower than it was brand new is not very low, and will ride fine. Three in. lower from a worn out suspension, springs and shocks, might be undriveable!
     
  15. 5window
    Joined: Jan 29, 2005
    Posts: 9,516

    5window
    Member


    Been quite a while since someone actually recommended JAMCO, unless you count "got my parts". They lost their "Alliance" label some time back. Do a HAMB search anytime you plan to order from a vendor. This would be a good place to start.
     

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