Projects Lowering Shoebox Ford

I am in the process of getting the following installed on my 1950 2dr Ford Custom Deluxe.
2.5" Drop Spindles
1.0" Drop Springs
4.0" De-arched Leaf Springs
1.0" Optional Drop Leaf Spring hangers
My goal is to have the car sitting flat, or to have minimal tail drag. This should end up to be a 3.5/4, or 3.5/5 drop. I'm using Jamco and Shoebox-Central out of Oklahoma for parts. I will post a pic of the results and a rundown of the headaches. I've already found that certain additional parts are desired to have on hand if you want to do this over a weekend. This experience already pains me mentally and financially so please don't be Assy with comments. I may have some bump-stop questions if anyone has experience. My frame is slightly c-notched so that should help some, but I'm quite nervous about the rub factor on the front fenders. Hopefully this process will continue to suck and someone else can learn how to save money on their project. If I had to pick a catch phrase, it would be something like, if I can't drive it soon I'm just going to throw it away.

 

Your driveshaft may have clearance issues, not sure; and you'll likely have some fun-n-games changing rear wheels. What tires are you planning on running? Bias plys are narrower than radials, I have to deflate mine to get them on and off with just 3" lowering blocks in the back.

Join the shoebox owners forum and do a lot of reading...

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/post-shoebox-build-threads-here.908390/

 

Drive shaft should be fine I think. My convertible is actually on the bump stops in the rear (notch to come) and I have no clearance issues other than the axel rapping the tail pipe when I get on it. I dearched my springs and it dropped like mad, when I lift it up the axle still drops low enough to get the wheels off.

 

My driveshaft rubs on dips with 3" blocks...I even raised the tunnel a bit where it really hit. I run 205/70-15 radials on Ford Ranger wheels with a maverick rearend. No fitment issues there. Front is dropped with cut Aerostar springs. Sits good but rides like ass.....

 

I like watching these 49-51 Ford projects. Makes me feel good. Wish I was 30 again. Best of luck to ya.
The Wizzard

 

Would you mind linking to or posting a full profile pic? I'd love to see a clearer shot of the side/rear!!


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I had clearance issues on the tunnel so i raised it 1 inch.

 

I wonder if 51 vert tunnels have more clearance.

 

yes i believe 51's have more but not certain

 

Bigger trans hump, first year for automatic Ford & Merc.

 

Convert and Vicky are the same. Yes they are different than 49-50. I do not know by how much. Mine rub's often.
The Wizzard

 

51 Verts/HT had X member too; not in the way?

 

X member is not an issue.

 

Best pic I have access to right now.

 

No problem with the X because the tail stock is almost in it.

 

Nice stance... Thx, the visual reference helps.


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Flipped spindles, cut coils, 4" blocks and short tires. I had to raise rear of tunnel and I had to remove fresh air tubes at inner fenders.
Also, heated and dropped steering arms to prevent bump-steer. I cut the bump stops down to about 1/2 inch. Used maverick rear also.

 

Surprisingly enough, I have NO issues on my 51 coupe. Lowered 7" in back with 4" dearched springs
(Jamco) and 3" blocks. No driveshaft rubbing and can get my tires off and on. Cut coils in the front.
The ride is choppy because of the cut coils (when I was 17, I didn't care). I plan on replacing them with Areostars. I would have expected to have drive shaft and frame probles in the back , but I don't....go figure.

 

This is what it looks like with:
2.5" Drop Spindles, 1.0" Drop Springs
4.0" De-arched Leaf Springs, 1.0" Drop Leaf Spring hangers

I'm going to install a 1" or 2" block in the rear. The rear is 2" higher than the front when measuring the bottom of the rockers to the concrete (~6" high upfront, ~8" high in rear). I'll keep the pics coming upon completion. Thanks

 

Additional photos:
https://www.facebook.com/johnny1rock/media_set?set=a.10100465081355219.1073741827.18810323&type=3

 

I think i have the twin to your car i got the same set up on the back here it is before i added a 3 inch block and after

 

4" blocks rear , aerostars and 1/2" block at front, 6.70 15" tyre

 

Looks great, I have to get some work done on my frame before I go much lower. I have a really bad notch cut out of the frame, once I get an actual correct notch I can push it more. My floors have already been made to clear the shaft so I'm ok there. Thanks for the pics.

 

Does anyone know roughly what pinion angle shim I need?! 2,4 or 6 degrees? I'm at a 5" drop in the rear.

 

I am waiting for warmer weather to mount new 9" disc rear end in final position. 4in blocks and serious spring work to get her down low. Moving shock mounts as well. Front is done 4in Jamco suspension (That was fun "not")
I am never going to get done if I keep changing things on the fly like this.

 

Before and after of a horrible c-notch, and a beautiful c-notch. I'll try to get some more pictures up soon.