I'm trying to find out how far I can statically lower, without major fabrication, my 1950 2dr custom, 351w, 5speed by using de-arched leaf springs (rear) and coil springs (front). Jamco offers up to 4" for the rear and 3" for the front. I would like to go the full 4" in the rear and 3" in the front. Any guidance/pictures will be greatly appreciated!
you might want to search and read through some of the threads here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=127
You can go 3 inches in the front no problem Once you go 4 or more, you will have to notch the inner fenders for clearance. On the rear, you can go 3-4 inches without much change. Going more in the rear, and you will have to shorten the bump stops, raise the driveshaft tunnel, and possibly C the frame, etc. Rich
Do a search for threads discussing the aerostar front spring swap. Seems that the jamco drop makes for some pretty uncomfortable driving.
I did my Customline with Aerostar springs, homemade blocks for the rear and new U-bolts. I got about 3" in the front and did 3" blocks in the back. All in all it cost less than 130 dollars and a few hours of work. Aeorstar springs will get you about 2-2.5" but they will settle a little more. 4" in the back may cause you to hit on big bumps if you have passengers riding back there, oh, and have fun changing the tires, they are a bitch even with 3" blocks, though this is on my customline and haven't done a shoebox though I would imagine it's the same animal.
like said above, be careful of 4" in the rear with the springs de-arched because your bound it slam into those bump stops a time or two, doesnt feel that great on the rear of my 54 lincoln, and i only have 3" blocks, a notch will make like way easier.
100% thank you all so much for the guidance! I'll go 3" up front and 4" in the rear for sure. My frame already has a mild (and ugly) notch so that should work out. I need to have some axle work done so I wanted to do all of the rear at once. On a side note, I have the Jamco front disc conv. and frame mount power booster installed. I've had nothing but a great experience with Jamco and their parts. Timing is always everything and I may have just caught them on good days. I'll get some pictures up when everything gets moving!