Hi, I'm a newbie to this board, and I'd like some advise. I have recently purchased a stock 1950 Dodge Wayfarer. It looks to be in solid original condition. I indeed to keep the straight 6, 6v system for the moment. I want to lower the car, but still be able to use it without tyres scrapping, or speed bumps hitting the sump. Would you recommend shorter springs and lowering blocks for a lower but usable look, or should I look to airbag it? Would the airbags would on 6V and if so, what would the ride quality be like? Cheers
I would do springs and blocks. get it sitting like ya want and it will look good. To me it just seems like there is too much stuff to break with airbags lines leaking, compressor going out ect... plus when they lay flat on the ground they look like a broke ass minitruck
sub frame the front end with a GM front suspension the last one I did I used a nova unit. remove your front sheet metal set your front ride height and weld in the sub frame, pay attention to the scrub line. Installing a sub frame solves a bunch of problems like engine install, brakes steering handling etc. The old Dodge suspension leaves a lot to be desired and upgrade parts are expensive. On the rear install new spring bushings and use blocks and new u-bolts to lower the rear end, a ford maverick/mustang rear end is almost a bolt in on these early dodges
My 50 Desoto has 1 1/2 coils cut out of the front and nothing in the rear. I had 2" blocks but the rear tires rubbed. I refreshed my front end with new shocks, tie rod ends, etc and it handles just fine. These aren't high performance cars.
My 52 Dodge coronet has 3" blocks in the back and 1 coil cut out of the front springs. Front dropped just a little under 2 inches. No rubbing and I still have the 7.10-15 bias ply tires on it
De-arch & rebush the rear springs, 2 coils up front, & some gas shocks ... '50 DeSoto coupe - nice work !!!
I've heard, that some folks use ford aerostar coils in the front of these late 40's MoPars. The progressive coil improves handling and gives a bit lower stance. Plan to do it for mine in near future... In case you decide to cut the coils, do it conservative; not more than 1 round at first. In case you cut too much the car will be un-driveable and there's no un-do but buy new coils...
Rebuilt the rear springs on my 50 Plymouth and put 2 inch blocks in. Pulled out the front springs and cut about 3/4 of a coil off. Put them back in with relocated front shocks and a Jeep Cherokee sway bar. I like the height and the look. Front rides a bit rough now but it's a lot better than it used to be so I'm going to try the Aerostar coils.
I had a local welder z the lower control arms of my 50 desoto by 2" then cut out a 1/2 coil. This lowered 3.5" in the front, 1"lowering blocks in the rear. I still need to relocate the shock mount in the front,
Whoops...... double clicked. Anyway a friend of mine has a '52 Plymouth wagon. He took the spring plates off the lower control arms and moved 'em from the top and put 'em on the bottom. Got quite a drop out of it. I think he took a coil out too.
My brother's 50' Chrysler. 1.5" coil up front and 3" blocks. I raised the drive shaft tunnel since we plan to go lower in the future. It's got a 350/350 combo with ford 9" out back. I fabricated motor and trans mount to work with the factory frame and suspension. I do however like lanb77 idea of z'ing the control arms.
There is a thread where Mopar guys were happy when using the Ford Aerostar coils http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moog-CC850-...her_Vehicle_Parts&hash=item48792fe158&vxp=mtr So why bother using 60+ year old springs and hacking on them when these are so inexpensive? For the rear one of our Alliance vendors has the ticket: http://www.butchscoolstuff.com/front-rear-lowering-kits-2/
ford v-8 aerostar springs with one coil cut for the front, makes it ride nice and smooth w/o the wallowing. and the rear just use 3" blocks.
Yeah, that's who I got my rear blocks from. Your car most likely has the 1-3/4" wide leaves (mine does)
I have a set of dropped spindle supports, king pin kit and shock absorbers that I don't need. If you are interested PM me.
Hate to say it, but I'm still confused with regard to the Aerostar Spring scenario. I have a 1950 Plymouth Coupe that I want to lower. The rear is a piece of cake. If I use the Aerostar springs in the front, will they, in stock form, provide any lowering at all, or will they need to be cut to an amount that will suit my lowered preference?
You should get about a 2 1/2" drop maybe another 1/2" after they settle, these are a progressive rate spring it is a bad idea to cut them as some guys found out so don't do it.
I'm going to put in a set of 2" drop Eaton Springs, with the hope of at least getting rid out the open area above the front tires. I have the springs now, but need to get them mounted. I just hope that once mounted and used for a few miles I don't end up having to take things apart and pull them again to cut a little of the spring to get the nice ride height that I'm wanting. Being springs that are a progressive rate in nature, I don't want to ruin new springs. I don't think that 1/4 - 1/2 coil being removed will hurt too much, but more than that will be pushing it. This is how it looks at the present time, without the Eatons.