Leaf spring talk

[Volksnut]

So...I have a newly acquired '63 D100, it's already been lowered and looks good but the front leaf springs are down to 2 leafs and de arched upward, this can't be right? So my question is how is everyone else lowering there straight axle, springs, flipping the axle on top or sending the axle off to get bent?

[Series1Utiline]

Even the factory correct spring packs don't have a great deal of arch to them.

I sent my axle out for an additional 3" drop. You will notice that the factory main leaf has one spring eye bent upward and the other bent downward. I had new main leafs made and had both eyes bent downward. Since my truck is a D100 and came with a slant-6/3 speed, a 4 leaf spring pack was original. However I changed to a Poly 318 at the same time and then added a 5th leaf. Before adding the 5th leaf, the front suspension was far too soft. The ride height is exactly what I wanted, not too low but noticeably lower than stock.

[PwrWgnDrvr]

My 66 D100 got lowered by installing a 5.9 Cummins 12 valve

[Volksnut]

My 66 D100 got lowered by installing a 5.9 Cummins 12 valve

Thats not fair

[Volksnut]

Even the factory correct spring packs don't have a great deal of arch to them.

I sent my axle out for an additional 3" drop. You will notice that the factory main leaf has one spring eye bent upward and the other bent downward. I had new main leafs made and had both eyes bent downward. Since my truck is a D100 and came with a slant-6/3 speed, a 4 leaf spring pack was original. However I changed to a Poly 318 at the same time and then added a 5th leaf. Before adding the 5th leaf, the front suspension was far too soft. The ride height is exactly what I wanted, not too low but noticeably lower than stock.

Yes I noticed 1 eye up and one down, but of course these are installed one side up and one side down in front shackle...what is the proper way? I've heard front is down rear is up? You can see in the grass the extra leafs

[johnah]

On my 1970 d100 I went with Nostalgia Sid's Drop axle, 3" drop. I was able to pick it up from a member that had it installed on a 1964. He wanted a more modern set up so he went with the Gerst suspension https://gerstsuspensions.com/. First i used my original springs with the drop and that wasn't enough drop so i installed the ones from the 1964 with 4 springs. way to soft but I liked the way it set. Finally ordered a set from Eaton spring https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/ original 5 spring pack with a 1" drop and my ride height and quality are just where i want it. Now if your counting $$ none of this is on the cheap. For the money Gerts looks like a good investment if you want to get down and dirty on handling and stopping these old trucks.

Keep in mind when drop the straight axle you'll have bump steer so the drag link will need to be made level by bending the steering arm. You may already have experienced this with your 2 leaf set up.
Until then swept on ; john

[Volksnut]

I'm going to add another leaf spring to the pack and install a taller tire, it presently has a 235/60-15 (26") in the front with a 275/60-15 (28") in the rear and to me it looks weird, kind of nose diving. So i'm thinking of grabbing a pair of 235/70-15 (28") and install those (same height as rear) so this should help.....The truck doesn't have to be that low, just want the right look.

[Volksnut]

Keep in mind when drop the straight axle you'll have bump steer so the drag link will need to be made level by bending the steering arm. You may already have experienced this with your 2 leaf set up.
Until then swept on ; john

This is with the wheels straight ahead

[my5thmopar]

Keep in mind when drop the straight axle you'll have bump steer so the drag link will need to be made level by bending the steering arm. You may already have experienced this with your 2 leaf set up.
Until then swept on ; john

This is with the wheels straight ahead

You should check the scrub line. It looks dangerous the way it is sitting now.

[Jim100]

Is your pitman arm too long? One from a W truck would be about 1.5 inch shorter. If that is your issue?
Is that thing sitting on its drums? Wow.

[Hobcobble]

Keep in mind when drop the straight axle you'll have bump steer so the drag link will need to be made level by bending the steering arm. You may already have experienced this with your 2 leaf set up.
Until then swept on ; john

This is with the wheels straight ahead

That looks kind of dangerous.

John

[Volksnut]

So is Eaton spring the only manufacturer that builds a 3 " lower spring for our truck?

[Wildergarten]

So is Eaton spring the only manufacturer that builds a 3 " lower spring for our truck?

No, last I checked there are three. https://www.sweptline.org/forums/viewto ... 30#p305730
No guarantees withthe damage done by COVID shutdowns.

[Volksnut]

So here it is with the W pitman arm and weight on axle.