Lowering a 53

[Ianrhall]

Just wondering about the best way to lower a 53 ford
The rear seems straight forward, 1-3" lowering blocks
At the front, I could
Fit lowering kit from butchscoolstuff-gives 2" drop, if that's too much I assume I could have the blocks machined?
Cut stock springs
Fit lowered springs
Fit Aerostar springs
I am only looking for 1-1/2" drop and want to maintain a good suspension(cut down new springs on my falcon and ended up with very hard ride!)

Thanks

Ian

[tubman]

I put a set of Aerostar springs in my '51 and am very happy with all aspects of the change. It brought it down as much as I wanted, and there seems to be no difference in ride. The handling is much better than before, but that may be because I had it aligned after I put the springs in. It was less that $100 including sway bar bushings and spring isolators. I am not a fan of "in the weeds", so it may not be enough of a drop for some.

[JeffB2]

We have had a bunch of guys do the Aerostar spring swap here: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...ial-group.282/ The ride and handling is really improved check out the price: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mog-cc850 This is the matching shock to work with the springs: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gab-82026/overview/

[49 Spinner]

I've been thinking of doing the same on my 49 shoebox, I was thinking of putting Posies super slide dropped springs in the back instead of blocks, seems like a smoother ride, has anybody used them.? From what I have read the Aerostar coils work great.
RB

[Johnnydidd]

My 53 is lowered by using a spacer, remove the rivets that hold the front springs on the bottom, make a spacer the amount you want to lower mine is 1x1 flat bar, drill the holes the same as the bottom plate, use bolts to put back, drives the same as before. That way if you want to put it back, just remove the spacer. John

[flatford8]

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Jamco Suspension sells as complete kit, front and rear. I just ordered for my '51.

[Ianrhall]

Those springs from summit, how much will they lower it, I'm only looking for 2" max
Ian

[tubman]

Check for yourself. I got my springs from Amazon.com (for more than they are from Summit), but they are the same Moog springs.

[Ianrhall]

Looks good, what did you do to the rear?
Ian

[Ianrhall]

Anyone have a summit link for the spring isolators?
Ian

[Alaska Jim]

do you guys think that the aero-star springs would work on a 51 Merc.?

[tubman]

Originally Posted by Ianrhall

Looks good, what did you do to the rear?
Ian

The rear spring shackles had been pulled "up". I put them back to normal. I am considering 2" blocks for the rear. I got my isolators frpm Bob Drake.

[Ianrhall]

What thickness are the axle tubes on a 53 ford, wondering if I need a particular type of u bolt/lowering block kit, think the ones over here(UK) might be too small
Thanks
Ian

[Ianrhall]

Should have mentioned, the car isn't here yet,hopefully on a ship soon!
Ian

[Johnnydidd]

I am removing my lowering blocks and u bolts off my 53 victoria it is lowered 2 inchs in the rear and one inch in the front, make you a deal on the lowering kit. I am raising it back up on account of the ride, I will replace all the shocks and anything that may be worn. It keeps botting out.
John

[TJ]

If you lowered the rear and didn't change the shocks(to shorter shocks) it will most certainly bottom out on the shocks.

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by Ianrhall

What thickness are the axle tubes on a 53 ford, wondering if I need a particular type of u bolt/lowering block kit, think the ones over here(UK) might be too small
Thanks
Ian

Your Ford has a 2 1/2" wide leaf spring the blocks should match many aftermarkets are 3" so measure before you buy.

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by Alaska Jim

do you guys think that the aero-star springs would work on a 51 Merc.?

Yes,it been covered on the HAMB many times.

[JeffB2]

Originally Posted by TJ

If you lowered the rear and didn't change the shocks(to shorter shocks) it will most certainly bottom out on the shocks.

Correct part numbers foe 1952-56 Fords lowered 2"-3" Gabriel (F)82026 (R) 81270 KYB's (F) KG4503 (R) KG5517

[Ianrhall]

Good tip about the shocks, hadn't realised they had to be changed too, are those part no,s from an alternative car too?
Ian