Thread: lowering with beam axle

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My highboy has the standard 4" dropped axle and 7 leaf spring with reversed eyes. I believe the So-Cal frame already uses a Model A-type crossmember. I'd like to lower it a little more in the front but am not sure how to go about that. I had hoped it would drop a little with use but after a year it still looks too high. The only options I can think of would be either a mono-leaf spring, or removing a couple of leaves from the current one. I don't think the mono-leaf would fit with the mid-60's theme, and am afraid removing leaves will lead to problems. Any advice?

A third option would be to get a super low spring, if you don't already have one. They are arched less than a regular spring.

Is your frame notched for spring clearance? If not, maybe you should check into using a 5" dropped axle.

Good luck, Dennis

Smaller diameter front wheels and tires.

The frame is notched, and there is 2 3/4" clearance between the top of the axle and the rubber bumper on the bottom of the SoCal spring bracket (which could be modified for more clearance). Mostly what I was asking is what would the effects be of removing the top 2 or 3 leaves? That would drop it about 3/4" plus whatever reduction of the arch of the remaining leaves that then resulted, but would it be too soft? The ride is pretty stiff now so that might not be such a bad thing. Others must have some experience with this??

As for a "super low spring", any recommendations? What I have was supplied by SoCal in OR, but knowing them it may not have been out of their catalog - they sourced from many different vendors.

Posies makes a good spring. I have a SoCal chassis and currently have a Chassis Engineering spring in front and an Eaton spring in back. Both came from SoCal.

Ride wise, I think the Posies "Super Slider" would be an improvement. But they have stamped circular slider pockets that detract from the traditional look that SoCal is noted for.

Posies makes a super low spring that should help you get down a bit.

The picture shows a Posies spring that I am using on my current project. I have sinced detailed the spring by grinding the ends to match the radius of the cups. You can get a spring from Posies that has been detailed this way and you can also get one that has been chrome plated.

I am a bit leary of the mono springs. They dont look right on a traditional rod and failures have been reported.