Thread: Reversing the rear spring mounts on a 52 F1

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I wanted to lower the rear end of my 52 Ford F1 pick-up. I've got 8" of travel between the axle and the frame bumper. I was thinking of reversing (flipping) the leaf spring mounts (putting the springs eyes above the mounts) to lower it about 3-4 inches. Has anyone ever done this?

Originally posted by lakota
I wanted to lower the rear end of my 52 Ford F1 pick-up. I've got 8" of travel between the axle and the frame bumper. I was thinking of reversing (flipping) the leaf spring mounts (putting the springs eyes above the mounts) to lower it about 3-4 inches. Has anyone ever done this?

You will most likey have to notch the frame, I have a 50 F1 and that is what I thought would be needed. I removed everother leaf and lowered in some to a good stance and ride. put teflon liner between each leaf.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/ke6bnl/50F1.jpg

I happen to like the rear up a little it came out exactly as my boy and I planned to sit. and rides like a sports car with the mustang II and the rack and pinnion steering and wide 17" tires low profile tires. Ed ke6bnl

Thanks for the info Ed. Nice looking F1, hope mine looks as good as yours. I noticed your Econoline. I had a '62 Ma Bell Van (Bell Telephone truck). First thing I did was to rip out the six-banger and put in a 302/auto/9" 370 gears. Second thing was to chop it 5", but left the windshield full size...Dash was just above my shins. It didn't last long...Got tired of banging my head at every bump. Sold it to a short guy.
Anyways...I was hoping to lower the rear of my F1 without notching the frame. I figured with 8" of travel between the axle and the rubber bumper (10" from axle to frame), I could lose 3-4" and still be safe with the 9 leaf suspension I have. I'm still going to have to use a wedge at the spring/perch to get the universal to point at the transmission instead of the back window of the cab.