47-54 Rear Springs

[8ball]

I have a 78 camaro 10 bolt posi rear that I plan to swap into my 48 3100 to go with my 350/700R4, mustang II setup. My question regards using the stock leafs vs. one of the after market leaf spring setups. Has anyone used the stock springs and modified them so their truck sits low enough(ex. modify the shackles, remove leafs, lowering blocks, etc)? If you went the after market route, which kit did you buy and how happy with it were you?

Thanks,
-Rich

[pgf545]

We got a set of springs from TCI. It came as a kit and included the hew hangers and u-bolts. They are supposed to be lowering springs but I can't tell because I didn't have anything to compare to. If you use the original springs you will have to fab a brack to shift the rear end because the pin in the spring will set the rear end too far forward. We had originally used a 10 bolt and welded some 1/4 flat bar to the mounting pad to move it. The truck then sat for about 10 years and when we got back on it several companies started making aftermarket stuff like these springs. We are hoping for a better ride and a lower stance. It is my dad's truck and I am helping him get it going....he doesn't want a frame dragger but a decent lowered stance. Here is the only good picture I have on the computer and if you need anything else let me know and I can take more specific ones.

Bernie

[8ball]

Thanks Bernie. It looks like you guys are doing a great job with the project.

Rich

[CAL 58 GMC]

I know mines a 58, but I did keep the stock springs in the stock location. I removed 3 leafs, flopped the differential and used 2 inch lowering blocks.

[pgf545]

Originally Posted by 8ball

Thanks Bernie. It looks like you guys are doing a great job with the project.

Rich

Thanks Rich, It still looks uncompleted, but once I get all the little stuff done it should come together quickly. Let me know if you need anything else.

Bernie

[Daniel U]

Not sure if you still need another example, but I noticed you're running the same power train I am. This leaf set up is from a mid 60's to early 70's Nova.

[8ball]

Thanks again guys. The tips and photos were "very" helpful. I'm leaning towards the TCI setup now.

-Rich

[mylow53]

back in 84 we didn't have to many choices to lower the back of my 53 so we loaded up the bed with wood and heated the leaf springs once in the frount and 2 times in the back. it looked like a funny w. it worked great for 20 years!.

[52streetrod]

Originally Posted by CAL 58 GMC

I know mines a 58, but I did keep the stock springs in the stock location. I removed 3 leafs, flopped the differential and used 2 inch lowering blocks.

did you outboard your spring hanger/shackles (so they do not mount on the bottom of the fram) ...looks like the way you have them would help lower.

[imarodder]

my truck has the nova leaf springs,as well as the mid 80's f-body disc brake posi..My father in law bought a 51 that had stock leaf springs,with a lincoln versailles disc brake rear end,with lowering blocks,and he wanted it lower in the rear,but I thought it looked cool with the hot rod rake...The guy that did my chassis work had to repair my frame where the old front mounts ran down the outside of the frame,and said it was fairly common,so you may want to check it out...

[JIMBO59]

Mylow53, Thats Some Nice "old School" Work On The Rear Springs.

[solidaxel]

Here is what I did to my 55 1st series with a Camaro rear end.
I removed 3 leafs and moved the center bolt on the spring pack to the rear 3/4" . This was accomplished by drilling a new centering hole in the main leaf and stacking the rest on top of the main leaf, it rides great and sets right. I do recommend a good shock Bilstine on the front and rear for the best results. If it needs to go lower you can add a 1 0r 2" block but with the 3 leafs removed it will be low enough and still be able to cary SOME weight. This will be the least spent and you can spend your savings on Bilstine shocks!!