1956 Chevy 4" dropped axle with what springs?

[Fults1971]

I bought a 4 inch dropped axle from Sid's. My question is what springs should i use? I've read 4 inch dropped axle with mono leafs will ride on bump stops. Is this true? What springs should i use that will achieve a nice stance with a flipped rear without the springs riding on frame or bump stops.

[1-ton of fun]

a drop axle won't have anything to do with the springs riding on the bump stops. the drop axle raises the spindle in relation to the frame but leaves the axle in the same place with relation to the frame. lowering springs move the entire axle closer to the frame and thus lowering the vehicle that way.

[dsraven]

a dropped axle with less leaves will result in a larger drop and softer ride. if you wanted the truck to be 4" lower then just use the same springs you had before and you will be 4" lower. the ride will likely be the same as far as stiffness over the speed bumps and pot holes go. you will just be lower to the ground. this is all assuming that you will also be lowering the rear the same amount to match so weight distribution should be the same.
if you install a 4" drop axle and the also take leaves out of the spring pack you will be lowering the truck as well as lessening the stiffness of the springs. that means you sit lower AND you change how the truck rides over bumps. you may end up bottoming out on the suspension snubbers because your spring pack is now rated for less weight so the axle will sit closer to the suspension snubbers. you may end up "high centering" over speed bumps or you may drag the bumpers going into driveways or parking lot entrances.
best thing to do is install the new axle with the stock spring pack. lower the rear to match. see if you like it. go from there.

[Fults1971]

Originally Posted by 1-ton of fun

a drop axle won't have anything to do with the springs riding on the bump stops. the drop axle raises the spindle in relation to the frame but leaves the axle in the same place with relation to the frame. lowering springs move the entire axle closer to the frame and thus lowering the vehicle that way.

Thank you for explaining that.. that makes more sense than what I was thinking..

[Fults1971]

Originally Posted by dsraven

a dropped axle with less leaves will result in a larger drop and softer ride. if you wanted the truck to be 4" lower then just use the same springs you had before and you will be 4" lower. the ride will likely be the same as far as stiffness over the speed bumps and pot holes go. you will just be lower to the ground. this is all assuming that you will also be lowering the rear the same amount to match so weight distribution should be the same.
if you install a 4" drop axle and the also take leaves out of the spring pack you will be lowering the truck as well as lessening the stiffness of the springs. that means you sit lower AND you change how the truck rides over bumps. you may end up bottoming out on the suspension snubbers because your spring pack is now rated for less weight so the axle will sit closer to the suspension snubbers. you may end up "high centering" over speed bumps or you may drag the bumpers going into driveways or parking lot entrances.
best thing to do is install the new axle with the stock spring pack. lower the rear to match. see if you like it. go from there.

I think you are right.. the best idea would be to put back the stock springs and see how it looks and go from there..

[Dan in Pasadena]

IF you opt for lowering springs I suggest Posie's Super Sliders.

[zenchal26]

make sure your scrub line is good