The Ford Barn

Pamlico · 08-17-2017, 07:02 PM

I would like to drop the back end of my 58 Ranchero a little just for looks. I don't want to spend a lot of money doing it either. I also don't want to stray too far from stock. I am not buying lowering springs. While I was laying up under it pondering, I noticed where the front of the leaf spring attaches, there are 2 (one on each side) corresponding holes drilled about an inch above the stock through-bolts. I wonder if I were to relocate the attaching point there, would I realize any drop? The holes are still in the "pocket" of the spring hanger and I may only need to run a drill bit through them to correctly "size" them. Has any one tried this? It may not give me a full inch drop and I can always put them back where they were. After this post I envision hundreds of 57-59 owners running out to their Fords to look up under them to see what I'm writing about. Thanks for any and all input!

40 Deluxe · 08-19-2017, 11:13 PM

How about a pair of lowering blocks? That's the way it was done back in the day.

Ford blue blood · 08-23-2017, 08:25 AM

Don't think so. Know what you are looking at, forget what they were meant for. Plus moving the front mounting point up 1" would give slightly less then 1/2" drop at the axle.

TJ · 08-23-2017, 09:46 AM

Depending on the amount of drop you want, you can buy a set of lowering blocks which come with the proper length U bolts. You can also go to your local steel supply and purchase some heavy wall rectangular tubing and make your own blocks. You will also have to buy or find some longer U bolts. Using blocks will be your cheapest and easiest method to lower the rear.

fordrodsteven · 08-23-2017, 05:31 PM

I looked at the holes on my 55 and 56 thunderbird frames. The bolt passes through a sleeve inside the frame. If you go to any different holes there won't be a sleeve in there to help support the suspension system.

Pamlico · 08-25-2017, 07:15 PM

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Thanks to you all for some helpful insight!

08-17-2017, 07:02 PM	#1
Pamlico Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern North Carolina Posts: 56	Lowering my 58 rear on the cheap I would like to drop the back end of my 58 Ranchero a little just for looks. I don't want to spend a lot of money doing it either. I also don't want to stray too far from stock. I am not buying lowering springs. While I was laying up under it pondering, I noticed where the front of the leaf spring attaches, there are 2 (one on each side) corresponding holes drilled about an inch above the stock through-bolts. I wonder if I were to relocate the attaching point there, would I realize any drop? The holes are still in the "pocket" of the spring hanger and I may only need to run a drill bit through them to correctly "size" them. Has any one tried this? It may not give me a full inch drop and I can always put them back where they were. After this post I envision hundreds of 57-59 owners running out to their Fords to look up under them to see what I'm writing about. Thanks for any and all input!

08-19-2017, 11:13 PM	#2
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,779	Re: Lowering my 58 rear on the cheap How about a pair of lowering blocks? That's the way it was done back in the day.

08-23-2017, 08:25 AM	#3
Ford blue blood Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 814	Re: Lowering my 58 rear on the cheap Don't think so. Know what you are looking at, forget what they were meant for. Plus moving the front mounting point up 1" would give slightly less then 1/2" drop at the axle. __________________ Bill, certified Ford nut. 2016 F-150 2016 Focus 08 Shelby GT500 57 Ford Ranchero 36 Chevy, 351C/FMX, 8", Mustang II

08-23-2017, 09:46 AM	#4
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: Lowering my 58 rear on the cheap Depending on the amount of drop you want, you can buy a set of lowering blocks which come with the proper length U bolts. You can also go to your local steel supply and purchase some heavy wall rectangular tubing and make your own blocks. You will also have to buy or find some longer U bolts. Using blocks will be your cheapest and easiest method to lower the rear.

08-23-2017, 05:31 PM	#5
fordrodsteven Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 66	Re: Lowering my 58 rear on the cheap I looked at the holes on my 55 and 56 thunderbird frames. The bolt passes through a sleeve inside the frame. If you go to any different holes there won't be a sleeve in there to help support the suspension system.

08-25-2017, 07:15 PM	#6
Pamlico Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern North Carolina Posts: 56	Re: Lowering my 58 rear on the cheap Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Thanks to you all for some helpful insight!