Lowering my 55 Fairlane but I'm confused

[Dorf55]

I have a 1955 Ford Fairlane and I'm looking at lowering about 2" in the front.
I will be using blocks in the back, for the front I'm thinking about placing a 1" square tubing as a spacer on the spring pocket and extending the spring pocket.
This is when I become confused, I have seen a few articles on this and they all give different final lowering numbers, I have seen 1 1/2" up to 2 3/4" drop.
I would think if I used a 1" spacer I would get a 1" drop and so on, please let me know what I'm missing I would only like to do this one time and get it right the first time.
Not sure if it makes a difference but I'm running Aerostar springs.

Dorf55

[miker98038]

Since the spring is (more or less) in the center of the A frame, between the tire contact patch and the pivot point (bushing) a 1” drop at the spring gets larger (lower) in place. Easier to see if you draw a little picture.

The Aerostar’s are great springs, I really like the progressive winding, but they lower the car. 2” drop spindles (which IS a 2” drop) and Aerostar’s are often reported to be too low. So if the springs aren’t in or haven’t settled yet, you might think about that. Depends on your preference and driving conditions.

[evintho]

Aerostar springs alone lowered my car 2-1/2". If you added 2" dropped spindles, the car would be sitting on the rocker panels! Are you sure that car isn't low enough now with your Aerostars?

[miker98038]

I brought up the drop spindles, not the OP. But your point is well taken if the Aerostar’s are not installed. More drop might be too much.

[fordor41]

lowering the rear will start to change your drive shaft angle at the trans and pinion.

[Dorf55]

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Thank you for the feed back on the lowering of my 55, as I said I do have Aerostar springs but I'm looking for a little more aggressive stance.

Dorf55

[KULTULZ]

You are wanting to slam the car?

[Dorf55]

Slam is a strong word I just want to lower the car another 1 1/2" all the way around.


Dorf55

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Dorf55

Slam is a strong word I just want to lower the car another 1 1/2" all the way around.

Dorf55

It is a commonly used descriptive phrase. Just trying to figure out what it is you are trying to do.

Didn't mean to rain on your parade. I hope you find your answer.

[Dorf55]

This is the stance i'm working with.

[miker98038]

Pretty car, I like the color combo.

The diameter of the springs is real close to some of the Mustangs. The sites catering to them show spacers to go under the springs for fine tuning ride height with lowered springs. If you need a little tweaking when your done, it’s a cheap fix.

[Abe Lugo]

Originally Posted by miker98038

Pretty car, I like the color combo.

The diameter of the springs is real close to some of the Mustangs. The sites catering to them show spacers to go under the springs for fine tuning ride height with lowered springs. If you need a little tweaking when your done, it’s a cheap fix.

Wouldn't the insulators-spacers raise the car?

I thought people put them in when the Aerostar springs lower too much, they put n the 1" insulators.

[miker98038]

Abe, that’s exactly what they do. But his original post is about the amount of a 1” drop at the spring pocket. And how much would the actual drop be. When I looked at the spacers there were a couple different sizes, but it turned out I didn’t need them and I haven’t looked lately. Easier to raise a bit with those spacers than rebuild the spring pocket.

Lowering is simple to do, but there’s other things to look at depending on the vehicle and amount. Bump stops come to mind, and turning radius into an uphill driveway. All things you live with on a lowered car.

Dorf55, at least up here in the PNW, “slammed”, “dago’d” and “in the weeds” are descriptive terms, not derogatory.

As I said, pretty car. Get it where you want it and enjoy the ride.

[mercman from oz]

1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan wearing 56/57 Lincoln Premiere Hubcaps - Dorf55

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by miker98038

Dorf55, at least up here in the PNW, “slammed”, “dago’d” and “in the weeds” are descriptive terms, not derogatory.

THANX! for defending my honor Mike. Few would be willing to do it ...

[56sedandelivery]

My 2 cents. leave it as it is.

[Dorf55]

THANKS for all the input, I'll let you know how it turns out.
Kultulz just wanted you to know I took no offence to your "slam" statement just wanted to let you know I didn't want to "lay frame" just trying to adjust the attitude a little.

DORF55

[KULTULZ]

Originally Posted by Dorf55

This is the stance i'm working with.

Is this your car and current stance? You want it lower in the front?

[Dorf55]

yes its my car I'm going for approximately 1 or 1 1/2" drop all the way around.
I know how to handle the back, was just trying to find info for lowering the front.

[KULTULZ]

The only way(s) I know to do it are -

1) - AIR SUSPENSION

2) - COIL OVER SHOCKS (ADJUSTABLE)

3) - CUTTING SMALL SECTIONS OUT OF THE SPRING AND REINSTALLING TO GET TO WANTED TRIM HEIGHT. If you cut too far, you would use the spring isolators (previously mentioned) to regain needed height. Just make sure the control arm bushings are good or you might be chasing your tail.

ADDED -

4) - USING DROP SPINDLES - If Too Low w AEROSTAR SPRINGS, you would use isolators/spacers (under springs) to bring it to desired trim height.