Lowering a second Generation

[Ol Spicey]

I recently watched the episode of "Full Custom Garage" where they did the radical custom job on the Econoline pickup. He lowered the vehicle by turning the leaf springs upside down. Does anyone know if it will work with a second gen? What about clearance of the wheel covers?

[flying brick]

It would be much simpler to do what I did. Just remove, shorten and reinstall the bottom leaf springs. Start with about 6 inches off each side and see how you like it. I stopped when I was down to about 3" travel before hitting the stops. (Great episode though, Ian is a true genius)

[Ol Spicey]

It would be much simpler to do what I did. Just remove, shorten and reinstall the bottom leaf springs. Start with about 6 inches off each side and see how you like it. I stopped when I was down to about 3" travel before hitting the stops. (Great episode though, Ian is a true genius)

Thanks for your reply. I'm not sure I will lower it at all but I am considering it and your info is very helpful.

[RAY68108]

Im curious, Shorten the springs? Details, pics?

[flying brick]

Sorry, I have no pics, but the 2nd gen springs have two leaves. The top one runs the full length and and is attached to the axles in the center and by bushings at each end. The bottom leaf helps support the top leaf. By shortening it, the top leaf has more give because it has less support from it, thus lowering the vehicle.

[VanVille]

I did the same thing. When I got the van the front was about 4" higher than normal. Someone had added an extra leaf. I removed the extra leaf as well as shortened the bottom leaf spring to about 18" long . Now has a nice stance. The ride has been good. and still goes down the road straight as normal. I have a 3" gap between the bump stop and the front axel. Rides very well. Working now on lowering the rear as well.

[flying brick]

All right! 2nd gen window van 90's rock!

[RAY68108]

Gotcha, I missunderstood, Im up to speed now. The ride and handling are ok? no bottoming out?

[YORKSTER68]

Will that method work for a 1st Gen too?

[65dream]

Can get results with getting springs de arched?

[Vanner68]

Will that method work for a 1st Gen too?

1st gen has 4 leafs in the pack, removing the shortest leaf will drop it about 1.5"

[Leroy Jackson]

Be careful when removing leafs to lower these vans.

The best way is to get springs dearched and/or changing shackle length.

Springs need to be tuned for vehicle weight, otherwise poor suspension reaction occurs and will create handling issues.

I ran my front leaves with a cut front spring to lower it and hated the handling. Eventually I added a full leaf back in and thus cured 90% of my poor handling at speed.