Essexeddie
Newbie
Posts: 4
Loc: Essex UK
Reg: 05-20-23
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05-21-23 08:32 AM - Post#2858129
My 56 seems to be riding a bit high and hard.
I’m thinking of removing a leaf from each corner has anyone tried this and if so did it make much difference? Thanks guys.
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TR56210
Poster
Posts: 94
Reg: 10-28-18
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05-21-23 05:54 PM - Post#2858153
In response to Essexeddie
As for ride height, you need to decide if you want to lower front and rear. Lowering only the rear will likely make the front too high. Unless it bothers you enough you could end up rebuilding the front suspension ie drop spindles, new spring shorter shock and dropped lower spring.
I would look at shocks to improve ride, I would double check shocks.
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55MAS
Senior Member
Posts: 1656
Loc: North Coast, USA
Reg: 12-19-01
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05-22-23 05:39 AM - Post#2858163
In response to Essexeddie
My 56 seems to be riding a bit high and hard.
I’m thinking of removing a leaf from each corner has anyone tried this and if so did it make much difference? Thanks guys.
Removing a leaf will soften the ride and lower slightly. Removing the short leaf will have the least effect. Adding a lowering block (spacer) will lower the rear without changing the spring stiffness. Lowing the height is straight forward, stiffness is subjective. Lowing can be highly controlled as it is directly controlled by spacer thickness.
How much do you want to lower it and how much softer (less stiff) will determine what to try.
Perhaps your shocks are too stiff and you might try a softer shock.
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Essexeddie
Newbie
Posts: 4
Loc: Essex UK
Reg: 05-20-23
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05-22-23 02:36 PM - Post#2858189
In response to 55MAS
Thanks for the info
Looks like it’s gonna be trial and error.
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55MAS
Senior Member
Posts: 1656
Loc: North Coast, USA
Reg: 12-19-01
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05-23-23 05:25 AM - Post#2858196
In response to Essexeddie
Thanks for the info
Looks like it’s gonna be trial and error.
Many variables make it hard, original spec parts vs. direct original replacements, or aftermarket. Does the car have the proper number of leaves, possibly a prior owner installed heavier springs (wagon), but if wagon springs it would be beneficial in results and cost. Removing 1 leaf would have a different effect on stiffness. Some aftermarket springs have too much arch, or they may have been re-arched (to increase height). Shocks may be much stiffer than original equipment. Spacer blocks are directly predictable if you get the ride quality but only a height issue remains.
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 Rick_L
Member #409
Posts: 28053
Loc: Katy, Tx, USA
Reg: 07-06-00
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05-23-23 11:05 AM - Post#2858205
In response to Essexeddie
You mention removing a leaf from each corner. Is this a truck rather than a car?
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Essexeddie
Newbie
Posts: 4
Loc: Essex UK
Reg: 05-20-23
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05-25-23 02:52 PM - Post#2858330
In response to Rick_L
Hi
Yes it is a 56 3100 truck. Sorry for the confusion.
I just wondered if anyone had softened the ride by removing a leaf or two. I don’t use the truck for any heavy work.
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Shepherd
Valued Contributor
Posts: 2972
Loc: Lake George, NY
Reg: 11-11-15
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05-25-23 03:54 PM - Post#2858334
In response to Essexeddie
If you have gas shocks rather than hydraulic shocks, they can stiffen the ride.
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Essexeddie
Newbie
Posts: 4
Loc: Essex UK
Reg: 05-20-23
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05-26-23 08:35 AM - Post#2858370
In response to Shepherd
Not sure what shocks they are so will have to check that out.
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