To lower a car's leaf spring suspension, a common method when the spring is typically mounted on top of the axle involves changing the position of the spring relative to the axle.
Method for Lowering Leaf Springs
Based on the provided reference, lowering a car with leaf springs often involves repositioning the spring itself. When the leaf spring is normally situated on top of the axle, the process for lowering is described as follows:
- Dismantle the spring from its current position.
- Put the spring underneath the axle. This changes the vertical relationship between the axle and the spring mounts on the chassis, effectively lowering the vehicle.
- Use a block wedged between the axle and the top surface of the leaf spring (which is now beneath the axle) to secure the new position and establish the desired ride height.
Essentially, this method flips the axle-to-spring arrangement from "spring on top" to "spring underneath," using a block as a spacer in the new configuration.
Comparison of Spring Position:
| Before Lowering | After Lowering |
|---|---|
| Spring on top of axle | Spring under axle |
| No block (typically) | Block used between axle and spring |
| Higher ride height | Lower ride height |
Key Steps Summarized
- Safely lift and support the vehicle.
- Remove the necessary components to detach the leaf spring from the axle and the vehicle's frame mounts.
- Reposition the leaf spring so it sits below the axle.
- Install a block between the underside of the axle and the top surface of the leaf spring pack in its new, lowered position.
- Reassemble the suspension components, ensuring all bolts are properly torqued to specification.
This method effectively lowers the vehicle by the height difference created by moving the spring below the axle, adjusted by the size of the block used. It's a significant modification requiring appropriate parts and mechanical expertise.
