Updating with a Chassis Engineering Rear Suspension
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This was one of those times I tried something different to save some money but just cost myself both time and money. Earlier I had used some salvage yard leafsprings and mounted them to my frame. I was never really satisfied with it and knew it was going to sit to high for my taste. So I chalked it up to a learning experience and went back to my original plan and ordered a Chassis Engineering rear leaf spring kit. A friend has this kit under his '37 Ford pickup so I knew it would sit how I wanted, or at least real close.
Once the old suspension was removed I ground and drilled out a few rivets at the rear of my frame. The new rear spring Shackle brackets were then clamped to the frame, fit was pretty good. The mounting holes are then drilled out in the frame and the brackets are bolted in place. These pieces are different for the truck frame so if that is what you are building be sure to order the correct kit.
The front spring bracket takes a little more work to install. These two rivets (above) on the bottom of the frame rail need to be removed before you can fit the bracket. I ground the heads off on the bottom side and test fit before I drilled them out. Plenty of measurements are taken to make sure both sides are in the correct position. The directions give a point to measure from but don't use this as the only measurement location, the directions say the same thing. I found that this location was not the same on each side of my frame so I used a few other points to measure from. Once they are fitted and clamped in place I drilled my attaching holes in the frame. The two rivet holes are pretty close to the holes I needed in this location but not exact. For me it has been easier to grind the rivet heads off, clamp part in place then drill the hole. This has helped to keep the drill bits drilling straight and not getting off into the rivet hole. The two smaller holes above the rivets is the location of the side mounting bolts. The inner frame needs to be drilled over size to fit a socket into. This tightens the mounting bolts to the outer frame rail only as there is a gap between the frame rails here.
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There is a separate brace that needs to be drilled and mounted to the bracket and frame. Once I determined the best fit location it is clamped in place, drilled and bolted on.
Once the brackets have all been bolted in place the leaf springs can be bolted in place and went in with no problems. Once the springs were in place I set the rear end on the perches and bolted it in place with the kits lower spring plate and U-bolts. The rear shocks mount to the lower plate and to a supplied bracket that bolts onto the stock crossmember.
Well here was my problem area, I have already removed the stock crossmember and replaced it with a new one. Another rookie mistake. If I planned it out 100 percent I would have moved the crossmember forward a small amount. As it turns out mine is slightly to far rearward so a spacer plate will be needed for the upper shock mount.
Well it could have been worse! Next time I will use the kit and wait on welding the crossmember in place. It sits much better now and looks a whole lot better too.
