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5/30/2015 9:40 AM  #1


Suspension Travel - leaf springs

Ok,
I'm in the process of getting all my dimensions set for narrowing my 8.8 for the 63 Falcon, and also tring to figure out what the widest tire is I can run now that I moved the leaf spring mounts in and widened the wheel well tubs. My question is how much do you guys think the leaf springs / rear end moves vertically? I plan to run a stock GT mustang rear leaf, may go with a mid eye to lower it some. I would think that in the real world 3"-4" is all it would ever move. I know I could put 3 coolers full in the trunk and two grown men in the back seat, but thats what bump stops are for, i'm just looking for normal everyday suspension travel.

 

5/31/2015 8:06 AM  #2


Re: Suspension Travel - leaf springs

As you mention, there are a lot of factors involved, but I think the 3-4" you indicate is about right for 'normal' travel.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

5/31/2015 11:16 AM  #3


Re: Suspension Travel - leaf springs

The Falcon and Mustang leaf springs are the same length and width but the free arch is different. The free arch on a Falcon leaf spring is more than a Mustang. The Falcon leafs had around 8" of free arch. The arch is different for the different body styles and engine combo's. The Mustang free arch is about 6.5".  A 1" drop spring for a Mustang might lower your Falcon 2" or more.

Last edited by Opentracker (5/31/2015 2:33 PM)

 

5/31/2015 2:58 PM  #4


Re: Suspension Travel - leaf springs

Thanks for the info, my Falcon originaly had 2" wide springs, the Falcon went to 21/2" like the Mustang in 64, I have set everything up for the 21/2" spring and the mustang spring is 3" longer than the Falcon. They are both 22" from the fixed end to the rear end locating pin. I have a set of stock Mustang springs that might be a good place to start.

     Thread Starter
 

5/31/2015 5:46 PM  #5


Re: Suspension Travel - leaf springs

I missed the part about it being a 63. Sounds like you have a good idea of how to get the ride height you want. I spend a lot of time setting ride height. I'll rebuild leaf springs to get the ride height and spring rate I want. It takes a lot of time but you get what you put into it. I have a 64 Sprint and my wife drives a 61 Ranchero. The Falcons are great cars, fun to drive and easy to work on. Good luck !

 

5/31/2015 7:26 PM  #6


Re: Suspension Travel - leaf springs

Opentracker wrote:

I missed the part about it being a 63. Sounds like you have a good idea of how to get the ride height you want. I spend a lot of time setting ride height. I'll rebuild leaf springs to get the ride height and spring rate I want. It takes a lot of time but you get what you put into it. I have a 64 Sprint and my wife drives a 61 Ranchero. The Falcons are great cars, fun to drive and easy to work on. Good luck !

MY BOY!! Opentracker!!!!! I knew I liked you. I had the same thing. 64 Sprint! Came with a 260(and dress up engine package)...4 speed...bench seats(great thing for a teen boy!)
Sure wish I kept it!
 


Get busy Liv'in or get busy Die'n....Host of the 2020 Bash at the Beach/The only Bash that got cancelled  )8
 

6/01/2015 7:02 AM  #7


Re: Suspension Travel - leaf springs

Opentracker, thanks for the encouragement. My 13 year old son want an early Ranchero really bad, hes always looking.
Our 68 Mustang handles very well for what it is and its age, but the ride somewhat suffers for it. I extreamly willing to give up some or a lot of handeling for ride confort on the Falcon, and I am running 17" wheels which doesnt help things. I am going with a 275-40-17 rear tire on a 9.5" wheel, and a 215-50 or a 225-45 on a 7" wheel on the front. I had originally planned to cut the coil springs along with the Shelby drop on the front to get the lowered height that I want, but I have the complete brake kit with spindles from CRSP that I havent installed yet, so I am going to contact Dennis and see if I can pay the difference and swap out the spindles for the ones MustangSteve talked about that have the 1 1/2" drop built in, it would be nice to be able to run a stock spring,
 

     Thread Starter
 

Board footera


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