Lowering 521

[Jef-fro]

Just put 3” lowering blocks on the back of my 521 at removed the overload leaf I’m thinking about adjusting the torsion bars to get a inch or two out of the front any input would be appreciated 

[Jef-fro]

Its crazy the stack of leaf springs under this little truck I’ll have to count later but I think it was 6 with a half inch thick overload 

[datzenmike]

Don't forget that the spring stiffness prevents you from bottoming out. I would keep the thicker overload. The others will flex but the overload leaf will stop you when you flex that llow.

[wayno]

If you can find a set of 4wd Datsun/Nissan 720 leafs, they will give you at least 1.5" drop from stock which with the drop blocks will give you a 4.5" drop in the rear, removing leafs is not a great idea, but the 521 has 5 leafs and an overload, the 720 4wd leafs are firmer but rides like a car when nothing is in the box.

The front is another issue, there is not easy way to drop the front that far, you will be resting on the bump stops, you can shave them off/remove them, or maybe cut 2/3rds of them off(top and bottom bump stops), but the ride will suck and if they were removed when metal hit metal you are going to know it as it will be harsh.

[Jef-fro]

The 720 leafs would be nice because it rides like a pulpwood truck right now 😄

[datzenmike]

The truck is designed to carry a load of about 1,100 pounds. If you are just using for transportation you can lose some of that load carrying capability, just don't over do it. It's what stops you bottoming out, along with the shocks.

 

The fronts are a problem.... when the bump stop is flattened or trimmed you basically have no suspension travel left to absorb bumps. There has to be travel for the shock absorber to do any work. What you are riding on is the the air in the tires. You are bouncing down the road on a volleyball. Your tires are now your suspension.

 

I totally get lowering, I do, but other people do it for a different reason than me. Besides lowering the center of gravity, combined with firmer shocks and springs it most of all improves the handling. It corners better and faster and there is less weight transfer forward when braking so the rears don't lock up as easily and keep working. Looks wasn't even considered. Form (looks) follows function. If you have a race car.... it will look like a race car.  Never allow looks (form) to dictate function, (see 2nd paragraph) or you will have an uncomfortable ride, annoying broken exhaust system, uneven tire wear and constantly on the lookout for raised manhole lids.

[Jef-fro]

I don’t won’t to go super low mainly just won’t to level out 

[Jef-fro]

I might just leave the front at stock ride height.I think 3 “ drop in the back should level it out 

[datzenmike]

I've always liked the front just a shade lower than the back. Just noticeable. I think it's called 'rake'. Looks like it's fast even when sitting still.

[Jef-fro]

I think the ride quality will improve when I install new bushings the upper knuckle bushings were almost nonexistent one of the bolts was almost cut in half where it had started turning inside the control arm