Air over leaf on a ' 51 Merc

[DaddyO]

I have a ' 51 Merc that' s lowered currently with drop spindles in fornt and 4" blocks out back. I' m interested in the Air over leaf set up because of cost savings over 4 link and frame fab. I heard removing leaves could cause problems with " spring wrap-up" and setting pinion angle. Please advise, thanks!

[darren@ridetech.com]

Yes, you are correct, but its only to a certain extent. It can cause a little more spring wrap, but leafs in general suck about that. Pinion angle also would need to be considered, but usually its not bad enough to have to change it. Bottom line: if you want the best ride quality and have a powerful engine, ditch the leaf and go 4 link. It all comes down to time and money.

[DaddyO]

Brother you said it right ... time and money. Thanks for the confirmation, Darren. Another question on your mention of ride quality. I know I can get lower with a 4 link, but will the presence of the leaf springs somehow make for a lesser ride quality than the 4 link would? I' m running a Ford 351W, but it' s a 4000 pound Merc ... it' s no hot rod!

[darren@ridetech.com]

Yes, they will. Ride quality will be quite a bit better with a 4 Link.