Flexomatic and non-Flex same length???

[F100builder]

Does anyone know for sure if the Flexomatic springs and non-Flex are the same lengths? I was thinking of dropping the rear of my '69 with the DJM lowering shackles and wondered if they could just simply replace my Flexomatic hanger assembly using my current Flexomatic leaves. Thanks!

[FORDification]

No, they're NOT the same length. The Flex-o-matic springs are longer than the standard springs. Lowering shackles will not work with the Flex-o-matic setup...you'll have to find some standard springs to use those.

[F100builder]

Thanks Keith. I was reading another post and got the impression that the short bed leaf is 28" in either the Flex or non-Flex configuration but the long beds are 32" in the Flexomatic setup? So, I understood it to be OK with any short bed leaf.


Here it is: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... hp?t=31272

[FORDification]

There is no difference in spring length between long-bed and shortbed trucks. They're exactly the same on both, and the Flex-o-matic was available on the LWB trucks. I've got LWB springs on all three of my SWB trucks....one of them a Flex-o-matic setup.

[BobbyFord]

There is no difference in spring length between long-bed and shortbed trucks. They're exactly the same on both, and the Flex-o-matic was available on the LWB trucks. I've got LWB springs on all three of my SWB trucks....one of them a Flex-o-matic setup.

Are you saying that Flex-o-matic ONLY came on LWB trucks?

[OLE69F100]

Would the spring from a 76 work on a 67-72 and then use the hangers?

[F100builder]

I think the dent springs are longer by quite a bit and wider too.

[benm78]

Check the spring lengths in the NPD catalog. The dimension you are quoting is only from the midpoint of the spring to the tail of the spring. The 28" vs. 32" dimension came from their schematic.

I am in the same situation as you, with the flexo rear setup and a desire to lower the rear end. I have been looking for a set of 1967 springs from a parts truck for a while. Flex-o-matic rear suspension came about in 1968 so ANYTHING from 1967 will work. The NPD catalog is misleading in the fact that it appears to indicate that all SWB trucks did NOT have the Flex-o-Matic, however, if you read the responses I got you will find many members spoke up and stated that they have SWB trucks WITH the Flex-o-Matic setup.

I think that the NPD catalog is wrong, or I misread it even after much scrutiny.

Either way, you are looking for donor springs from a 1967 and so am I. At $300 a piece from NPD for new ones, I have even considerred having the rears de-arched at a spring shop.

Yes, also from the NPD catalog dimensions, the dents springs are wider.

[dotcentral]

I don't know if short beds could have been optioned with the flexomatic springs. My guess is they could have. This is why I think that. My 71 had bad springs, and I just happened to have 2 sets of flexomatic springs. They fit in easy, and the design of the bed floor accomodated it.

Not a month later I broke a spring on my 66 long bed. There wasn't a flexomatic option that year, to my knowledge. I had to modify the underside of my bed to get the flexomatic shackle to fit. It has been a year, but I think I had to cut a sheetmetal flange and hammer it flat with a 3lb sledge to get enought room for the longer flexomatic springs.

[FordHam]

I think EatonDetroit springs has the correct leafs for these trucks. They can even customize them- dearched etc. I bought a set for around 350 total- painted and delivered.

[OLE69F100]

If I am reading right the only difference is the spring length. They all mount the same other than the addition of the part that makes the flex-o-matic? Do we have detailed pics of the difference anywhere? My 70 lwb and my 69 swb have flex-o-matic.

[F100builder]

I think EatonDetroit springs has the correct leafs for these trucks. They can even customize them- dearched etc. I bought a set for around 350 total- painted and delivered.

Link or more info please! Photos of installed springs?

[FordHam]

The website is www.eatonsprings.com. They have an excellent answer regarding flex-o-matic (or Ez ride) shackles under their tech articles. A must read is their info on painting, powdercoating or even chroming leaf springs.www.eatonsprings.com. No pics of spri ... r project!

[F100builder]

Sounds good. Thanks!