Will,> You are into customizing, where the factory engineering (which is> production/warranty­/longevity based) goes out the window.> What comes in the window is engineering supplied by you.> You are asking very good questions.> Can't answer your stud question, but does the spring center bolt (that holds> the spring together) sit in a pocket?> Or is there an adapter plate that sets on the diff housing that the spring> sets in?> Unless you changed springs, leave the spring eye in the same hole, otherwise> you'll change the wheelbase.> About lowering the car...> One piece, or two piece driveshaft? If a one piece, you may have tunnel> interference problems, and you might with a 2 piece also. I wouldn't worry> about the pinion angle, and if you do want to shim it, you can buy small> wedge plates at Summit or Jeg's to do this and you can remove them if it> creates a vibration instead of curing one. I'd try it without at first.> Nothing wrong with a bolt on lower shock plate. In fact, it may well be> stronger, as there is a welded boss on the plate vs. just a welded on stud.> Just some opinions...> Sounds like a fun project.> Jeff>

"S2BAKER" wrote...> > Hello everyone. I'm installing an Avanti Dana 44 in my '54 commander> > and I have a few questions. First, I noticed that the spring perches on> > the original Dana 44 had studs permanently welded that centered and> > mounted the leafs. On the Avanti rear there are no studs. Should I weld> > some studs into the holes on the Avanti perches? I also noticed that> > there are an additional set of mounting holes in the frame for the> > front of the leaf springs. They are higher and a bit further towards> > the front of the car. What would mounting the front of the leafs in> > these holes do? I imagine they would lower the car and change the angle> > of the rear end yoke. Any disadvantages to doing this? I am already> > planning to lower the rear of the car and may need a way to ajust the> > rear yoke angle to maintain proper driveshaft geometry ( I am> > installing a T-5 tranny). Lastly, does anyone feel more strongly about> > the '54 lower leaf/shock mount plates wich use bolts for mounting the> > bottom of the shocks versus the Avanti plate which incorporates bent> > tabs for mounting the bottom of the shocks? Thanks in advance for> > everyones input. -Will> >

the original Dana 44 had studs permanently welded that centered and> mounted the leafs. On the Avanti rear there are no studs. Should I