56 Merc check my level

The ground clearance of the differential isn’t the ride height. You’re looking for a measurement from a body point to the ground. Might be under the car, or might be the center of the headlight or taillight. That’s most likely a Dana 44, or variant. (42,43,45? I’ve read many different interpretations). Ford birds, wagons, and police cars used those prior to the 9inch. I’m pretty sure Merc’s did too. Some (all?) Lincoln’s used a heavier series of Dana.
 
Well, I think it looks pretty good the way it sits with nice rake.

Lowering can turn into a headache trying to get it balanced out front to rear.
 
miker98038 said:
The ground clearance of the differential isn’t the ride height. You’re looking for a measurement from a body point to the ground. Might be under the car, or might be the center of the headlight or taillight.
Click to expand...

You got it! Usually, it is frame rail to flat ground surface. To get a proper alignment, the first thing that should be checked is trim height to arrive at correct alignment easily.

When you start jacking suspensions, it can cause all sorts of problems. You have to know how to allow for it.

It is (appears to be) a DANA but why jack the rear and add an aluminum rear cover? The axle also needs to be identified as to originality. OP said he bought a stock cover gasket and it didn't fit.

But it is a pretty thing ... :D
 
The manual I have is a book. The only mention of ride height is for the front, but doesn’t give any points to measure from. I measured from frame rail front and back, there’s about a 2” difference from back to front.

To make things more confusing, I found the measurements of a stock leaf spring, and the depth of the arch ( measurement c in picture diagram) is 7 5/8”. I measured mine, it’s about 4”, which would mean these leaf springs should make the car lower, not higher. So now I’m scratching my head 🤷www.jalopyjournal.net♂️
 

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I think what is going on is a previous owner (for whatever reason) attempted a FORWARD RAKE (also evidenced by the alum rear cover) and got the wrong springs (or he actually wanted the rear that high).

See the CORRECT VEHICLE RAKE (OEM) below if the SALES BROCHURE ILL's show large enough -
 

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I found the leaf spring chart on a site called https://www.stengelbros.net/Mercury-Full-Size-1949-56-Leaf-Springs_c_484.html

I think what I’ll do is order new stock leaf springs from general spring. They’re not nearly as expensive as drop leaf springs, and it’ll get me back to square one and I can see how the car sits. If anything maybe I’ll add a 1” block to lower more. I’m curious to compare a new stock spring with the ones on the car.

Side note, all four shocks on the car were completely shot, they’re all being replaced so that should at least give a noticeably better ride.
Thanks for the help all
 
I’ve been looking at stock photos and the rear wheel well covers the top portion of the wheel in stock cars, mine is 2-3” above the rear wheel. I think I would probably be happy with just a stock height in the rear, I’m hoping the stock springs give me that
 
When you insert an IMG URL attachment on this forum, it becomes a FORD BARN url.

THANX anyways ... ;)
 
I did the Aerostar fronts on my 57 and am still about 1/2" from where I want it to be. But I did buy the rubber isolators that work with spring and have in a bin.
For the rear I just installed 3" blocks.

Not sure that you did your fronts already but make sure to pre measure from the fender center to the floor and to the center of the wheel.

I feel like mine didn't go down exactly on both sides.
 
The Aerostar springs are still on my workbench, I’m doing new leaf springs this weekend and then I’ll put all tires back on and measure like you suggested. I’ve read on the HAMB about some people needing to use different sized spacers on each size to get it level. Thanks for the tip
 
Update, Aerostars are in and new stock leaf springs in rear installed. Previous owner definitely re arched the old leafs for a lift. I still need about a 2” drop in rear now so tomorrow they’re going to a spring shop for a de-arching. I’ll post pics soon when all is complete, thanks again for all the replies and help.
 
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