I've bought spring seats from this place, they are correct for the 1 3/4 wide spring and are made for different axle tube diameters, they also sell u-bolts. https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_Leaf_Spring_Suspension-sf-Spring_Seats.aspx .
There’s no u bolts. He brought leafs that probably are for the ford rear end cause they don’t fit the factory hangers.
I mis read your post. But the “extra set of springs” are overload springs, you don’t want or need them for a cruiser/hot rod. They are made to keep the frame off the axle with a heavy load. Now, if you scores a bed full of Hemis, rethink it
The truck originally had a torque tube around the drive shaft, with picoting spring perches. This used square u-bolts. The whole assembly pivoted on the tail of the transmission, like a big swingarm. Towards the ending years of the "Advanced Design" trucks, which were 1947-1954, and the first half of 1955, the torque tube disappeared. First on the automatic equipped trucks, and later on all of them. The diagram you posted is for those later years. It is the function that you will be working to duplicate with the Ford 9-inch axle that you have now.
I would pay particular attention to the back of the cab before purchasing. Its pretty normal for cab corners to rot and there is often issues with the front cab as it transitions to the floor. Then there is the floor itself.......which often looks acceptable until you sandblast it. Then all the holes show up. I'd buy with the idea that you may need to replace/repair those items. The back of the cab however can be a deal killer. Take a magnet and check for existing fiberglass repairs and look inside very closely.
Ah, now i see why it’s shown with the different rear suspension parts, I think I read that this assembly manual is originally for the 54 model year but because 47-55 1st series are all basically the same that’s what they printed for us all. I wish they’d of made an addendum to that part of the book. I will indeed be trying to replicate this setup with the ford rear. So far I’ve found sources for just about everything needed except the axle plate that the U bolts feed through which if I’m not mistaken, also a bracket attatches to for the lower end of the shocks. Do you know who might sell these axle/u bolt plates? Thanks for that link. thanks for the advice. Will definitely check those areas although I already bought her.
Here’s the response I received from chp this morning through email regarding the vin verification. Being that they’re asking for title history & I have non but a bill of sale I’m wondering if I should just go through another place to vin verify?
Looks like I’ll be at the mercy of the chp. I popped the glove box open. All I found was an old rats nest, looked under the seat but didn’t see anything as far as an old registration. Ps anyone know how to move the seat forward? I’m trying to access the seat tracks to get it out to clean & check around under it.
Not sure if you have or haven’t, but start with the DMV, explain you have a BoS and serial number plate on the truck. Have them tell you what to do. I don’t want to tell you what I did is the same exact situation, because it’s been 25 years or so and things probably have changed. But let the DMV get you going. If you don’t want to go in person, call when you have an hour or so to wait for a call back. Use the 800 number.
All-together: https://www.americanclassic.com/1934-54-Rear-Axle-Conversion-Kit/productinfo/93-311/ -or- https://westernchassis.com/1947-54-..._nKl_S0ng2zMGnZee9aLabfkwYY1zI_Vll8f5cP2FFtrA -or- https://www.classicparts.com/1934-54-Rear-Axle-Conversion-Kit/productinfo/93-311/ These may all be the same kit. They have provisions for modern shock absorbers, so that helps too.
If you have the truck there, they will inspect the number. It might be worth it to rent a U-Haul and a trailer.
Exactly what I’ll need for the rear, much appreciated. I was stressing trying to locate the pieces individually. I just left the dmv I was able to get a partial registration started on her. I just need to have the vin verified via the chp. I just responded to their email they sent me last week to set up an appointment. We’ll see how that goes.
Dang I got scheduled an appointment with chp next Tuesday but I need to bring it in. Anyone know if they do house calls for vin verification?
Anyone familiar with how to move the seat around to unbolt it from the floor? There is a lever on the driver side facing as you open the door but it don’t seem to do anything.
Google is a wonderful thing: http://devestechnet.com/Home/SeatFrameRR The 47-54 Chevy trucks are referred to as Advance Design or AD, which will help you search online. Simple things like removing the seat are well documented online, so Google is a good resource for help on stuff like that.
Couldn’t find anything though I was mostly checking YouTube. Thanks. that site is a gold mine! Thanks again for posting it.
No private verifier can do this, as you do not have any supporting documents. Only CHP can do it, or a friendly neighborhood law enforcement officer.
I got a partial registration on it from dmv on Tuesday. The paper work sais it can be verified by dmv, chp or a licensed verifier so I’m hoping that will work? I found a licensed verifier & lined up a tow to them on Monday morning.
The rules must have been changed again. I gave up being a private verifier years ago because I could no longer perform the work with no supporting documents. Good luck.
I got around to pulling the seat frames & cleaning/hosing/sanitizing the heck out of the cab interior. Major rats nest in the glove box & under the seat. Also Ripped off all the remaining upholstery. the garbage bag & bucket are all mostly rats nest
I like the AD trucks. They are simple and easy to work on. The factory assembly manual will be your best friend. I finished up a 54 earlier this year that had been started at another shop about ten years ago. Mostly a restoration with the exception of 12v upgrade, electric wipers and a/c. Fun project.
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