Anybody Do a Chevy Drop Axle Using The Stock Balls?

Of course, I'm talking chevy pickups here. Specifically, the '55-'59, although AD is similar. So, have you installed a drop axle using the stocks balls instead of converting to more modern Ford tapered ball joints?

Did you run into any issues? I'm not afraid of the steering arm bending, but I don't have large drilling/tapering capabilities. Just wondering can it be done? I don't see why not but maybe I'm missing something obvious?\


As always, thanks for the help and thanks for this awesome place!!!

 

Anybody out there?

 

I don't know.

 

Trucks have kingpins. Cars have ball joints.

 

I figured you'd know a lot about balls. But thanks anyway for the moral support!1!!!

 

Not ball joints...the ball studs on the steering arms, drag links, etc...its a ball shaped ball, lol.

 

Hey Ferguson, did you know that trucks also have beds? And cars don't? Daaaang

 

All you have to do is grind off the back side of the ball, then punch it out with a drift. Take a look at CPP's site.

 

The better way to do it is the later model joints.....you can always cut/modify your stock stuff, but i've never heard anything good about doin it that way.
www.droppedaxles.com (sid's) does the modification for a $100, then you buy the ends you need, can be done for around 180 on top of the cost of the axle.

 

I'm trying to save spending the extra $200 so I can buy a Cadillac 390, lol. I know about doing it with the ford tie rod ends. I just figured there's gotta be a way to use the stock ball studs.

 

Raven has an AD with a dropped axle and stock balls. He's been running it as long as I have known him and hasn't had any problems.

Not much help I know but there ya got it.

 

I knew it was probably ok to do that. Just wanted some affirmation! Thanks!!!!

 

Had the stock balls on my 46 but went the ford option when i upgrade to one of sids dropped axels.The ford option seams like a stronger option.Made a cutter and did the machining my self so was just my time plus some new rod end part costs.Didnt have more than a couple of hours into it.If you were closer id do it just help you out.

 

I don't know. however a friend built a '34 chevy pickup, it had the "balls" we took them a part and cleaned them up and put them back together. they worked fine. we had that old truck up to 120 mph! drove nice! if they get loose tighten them up!

 

My truck has a Sids Dropped Axle 4" dropped axle and still has the ball and socket although I replaced them with new balls and flipped them for clearance issues, I also just like the original look but it was fairly straight forward.

 

Thans a ton! That helps out a lot!!!

 

I got this info in a message from Sid. I figured it might help others who may be doing the same thing...