So I just recently purchased a "parts" truck for my girls 51, & after looking over the parts truck, it is to solid to cut up.lol. Its sitting on stock chassis, with a 350/350 combo already in it with a 10bolt out back so I decided to keep it for myself. Soooo im looking at my options on lowering it a bit. I know it has been beaten to death that the best way is go drop axle from sid, but right now it is not in my budget. So I was looking to see different ways people have lowered their rides with the stock axle up front. I do realize that it,will not "be in the weeds" but any thing,is better than the stock 4x4 look. I also do understand that lowering the front with the stock axle gets me closer to the frame and I am willing to box and notch the front frame a bit for clearance. I plan on running 205/75/15 up front. So what im asking for is if possible a pic(preferable side shot), and specs of drop( removed "x" number of leafs ect), tire size, u know all that mumbo jumbo... So, lets see what ya got!!!
About as low as you can go with a stock axle. Three leaves removed, 195-60-14 tires on 14x7 rims on the front. The front bumper sits a little less than six inches off the ground. Straight on the nose with 20514 tires making it a bit higher and the sunburned owner at Bonneville in 1998. It had a 68 Camaro Subframe under it in this photo. The girl in the red shirt is now 32 years old so it has been a while. We could lay a Bud can flat under the bumper and smash it by stepping on the bumper.
I put this axle under my 54 for a little while. decided to bag it after that but it fit just fine. http://www.classicperform.com/Store/1947_59_Trucks/4754DA.htm here is how she sat before I cut her up then where I am now
well I am going with a IFS kit but since you got a AD truck come check out the group now http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=132
not saying this is the way to go but it is cheap (mine was free) 49-54 chev passenger car and 53-62 corvette front suspension are the same and fits real nice. dropped the front of my 54 GMC 7 1/2 inches. I'm still not back on the road but I'm certain that it will handle and ride far better than a truck axle and did mention it was cheap?
Here is one I'm doing some work on at present ... This has Jaguar IFS ( I know that's not what you asked for ) Which is a very simple swap under these old pickups . Will add pics later today of it with the new wheels and tyres fitted . .
Sid's 3" dropped axle and 3 leaves removed from stock springs. Just doing the latter will get you a couple of inches for free! Just some time involved. While I had my spring packs apart I cleaned them up with a wire brush, ground a couple of shallow wear grooves flat, painted them, and put poly liner in between the leaves. Actually rides much better than stock.
head over to the ad truck group there are hundreds of pics of these beautiful trucks, some bagged, lots low with independent and some low solid axles. enjoy!
My mods unfortunatly not traditional. Its on a s-10 frame sorry. Bone stock suspension just channeled over frame for a low stance
4t6ford that stance is nice, and waldo53 urs is sick for a solid axle! but like I said I plan on doing this suuuuper low budger without compromising too much ride comfort for look(removing bunch,of leaves and riding on the bumpstops), so if I have to keep it a little tall, its fine with me because I got two more toys to play with thay sit low (my 54 thats bagged and lays frame and my girls 51 5window with a camaro clip). Also I dont plan on keeping it for too long but, if I do decide to keep it those two would be my first choices.
Chris , the effort and investment involved in doing a drop axle and removing some leaves is probably comparable to buying a used Jaguar IFS and fitting it. The Jag Beam/subframe slides under as a complete unit , you need to make 4 mounts/brakets and then you have IFS big disc brakes and power steering all in one easy swap . I would suggest it is worth considering , may even make the pickup appeal more to a potential buyer ? PM me if you want pics of the mounts or a shot of the spare Jaguar IFS sitting on the floor here ( Rather than completely hijack your thread ) .
The front is a camaro subframe that was in the truck when my friend bought it. The subframe is stock width,which is to wide for that ride height,and was also installed 1 1/2" to far forward. I had to change the cab mounts and running board brackets.The front has 2500 lbs bags The rear has 2600 lbs bags on a two link.I will have the truck in the shop this spring,going to make the rear fenders easy to remove for tire changes.I will take some pics then.The truck was on a couple legs of the power tour last year.
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245130 this is a T.F truck and not an A.D but same basic idea, he did an axle flip basically placed the axle on top of the springs instead of under. It might be a bit hokey and/or unsafe but if you want to go cheap and all original. you could get about a six inch drop for next to nothing spent.
I have a Mustang II in mine. Ride is good, and I had most of the parts so it was reasonable to do. I don't know how to post pics here, but it is the truck in my avatar.
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