I caught so much grief from everyone on my 54 swapped to an S-10 frame, That when I started looking for a new toy, I was looking for something that hadn't been tampered with. Enter the 2nd run 55, 1/2 ton Chevy. Original frame, straight axle up front, Olds posi out back. Not original but it is set up for nostalgia drags. My problem.... I know NOTHING about the old straight axles. It is 6 lug, (would like to change to sm. bolt pattern chevy) to start. Then, This thing handles like crap!!! everything seems nice and tight in the front end, a little play in the wheel but not bad. I would really like to keep the straight axle since I was thinking of building it into a gasser, However I would also like to drive it more often but be able to keep it between the lines. Ant idea's or info how to make this handle any better? (without sub-framing it)
I updated my drag link and steering arms, with the late model style tie rod ends. That and new kings with a real alignment should make it as good as it gets with that axle. Like he said the early 50s car backing plates and hubs will swap onto your spindles for a 5 lug conversion. That would be a good time to swap to roller bearings as well Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
All you have to do to change it to 5 lugs in the front is use hubs and drums from a 51 to 54 passenger car.
Good advice Ian. If the front end is tight it is not doubt an alignment problem. It could be that the geometry is off if it has been lifted or lowered much and you have a bump steer problem. That is just a matter of getting your drag link set up correctly. I somtimes suggest going to a cross steer setup on one that has been luifted or lowered much but that is a different discussion i suppose.
Speedway has drums to fit your axle in standard Chevy pattern. No backing plates needed on a 50's Chevy truck to swap to 5 lug.
One thing I have found out on the early Chevy pickups is that they don't have very much caster from factory (usually 1 to 2 degrees) I like to bump it up to 4 to 6 degress depending on what tires you are running (radials or bias) This will take care of a lot of the wondering.
if (for some reason) you are thinking about making your truck into a gasser, that axle is NOT what you want to use. Personally, your truck will look much better just lowered or a slight rake and forget the gasser look -
A friend of mine found out the same thing. He installed wedges to add some caster to the front end and said it turned a truck he hated to drive into one that was totallly different. Don
I agree, add some caster. The later model replacement tie-rod ends also help. Be sure the steering box is centered, if it's not, fabricate a adjustable drag link to compensate for any misalignment or mismatch of parts. My '37 handles great and I have no problem running highway speeds with a straight axle. Joe
Thanks for all the help!!!! Looking through my Speedway catalog now for the conversion. Hate to admit it, but the truck had a set of old crappy drag radials on the back, changed them out for some new meats and it's a night and day difference. There is still some play in the front but not too bad. After I swap it to 5 lug, and slightly drop the front and back, Takin everyone's advice and havin it properly aligned. Thanks again all!!!!
The cross steer PB was talking about works well. It typ.is a Saginaw 525 box if I remember correctly. Get a Brothers catalog,and look in it. I have ran cross steer on 3 trucks (F100) and like them. Do not use one off of a camaro ect. As they are to quick. Mine was off a 65 Impala.
I've had several of these trucks over the years. With a good tight suspension and decent tires they drive fine. With worn out kingpins and worn out steering boxes they wander all over the road. My last one was really nice, shouldn't have sold it. Devin
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