Hello all, I read a lot of different articles on ways to lower my 1959 truck. All I did was confuse myself. I am looking to lower it (not slam it) because I'd like to keep it "almost" stock looking. Id rather not c notch the frame and get into all that...essentially I'm looking for a reasonably inexpensive way to drop it approx 3-4" for less than a $1000. Ive heard a lot about mono leafs not being safe, etc. I've also heard the posies super slides are good as well. I'm looking for some advice so thanks in advance. Lee
well if you had a straight axle as i had on mine. they do sell drop axles. Ten put blocks in the back. done and done.
You can buy multi leaf spring packs that will lower it and not require you to C notch the frame. But much more than what these do WILL require a notch. http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_097.html Uses up your stated budget because you'll need new shackle pins
you guys are good-thx i dont think i can put blocks on the rear because the springs are on top of the axle
If you do this PLEASE post Before & After photos for others - like ME! I'm seriously debating whether to rebuild the kingpins and lower it via lowering springs, with/without a dropped axle.....OR..... go with IFS. I lean toward keeping the "stock" suspension albeit modified.
Dan, I lean the same way because if not it becomes a whole different animal...been there. Has anyone heard of jamco springs? I talked to a fella there and he said there is a multi leaf spring pack for front and rear w 4" drop, no modifications Is that possible? I'd hate to buy it and find out after. Thanks again, will get on pics soon as I figure out how. Lee
Like you, I didn't want my truck slammed, just lowered a little. I used the Posies dropped springs up front and it the rear I removed a couple of leaves from the pack and used dropped shackles. It looks good and rides great.
3" drop axle and remove 2 spring leaves, one long,one short. Rides nice. As low as I would want it. John In Denver
There are THESE from The Truck Shop. 3"up front and up to 5" in the rear just with re-arched springs. http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_097.html How about some pictures?! Are those 75 series tires? My '55 has 75's and I like the look. How's your bump steer issues? 2 leaves out in addition to the dropped axle? Or just in the rear?
I run a 4" dropped axle (Sids) and flipped the rear on the stock springs. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Dan in Pasadena.......yes 75 series tires as I wanted the old school look. Two leaves removed up front, one long, one short, along with the three inch drop axle. I heated and bent the steering arm in front so my drag link is ALMOST parallel. No bump steer to speak of and it tracks nice at 70mph. I hit the bump stop only on severe pot holes at speed. I could cut half off the stop and cure that. Two leaves removed from the rear giving the truck quite a bit of rake, which I like, but it could stand a third leaf removed as well. I still have a stiff ride in the rear. I don't think removing a third leaf out back would cause any issues. Of course it isn't used to haul loads anymore. Leesnap.......I'd love too see pics of your "sister" truck. Isn't the HAMB great? John
Leesnap, Your truck is like the hot younger sister. Mine is more like the older frumpy sister. Riding (in) the frumpy one is fun, until your friends see you. LOL Mine is a nice driver. Yours looks awesome and it's a deluxe with spears. Very nice my friend.
Do a HAMB search before your send your money to anybody-just saying-word to the wise-but settle in-it's a lot to read.
I put a Sid's 4" dropped axle in mine, & I also removed 1 leaf from each side in the front - the middle one without the clamp. Netting around a 5" drop total in the front. I took a few pics of the install process, click on link below. I also kept all the original parts & old axle. Sorry, no side shots yet. Still building the motor... http://59chevypickup.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=6869335 Also, make sure you install angle shims if you decide to go with a dropped axle. While your there, install spring poly lining material between the leafs- be sure to point the lip down so they don't hold water. http://www.truckandcarshop.com/trucks47_59/t47_097.html
Right on, Tjet is 100% correct. I left all that out in my post, Sid will give you the low down if you go that route. By the way he's highly recommended by me, great guy, great service. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
John/tjet, Can't thank you enough for the explanations. I should have come back to this thread long before now - I just lost track of it. John, Your truck has exactly the look I'm going for up front. I have 75's on Torque Thrusts too on my '55. I WOULD drop the rear on mine a bit more than you did but I DO still want a little rake. Either another rear leaf removed or possibly Posie's springs. My fronts are honked up anyway - its got 5 on one side and 6 leaves on the other - but I don't know why because it sits level. So Posie's will go upfront too. tjet, Yes, I've heard that caster shims make a significant difference. I'll definitely do that. Can you tell me what size your rims and tires are and if you get any rubbing on that drop?
Not the exact answer you are looking for but see how my wheels are tucked under the fenders? They don't rub unless the suspension cycles while turning into a steep driveway or something. Then it's VERY minor at that. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
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