Hello all. I am new here and just picked up this '57 3100. It is an older resto-mod probably 10 years plus is my guess based on the paint job. It quit running for the p.o. and it sat for numerous years outside under a tree until I was able to pry it from him. It has a fresh 307 with a Muncie 4 speed and a later 12 bolt rear in it. The truck has been lowered and the front has only 1 leaf in it which has also been flipped over. When I was able to finally drive it, it about beat me to heck. There is only about an inch or so between the front leaf and the rubber bumper in the front. I have never messed with a straight axle before so what can I do to give this truck some much needed suspension in the front? Even small bumps are extremely rough and I want to drive this everyday if I can. Do I just need to add more leafs? Is that possible with the current setup? I am on a budget so the less expensive the better but I do like the lower look but not the ride. Thanks.
Not much room for any more spring, you probably want to get a dropped axle. But as something to try, you might cut off half of the rubber bumper. It'll still ride rough, but it will have a little more travel before bottoming out.
Original Spring Pack should look like this. According to your pictures it appears that the previous owner has installed a mono spring of some unknown type. Note that the spring eye in this picture is own top of the main leaf. I would get to a junkyard to try and find original springs. Later you can have your axle dropped to lower the truck down again. More $$$'s............Jeff
I don't understand why someone would want to lower the front this way. It will bottom out going over the smallest bumps and is dangerous to drive. I'm sure the spring was close to where it is now when it was first installed as the truck has just a bit of angle in the stance compared to the rear. That's probably why the drivetrain is still so fresh. Who could stand to drive it? So is that the standard/correct way of lowering the front using a drop axle and utilizing the stock front springs? What can I expect cost wise for a drop axle and what other parts, if any, are required to install? Thanks for the information guys.
Was the rear of the truck lowered as well? sure looks like it. Stocker: I haven't priced dropped axles lately, figure around $400? plus you might get to play with bending steering arms, you'll need to get some stock springs, probably bushings and shackles, etc.
Yes, the rear looks like it has the stock springs but the shackles have been flipped. Funny, that picture you posted is the original color of my truck. I wouldn't mind that stock ride height at all actually. I would like to find some stock rims as well. Are they hard to find? I wonder if anyone would be interested in trading for my wheels/tires.
The stock rims are around, not sure how hard they will be for you to find. I had a set for years, sat in the yard, got pretty rusty...not much demand for them 10-20 years ago. You can use 60s-80s wheels too, they used the same bolt pattern, a little wider, on 4x4 pickups thru 87. But the hubcaps don't attach the same, so you'd probably end up with baby moons or full wheel covers or something. There is very little demand for the "trailer" wheels you have on your truck now. I've been driving my 59 long bed with a big block in it, stock suspension, for decades. It's not against the law.
The stock rims are out there but they are getting pricey. I saw one on EBay for 100 dollars. Keep in mind that if you buy those aftermarket "stock" rims like the ones they sell at the Truck shop in Orange, you can't use the original hubcaps. You have to use a "look-a-like" hubcap that are made for the aftermarket rims.
To help get you going, replace the front springs. 55-59 should be the same. Once you have done that, concentrate on driving and enjoying the truck. Check the brakes and such and get the Old Girl Running in a Safe Mode. If you decide to drop the axle later, there are experienced Guys here on the H.A.M.B. You might wish to get in touch with Nostalgia Sid (member here) and discuss the possibilities of dropping your axle in the future. The Link below will give you food for thought. Good Luck, Jeff http://droppedaxles.com/
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