Lifting front end

Putting the front end back under my 58 Chevy apache and I have an old shackle lift kit we got for an old muscle car but are gunna use it on the truck to give it that raised nose high look but in using that will it screw my factory steering setup?

 

This is just my opinion - but I would never consider using long shackles to lift the front end of any leaf-sprung front-ended vehicle. You're just asking for trouble there. Get some springs with a bigger arch and do it correctly.

 

Don't use them. Yes it will screw with your handling. Besides the probable side sway from long shackles it will change your caster. Long shackles were a bad idea in the 60's on the back, gotta be a real bad idea on the front!

 

more precisely, it'll scare the living shit out of you first time you drive it.

 

Ok so shackles are out thank you for clearing that up but where do I get the springs for it?

 

You could use "raising blocks"..........same idea as "lowering blocks", but opposite effect. A spacer block between the bottom of the spring and the axle spring pad.
Longer "u" bolts will required.

Personally, I think raising the front end of an already tall truck is not such a great idea, whether you use re-arched springs or blocks. It already has relatively poor handling qualities due high center of gravity and lifting it does not improve on that......only worsens it.

See my 'signature' line below for a clarification of my point of view.

Ray

 

Not only no but HELL NO, Those damned things were bad enough on the backs of cars it would be nuts to put them on the front.

Read the second paragraph in Hnstray's post number 6 several times and let it sink in. Sometimes what sounds like a great idea after a few too many Bud lites isn't such a great idea in the morning.

I'm pretty sure that even the 4x4 guys don't advise running lift blocks on the front though.
If you are hell bent on jacking thing up to 4x4 height go to a 4x4 shop and see if they can get you a set of springs that are arched so that the lift comes from the springs. More money and a bit more work but a lot safer for all those driving down the road with you.

But tell them you are going after the "pre-runner" look rather than the "gasser" look. A pre-runner being a lifted two wheel drive pickup that is setup to drive the course and check out in before using the actual 4x4 race truck to race ala the Baha 1000.

 

I agree on all the above. Now once you get over sticker shock on a set of new springs think about this angle. Your stock I Beam has a drop to it stock. Why not buy a Gasser style Strait Tube Axle and put it on your stock springs? It will probably give you 4" lift. It would be Chrome and look Kool as well. (Don't mistake Look Kool for driving good)
The Wizzard

 

Check with your laws here in CT you can't run blocks under the front axle.

 

It's the same in this state and I believe in most states. I got that from friends who run lifted 4X4 trucks locally.

 

Is your axle above or below the springs? If above,can you place it below and achieve the height?
Disclaimer,why anyone would want it higher I can't understand

 

First off, thanks for asking before doing, seems to be a few "what did I do wrong threads lately. I'd go the straight axle route, or if funds are limited lower the rear and slightly smaller tires up front.

Scotty

 

DO this ^ !!! (if you really have to do it.)

or why not lower the rear? leave the front stock?