R-Bo;
Excellent run down. I've had the same question about lowering my 58 Suburban. I've wondered about the lowering leaf springs that are for sale on the market. I've often wondered if they provide the same load capacity. Sounds like they either wont with a good right, or will with a stiffer ride.
good food for thought.
Don't assume that they won't ride just as well. Talk to the vendor about the springs (or ideally the spring maker) to see how they compare to stock.
R-Bo definitely makes some good points, but all of his concerns can be addressed in one way or another. All my lowered vehicles ride very well. On something like the OP's 55, a dropped axle would not decrease travel, but would result in the lowered height. In IFS vehicles, dropped spindles are the best method to lower the front with no reduction in travel, and still maintaining factory geometry. I have no bump-steer problems that R-BO suggests on any of my lowered vehicles, regardless of the method used to lower it.
Sure, you can't expect it to be the same as stock. What I was talking about was an overload mechanism to increase the carrying capacity WHEN NEEDED. This isn't just segregated to lowered vehicles, in fact many of our trucks had it from the factory. It's nothing new, just different methods to keep from bottoming out.
There's nothing to be afraid of with lowering, just do your homework and decide what is best for your needs.
