Currently I am in the unique situation to do a comparison between two trucks of the same year with differing straight axle setups.
1) 49 Chevy 3100, nearly completely stock with it's factory axle, leafs, lever shocks, 215 85R 16 radials on stock rims and Huck brakes all around. It's still powered by it's original 216, 3 speed and closed (torque tube) drivetrain. The entire brake system as been rebuilt to OEM spec's.
2) 49 GMC 100, modified, factory straight axle-lowered, 5 leafs (3 removed), custom short tube shocks, power brakes with discs up front and bendix drums in back, 225 60R14's on rear and short 215 60R 14's up front, late model open drive train powered by a 350, TH350 and a Nova rearendwith lower leafs and coil over shocks.
The Chevy handles and drives much smoother, even with more leafs in the front. The skinny tires makes it steer much easier and it feels more stable at speeds over 50. Braking is OK but it experiences some fadeing on heavy use. I can lock the brakes up in a panic and haven't had a situation where the brakes didn't stop me in the time and space alotted.
The GMC steers OK but rides like a buckboard wagon. I believe taller tires up front will improve it's ride immensely so thats in the plans. Braking is almost too good. It will definitely stop shorter and quicker than the OEM Hucks and one has to exercise due diligence when operating them. That said they work pretty much like any modern vehicles braking system works. When driving it I constantly find myself running faster than I should and IMHO when one increases the AD's HP to 150+ HP I highly recommend upgraded braking. Dual master cyl for safety and disc's up front. Powered isn't necessary but wouldn't hurt LOL.
Having my druthers, If I keep the GMC I can see adding power steering and either a MII front suspension or doing an entire frame swap. Perhaps even AC.
The Chevy, since it is nearly completely stock is going to stay pretty close to it's OEM spec's with the exceptions of its going to get an engine upgrade to a 54 235, maybe upgraded to 50's style tube shocks and perhaps the addition of a sliding back window. All worn out parts are slowly getting replaced with OEM spec'd replacements.
Both provide a very different level of driving pleasure LOL.
Dave
