The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Front clip question

Hi Rodg. One thing I will mention...and this may not be an issue to you but would be important to anyone hoping to keep their truck looking the same as stock...you will have to lower your clearance between 2 and 5 inches depending on which "kit" you choose. A clip from another vehicle will produce the same results unless you use a front end from a late 60s Chevy truck (and this will add a great deal of weight when compared to the straight axle). And you may spend extra to keep 6 lug wheels. Just in case this is important to you. You will also have to lower your rear end by the same amount. This will alter one important aspect of your truck. You will not be able to load 1000 pounds of stuff in the bed and avoid bottoming out on any sort of bumpy road. Again just in case that is important.

Personally I'm a fan of "look like stock" even though I've come up with improvements that change and improve some stock issues. And as others have said a straight axle is fine as long as everything is in good shape and as long as you don't try to drive too fast. Once I was satisfied my front end and steering box were okay, I'd adjust my caster at 2.5 degrees and go with that. It will keep you tracking straight, will pull you out of curves nicely and won't make you struggle too much to steer in town. Please pay attention to the width of your tires, also. You ought to find your pickup steers and drives better with wheels/tires that mimic stock as much as possible. Please take a look and see if your truck included a front end sway bar. Some did and some didn't. It is important for either a straight axle or independent front suspension. Good luck!