My 37 pick up has the original beam axle,disc brakes, monoleaf springs,lowered about 2 inches,4 degrees of castor, tube shocks and a 41-46 recuriculating ball truck steering box, the box is a bolt in.The 3.36 gears limit high speeds for the long run, but it's gone 75 MPH for a distance and the truck tracks very straight .The biggest concern is the stock rear suspension design that allows more oversteer than a modern truck.So you have to be careful.Look at the back leaf suspension of a PU truck made in the last 20 years.The rear shackle is around 5 inches higher that the spring eye at the front of the rear spring, unlike older trucks. This design tends to make the rear end feel planted more firmly in turns and emergency manuvers. A front sway bar will lessen front tire grip , adding some stability in high speed turns. Every old truck I ever drove tended to steer with the [censored] end when pushed through a turn, you get sideways ,your truck is going to flip over. The main concern here is even though lowered some, the center of gravity is still sort of high, drive with added caution at high speeds. Remember, Jeep Grand Cherokees have solid front axles as do 3/4 ton Dodge trucks, they handle no better or worse on smooth roads than similar vehicles. For the most part most old trucks have suspect suspension parts and worn or stiff steering boxes,fix it properly before condeming the straight axle design.The Vega box is a Saginaw recurcilating ball box, identical in design to the any GM Saginaw box from 41 on up.A old box in good condition will steer just as well in my opinion.
