I did all those same things to my 3/4 ton '59, and same thing - it wasn't tremendously better. Until I replaced the tires. I had stock the size road tires with their narrow tread. When I went to new wheels with BFG's, I could suddenly stop VERY well with everything else all stock.


1959 Chevy 3/4-ton (pics posted soon)

I child-proofed my house, but my kids keep finding their way back in.