The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 55 suspension upgrade

ok I have been reading on here for weeks looking for ideas and have decided what I really would like to do with my 55 2nd 1/2 ton short box. I am seriously thinking of keeping original frame with straight axle but I want to drop the front about 3 inches and the rear probably 4 inches. I want to add power disc brakes and go to 5 lug bolt pattern so I can run 15 " corvette rally wheels. I also want power steering. What I would like is to hear from someone who has done something very similar to this and all the details.
here are my concerns right now...
1. I am looking at using posies super slide springs and possible a drop axle form Sid on the front. how much can I drop the front? if I use a 3" drop axle should I use the drop springs also or will that drop it too much ?
2. I want to convert to 5 lug discs up front but debating on which power booster set up. Under the floor or firewall ? seems like firewall would be nice as far as it being easier to access anyway. Who sells the best kit ?
3.As for the rear I am thinking 3 " drop springs in back with a shackle kit to drop another inch for a total of 4". I am told that's about as far as I can go with out notching the frame. what about flipping the rear end ? how much will that drop it in the rear and will I then need to notch the frame ? can I drill the axles in the rear to make the 5 lug bolt pattern or do I need to change the rear end out ?
4.Power steering seems very confusing. Cpp make a couple kits. one uses a 400 series box which looks like it bolts right in and a 500 series which requires some welding? and I have read from some that the 500 causes a steering clearance issue because of mounting it to outside the frame ? 400 series is a Toyota ? if using that I read where you have to reduce the pressure somehow on the GM steering pump ? and then what about the pitman arm issue ? I have seen shortened ones designed for lowered trucks and then some say heat up the old one and bend it ?

very confused and hope someone on here has the experience of going through all these issues

You need to move this to the HiPo Shop before a moderator does it for you. While you may not be hotrodding it you are modifying it from stock. A place for everything and everything in its place. Sounds like a fun project.

I used the under floor master/booster kit on my 59 Suburban. It uses a remote reservoir so, it was easy to check fluid level and top off as needed. That retains stick pedals and I think it only required drilling one extra hole in the frame (not really a concern for me though). I went with 6 lug stuff and lifted mine so, I can't help you on the other stuff.

Nostalgia Sid's puts out a quality product plus they are made right here in Oklahoma, USA. I would give him a call and pick his brain about the front springs in addition to the front spindles.

I am leaning towards the CPP5559PSK-OC kit with the Toyota gear box for my 55 1/2 ton 2nd series...sounds like the easiest also...who has used this and how did it work out ? my biggest concern is weather or not the pitman arm included will work on a truck that is lowered 3-4 inches up front ?

So where does the upgrade come in? Destroying all the work of the engineers and designers who made the steering and suspension systems work for several decades to make a cosmetic change in ride height and appearance doesn't seem to be much of an improvement. It would be a good idea to consult with someone who doesn't have something to sell you in order to get an unbiased opinion of how safe and effective those modifications will be, particularly in an unexpected high speed turn or on a slippery surface with less than optimum traction and road conditions. Being able to cruise down Main street and impress the gawkers isn't all there is to having a safe, reliable vehicle.
Jerry

I guess if you want to drive down a dirt road down on the farm then keep your truck all stock...modernizing an old vehicle to make it more comfortable to drive and able to cruise at highway speed safely is part of the challenge and what makes it fun. that and keeping the original look with modern creature comforts like A/C, power steering, power disc brakes, radial tires, leather interior, etc, etc...people have been doing this kind of stuff since the automobile was invented. to each his own so they say...I am just looking for opinions based on experience instead of trial and error

So building 100+ dirt tracker frames from the floor up, or teaching steering and suspension theory and practice for 30+ years isn't practical experience? OK, there are plenty of wannabes on this forum who will tell you what you want to hear. I won't be one of them. Good luck with your project.
Jerry

My suggestion would be to do a comparative analysis on the cost of the conversions you want to make and go with the best alternative.
I have done numerous disc brake conversions and also some Toyota steering conversions. None of the steering conversions were done using a dropped axle however. In your case doing the brake conversion, dropped springs/axle, and the steering conversion could become costly and you still have a straight axle. While mine works great, had I not gotten most of the components for a smoking deal or free I would not have gone this way. There are independent suspension kits out there that give you brakes, steering, and lowering in one operation. Of course the booster/master, PS pump/brackets/pulleys, and the column would have to be considered in either option. I don't have a problem with conversions that make a vehicle safer or more driveable but you have to make smart choices.
Fred

As mentioned, engineers had something in mind when these vehicles were designed. If someone suggests heating and bending a pitman arm to accomplish some goal that is probably a good way to find yourself upside down in the weeds.

The group, moderators, gurus and Editors welcome everyone with an old truck. However the majority of members, and the reason for the site, was to restore old trucks and have a place to get knowledge for that.
Some do restomods and many do safety and dependability mods. There are not too many hard core Hot Rodders, low riders, baggers, slammers here. A few maybe.

To me, it sounds like drop axle in front and axle flip kit in rear.
If you are not "SUPERFABMAN", buy kits and ask the vendor what to do here and there about this and that. The issues to concentrate on are in the front. Do that first. No issues in rear.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/234734/1.html
Sounds like the whole idea is a bag of worms and not for the shade tree. The chances of being satisfied are 30% yes, 70% no.
http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/56-chevy-truck-straight-axle-lowering-129237.html

Instead of butchering up a 60 year old rolling chassis, why not acquire an S-10 frame and swap your sheet metal onto it? You'll get a properly engineered suspension and steering system, a real restorer will be glad to buy your leftovers, and those of us who have to share the road with you won't have to dodge another rolling deathtrap that "Handles like a rhinoceros on a wet clay bank", like Tom McCahill from Popular Mechanics Magazine used to say about some of the cars he road tested.
Jerry