The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 1955 2nd Series suspension

I have a 1955 2nd series pickup with a fairly stock rear suspension and a 1978 Camaro front suspension with disc front brakes and coil springs and shocks. I have a little raise in the back, which I like and makes the truck look a little mean. I would like to improve the ride a little as when I'm on some roads the bumps make it a little hard to hold on to the steering wheel. I was thinking about changing the leaf springs in the rear and maybe the shocks. Is it better to start with the shocks or the leaf springs? I'm finding that most of the companies that sell leaf springs say that they will lower the stance, which I don't want to do. I know I can change the shocks for the front, however, can I cut the coil springs to lower the front end? Or can I buy shorter coil springs to provide the same affect?

Since you have a Camero front suspension you can buy shorter springs. As for the rear try a softer shock first before you go monkeying around with the leaf springs.

I don't understand how the rear suspension can negatively affect the steering wheel effort on a rough road so I'd suggest leaving the rear alone and concentrate your efforts on the front suspension only. Front shocks can make a big difference and I think that is what you should replace/upgrade first.

As long as you understand that leaf springs have a rougher ride than coil. Shortening a coil will make the ride rougher. Shocks do very little for "ride comfort". They will dampen the spring action. They will keep the tires on the road if they are hopping. None of the truck's weight is supported by shocks. There is no remedy for washboard dirt roads. A good thick foam seat will go a long way. Tire type and pressure will greatly affect ride. If you want a truck to ride like a car, put the body on a car chassis.

If you put polypropylene strips between the spring leaves it will soften the ride. Some say "Teflon" but that doesn't work---too soft and tears up. To soften even further leave a couple of the SHORT leafs out. The long leafs position the axle while short leafs add stiffness.

Put a few sacks of cement in the back and go for a ride. See if it makes a difference. If so remove a short leaf like Evan said. Then go for another ride.

Maybe sand instead. Rain may "harden" that load.

I want to say THANK YOU to all those who replied to this thread. This has been the best response I have ever had on Stovebolt. I appreciate all the information and will use it in my decision as to what to do with my truck. I especially enjoyed the comment about if I want a ride like a car I should get a car. Thanks to all.