The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop leafs vs coils, ironic

I recall back in the 60's and 70's when all the guys would put in front axles for a stiffer suspension.That was the cool look, ironically now so many people install an independant suspension for a nicer ride.I actually partly bought this truck (53 Chev 1/2) cause it has the drop axle.I love they way these trucks ride, like a truck.Other wize I'd a bought a 57 Chev Belair 2 dr post.And yes I intend to install sex lites.

I like the ride of a real truck too, I've always seen it as you do-if you want a cushy ride,drive a car. There's getting to be fewer and fewer of us though,my friend,as the hold outs get arthritis and back trouble and can't take the pounding anymore. I'll tough it out until I can't drive at all.
REAL TRUCKS RULE!!!
Speed

Back in the '60s they actually put straight axles under cars to get the front up. This was done for weight transfer, rather than stiffness. You'll see this mostly on Gasser class drag cars, but some street rods were done that way too, although that was more for the look than performance. By the way, take a good look at the '55 sedan from American Grafitti and Two Lane Blacktop (same car), it has a straight axle as it was originally built as a Gas coupe drag car.

Hey Bill,you are also right that they raised the fronts up for weight transfer.In order to get a wider tire under the back, they had to raise the back high enough to clear the tires.Unfortunately,then there was no weight on the back and the tires simply spun.Like you say, then up would go the front in order to put the weight back where it belonged, the back.So when you see a straight axle car, you just knew it was hot.Now they just tub them and unless you see them from the back, it's just another car. I have always been impressed by the axle cars and never really by the lowered ones.

The Gasser look is starting to make a comeback, especially on '55 Chevy sedans. It seems that there is at least one featured in Rod and Custom, Ol' Skool Rods, and Car Culture DeLuxe for the last few months. There are a lot of early Novas getting that treatment too. I like that look myself. I'd love to build one. With a Monster 572 in it.

Me too,after I finish mine,I was thinking of doing a tilt front end

As a form of punishment I decided to do the same (tilt front AND bed) (WTH was I thinking?!).

On my '37 I went the performance route - tubular IFS, Z-28 TPI, 700R4, and a Jag rear.

"The things that don't kill you only make you stronger ;'}

my 59 apache long bed is on a wicked slant with coils all the way around and air shocks on the back end for when i need to tow a trailer. i wouldent want it any other way.