The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline 56 3100 suspension question

Sfizio, did you replace your leaf springs yet? Just curious/nosy.

Hey Otto. Sorry I missed this. Haven’t done the work yet. I’ve been concentrating on clear coating my 66 VW. Another project with a high learning curve. Thanks to everyone for the info so far. I like the idea of doing the sway bar and u bolts all at once. Can anyone clue me in on the bump stops? What do they look like and where do they sit? Photos of this stuff would also be helpful.

Sfizio,

See the attached diagram pictures snagged from my copy of the 1955.2-59 Task Force FAM.

2nd pic shows individual original GM part numbers when you zoom in.

This is my 58 (spindle removed for your viewing convenience ). You can see the bump stop to the back of the axle, the upper shock mount on the frame, and the lower shock mount on the u-bolt.

Excellent pics guys thanks. Research continues. Btw the clear coat turned out well.

So looking at my undercarriage, if I’m seeing this correctly, I have no bump stops. Only some deteriorating rubber thing mounted to the axle.

I can't see them in this picture. The rubber bump stop is volcanized to a metal plate that's then bolted to the frame rail behind the axle so it contacts the springs...you should have two bolt holes about 6 inches apart in the frame at that location.

Mike B

Found a picture showing the bump stops...they are the little black squares seen just below the rubber brake line.

Hope this helps...

Mike B

The picture that Sfizio posted seems to be short a few spring leaves.

If you look at my picture above, you can see where the bump stop should be relative to the axle.

Your truck is sitting very low due to the modified springs. The "deteriorating rubber thing" was probably installed to act as a shorter bump stop when it was lowered.

The combination of lowering springs (those look like off the shelf 2" drop springs) and minimal bump stops is probably most of your problem.

I’m determined to bring the suspension back to normal so these pics really help. I’d love to tear it all down like yours @Mike B but I’ll be happy just to get springs and proper bump stops in for now.

Here's a picture of my '56 with all stock suspension...lets you see the ride height...I'm running 225/70-15 tires.

Mike B

Thanks Mike. Every bit helps. Hope the tow truck isn’t a necessity.

@WE b Old. Great schematics. Thanks.

Well, here’s a temporary fix. I found a shop, old school, that does suspension for trucks. Kicked around the idea of installing original spring set, etc. trying to guess how it might change the stance and what it’s going to cost. One guy had a simple solution. He had bump stops from a Toyota and suggested trying them. So we did. It’s a band aid but it worked. I’ll watch them for wear and probably do the full job in the spring. No pun intended.

Just my humble opinion, but that "bump stop" already contacting the frame at rest is going to leave you with "ZERO" axle/suspension travel when you hit any bump.

That bumper may absorb just a smidgen of the force of the bump, but the majority is going to be transmitted throughout the truck and steering.

A potential serious safety hazard when driving. You gotta have at least some clearance between the frame and the bump stop or your truck is going to try and jar your teeth right out of their sockets.

Considering where you live and drive, that could actually cause more damage to your suspension than not having one.

Please be safe!

I'm with Dan on that setup. You have basically rigid suspension with the bump stop in contact with the frame. You'll get a LITTLE cushion from the bump stop, but not much.

Makes sense. We did discuss cutting them down a bit. They do compress somewhat but true, not a lot of suspension going on. Maybe back to the shop next week and get it done. Thanks for the input.

Just get the proper new springs made, springs are cheap!

Ed

Just replaced my front springs on my 56 with Dorman sold shipped and delivered by amazon and they fit nicely and have improved the ride greatly.
I would say looking at your pics that those springs you have are not stock. Stock has 6 leaves. Your concern about stance may be a thought but the front springs are almost flat stock and the new dormans did not adjust mine for me to notice.

do a amazon search for "Dorman 22-188" they are in stock and the price is right for not having to drive or pickup or worry about fit.

This is a quick fix for safety and you can always change them out later and have them as a backup.

Holst

I’m kind of agreeing with you all in the light of day. Seemed like a good idea 100 miles and 2-1/2 half hours from home last night.

LMC has a standard set as well as a lowered 3” set of springs. Standard would def bring the front end up and change the stance maybe higher than the standard but somewhat worn rear end. Lowered would likely keep it the same. Before I jump again, any reason why I shouldn’t buy the lowered set? I’m happy with the stance I have now.

If you get the lowered springs, you are going to have the same problem of a harsh ride that crashes the front end on bumps.

The 3" lowering springs that LMC carries are the Posie Super Slide D445. If you do a search on the wider internet, you will find a lot of the same complaint you have now. I considered getting them for my 58 but the reviews talked me out of it.

Well finally I got my suspension done. I’m pretty happy with the results. No more Conestoga wagon. Maybe a bit buckboard but that’s ok. Thanks all for your input.

That's awesome, fizo. Did you do the rear springs, too? What about the anti-sway bar you were considering?

Yeah, good to hear. Any pictures of the overall stance from the outside now?

Which springs did you end up deciding on?

I went with the stock springs from LMC, considering what you said about the lowering springs, Fibonachu. Also did shocks, shackles, u bolts…. Everything was fairly worn. The stance looks just like the photo that Mike B posted and I like it. Haven’t done the rear yet, not sure I need to. Also didn’t yet do the sway bar. As mentioned, can be a separate project. Had a good test run on the 100 mile trip home. Can’t say enough about the excellent work at Perrault Spring in Connecticut, doing business for over 100 years.

Looks great! Glad you are happy with it.

That looks great. I just looked at the before picture and you can see how low that front end was sitting. When you do the rear, you'll get that stance you like with a slight lift in the rear.

I'm after the much more comfortable 100 mile ride home, the cost is already forgotten.

Is that a beer opener on the bed above the gas can?

Sure looks like it. An essential accessory.

Nice looking truck.

Yep. That’s an opener. 😊

Good man.

Truck looks great...

Mike B