The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk New guy with a question.

Hello all.
New to the site, but I've had several 48-54 Chevy trucks. All were sub-framed, "hotrod" so-to-speak, but my newest one is all stock.

I just bought a 54 3-window.

I'm interested in keeping the 235/3spd. I love I-6's with splits and duals. I've owned a few cars done this way, but no trucks.

Anyway. My question is..What is the easiest, cheapest(i.e. least expensive)way to lower this truck?
I've seen the mono-leaf springs and dropped axles available, but want to do this on the cheap. For now.

Is removing a few leafs in the front a safe way?
Blocks in the rear? or removing leafs?

I've heard of people doing this, but no one I know has.

Well, Thanks. I plan to come here regularly. It looks like a great place.

Hi Grumpy I'm a new guy here too, lowering, how much, how about lower profile tires on 15 inch tubeless wheels. You could mount the front axle on top of the springs its tricky but it can be done I've heard. Thats about all I can think of without spending some real money, good luck.

I would put mounting the axle on top of the front springs as #1 on the list of not too cool things to do! There was a member who was going to try it last week, we haven't heard back from him on how it went. I encouraged him in this endeavour because it was obvious he WAS going to try it, and he had a rare "can do" attitude.

I don't think mounting the axle in this fashion is safe or sane..you might as well park the truck and walk. Research more conventional methods like spindles, or as 3B suggested, low profile tires. Make it look cool, but keep it safe.


Stuart

I have heard of putting a torch to the axle to change the shape of it as well.

I removed 4 leafs from my front springs when I lowered it the first time. It looked & rode good but it would bottom out on an average bump. I would try removing 3 leaves & see how that goes. Also, cut the bump stops about 1/2 way down for a little more travel. See where that gets ya. If it's not enough take one more leaf out. Just have to get used to slowing down before a big bump. I got used to it but I got monoleafs now. Still bottoms out but not near as bad. Good luck with it.

I took out two leafs on each side in the front my 59 it dropped down 2-3 inches. I've got a V8 in it so the motor will be heavier then yours. The truck rides good but does bottem out on big bumps

I was surprised to find out the 235 actually weighs more then a small block V8. About 55 lbs more.

Thanks guys.

I'll go the 3-4 leaf deal on the front for now.

I appreciate it.
Tim

I have done the axle on top of springs a couple times. You have to drill a hole on the bottom of the axle for the center bolt of the springs and use some half size nuts on the U-bolts that you will need to invert, also cut the U-bolts even with the top of the nuts. It will hit bottom pretty easily but you could "C" the frame for additional clearance, remembering to reinforce it. You will lower your truck about 5 inches by this method. You also will have to modify the tie rod to clear the springs. It is a low budget way to get a lot of lowering done, and can be accomplished in a few hours of work in your driveway. Use lowering blocks at the rear and you have a ground hugger.

Hmmm..
I'm going to pull some leafs first. I don't think this will be a long term fix.

I may do this truck up alittle and sell it.

I really like the 48-53 grilles better, and the split windsheilds.

So, I may roll this truck and find another one. A 5-window also.

Thanks again to all who replied.