The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk SUSPENSION ITEMS THAT FIT '50s TRUCKS

Hi, Folks,

I thought I'd let you in on a few aftermarket items I've run across that I'm using on my '59 Apache 3200.

First of all, those hard-to-locate wedges that go between leaf springs and the axle. I got some 3-degree 'SuperLift' wedges/shims from 'Performance Center' in Irvine, CA. for $13.50 plus $10 ship/handling.

I got a pair of Monroe air-lift shocks for the rear axle from NAPA for $69 plus tax. The P/N is MA 820. The P/N for Gabriel Hi-Jackers is 49311, but NAPA doesn't handle them. They are for early '90s Nissan Pathfinder rear axles.

I doubt if many of you have the old ad-on type PS system for solid-axle trucks, but I ended up ordering a 2" bore X 12" stroke hydraulic slave-cylinder from Northern Tool for about $76 or so. These should provide plenty of side-to-side travel.

The hi-lift Pro-Comp leaf-springs I used for the front suspension are P/N 51412. Once installed, I found they make the front sit a tad too high, so I'm removing the bottom leaves.

That's all the info I have for now.

Quick question as I am new to all of this, and interested in everything that I am reading...

What is the reference to add-on power steering for solid axles? I have heard of using a C/K or Toyota [which by the way since I work for GM I would not use!] is this what you are refferencing?

It's the factory type add on powere steering. It used a slave cylinder with a special drag link that has a control valve in it. Corvettes used a similar system up to '82. http://chevy.tocmp.com/1955truck2shop/55ctsm0914.htm

Longbox is correct.

Mine is adapted from a C-3 Corvette with an adjustable drag-link. It has worked remarkably well, especially compared to non-power steering. I didn't have to install a new steering column or try to bolt in a steering box way up front. The only fault I had with this system is that the 'stroke' of the Vette slave cylinder was only about 8 inches and limited the right/left turn radius before the spindles hit the stops on the solid axle. The cylinder with the 12 inch stroke (I hope - haven't received it yet) will cure that problem.