The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 39 1/2 ton pickup

I'm wondering what other 39 owners that have put updated suspension under there trucks have used.What's works well and what doesn't? Any info appreciated.

sooner,

I am not a 39 owner... I'm a 1940 ownwer. As for the suspension I'm leaving mine mostly stock. I am going to try a couple of twists.

I will be using a 41-54 front axle that has been dropped 2 1/2 inches. Modern tie rod ends, possibly a beefier tie rod. 12 inch 6 lug disc brakes, front and rear. The rear is an IMCA modified full floating 9 inch with 4.11 gears, 31 spline axles and posi. I will be using a 41-46 steering column as they bolt in and offer a recirculator ball system which makes the steering eazier. I am toying with the idea of tube shocks and sway bars, but haven't decided on those yet.

I am shooting for an old truck, that still looks like an old truck. I want it to be able to carry a load if needed. I want to improve it's mannors and stopping ability, but not to the extent that it becomes useless for doing work. I have no interest in a MII or camaro or any other suspension swaps. I like the feel of an old truck. If I wanted a MII, I would buy one.

That of course is what I am doing, and my opinions. It may not be the same as others, but we all get to do what we like.

John

Depends on what you want. I went with a Heits MII based front end, 9" ferd rearend and ladder bars with coil overers. I love it but it does sit low. Rides extremly smooth though.

Sooner; I have a 1939 Chevy Suburban and the only thing I did was to remove the old style shocks (as they leak too much) and make an adapter plate to install tube type shocks. They seem to work very well.I may still have the pattern for the plate and the product number of the shocks. Will check it out to-morrow.
Stan Norrish