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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 | hello. 1955 chevy with front straight axle, how would you lower it ? blocks and longer U bolts ?
what about the steering, would that affect it ?
looking for a cheap way instead of going to IFS until i get the money...thanks | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 121 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 121 | imo dont use blocks in the front. to much twisting and flexing.i think it would be a bad idea.i would use a drop axle or dearched springs. done by a spring shop or bought from somewhere.or the worse and cheaper way removing leaf or 2 from the pack
gotta love old trucks
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | Doesn't a '55 truck have a spring over axle arrangement? If so, this would preclude any lowering blocks.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 | how about dropped spindels ? do they make them ? thanks again | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,095 | my response because i am cheap is, wait til you can do it right. imo, ifs is the only way. but there are lots of ways to accomlpish what you want. order related catalogs and see what is available. ron
Ron, The Computer Greek I love therefore I am.1954 3100 Chevy truckIn the Gallery 2017 Buick Encore See more pix1960 MGA Roadster Sold 7/18/2017
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,098 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,098 | Just about all of the aftermarket suppliers now have dropped axles and/or modified springs. Truck Shop & Brothers come to mind. Axles are about $400+ and the springs are about $300+. I'm not aware of any dropped spindles for these trucks.
Also, I seem to remember that you have to relocate the tie rod above the spring when you change to lowered springs or axle. This may change the steering geometry somewhat.
Fred
1956 3100 Pickup/Red/350/3sp OD/PS/Disc Brakes
1957 Bel Air Sport Coupe/Red/355/TH350/PS/Disc Brakes
2017 Silverado LT Single Cab SB/Black/5.3/6 Speed Trans
1947 Willys CJ2A w/F-Head engine
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 33 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 33 | Sid Drapal (Drapal here on the Bolt) sells dropped axles for that pickup. His website is www.droppedaxles.com and he has a price listed of $300 for that pickup plus a core. That is how I plan on doing my 49 shortly. Jeff | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 67 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 67 | check this thread: http://www.killbillet.com/showthread.php?t=2098&page=3 i lowered my 54 with a 4" axle from sid and 4 leafs removed from each spring. as far as steering i had to shorten my pitman arm 4" and flip the tie rods upside down to go under the springs. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 | coolerthanathan, i sent you an e-mail... | | | | | Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 720 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 720 | Most states it is illegal to use blocks on the front axle as it allows twisting of the axle under hard braking and subsequent steering changes that can get you in deep kimchee!
Best method is to find a dropped axle that fits your truck. uses all the stock parts except the steering arms wich need to be extended to keep from hitting the frame, they can be bought at most places that sell the dropped axles.
Pretty simple swap to do, and loads cheaper than IFS.
1956 GMC 370 dump " 'Tater "1970 VW Volksrod "the Black Bomber" 2007 Chevy Avalanche 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, 2005 Harley Davidson FLHTCUI I dig all cars, old and new, whether they were hammered out of American iron, German steel, or Japanese tin cans. Being unable to appreciate them all is missing out on a world of great things.
But thats just MY opinion! :P
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 67 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 67 | Originally posted by RATRODKING:
coolerthanathan, i sent you an e-mail... where at? i haven't gotten anything, my email is [email protected] | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,082 | ok, cool. i will send it there. i clicked on the little e-mail link here on your post.
i see you are in miami, and i am here in hollywood.
just wondering if you know anybody selling an older, 1940-1957 pickup ?
also, i checked out your pics on the website. your truck looks awesome.
do you guys belong to a club ? if so, do you have a place where you meet weekly ?
if so, i would love to come down and check out the cool rides.
thanks again, and hopefully you know someone selling a rat rod. i need one bad. LOL... leonard | | |
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