The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 58 GMC lowering

First, I've been through 2 years of threads on lowering but I didn't really find the answers I'm looking for or actually, just the verifications of what I think I have to do.

For the front, either dropped axle or monoleafs? Dropped axle requires tie rod and other mods? Monoleafs require no mods?

Where do I get monoleaf springs?

For the rear, I've bought a rear from a second gen camaro and have cut off all the spring perch stuff. Originally, the truck is axle under spring, I intend to put the rear over the springs. Will this work? Cause problems?

go to eaton detroit springs and read what they say about monoleaf. ron

You're right about the dropped axle requiring tie tod mods, and probably pitman and steering arm mods but your old tie rods are probably in need of replacing anyway and the other mods are simple enough for the average 'bolter to do.

Mono's shouldn't need any other mods, they won't get you as low as a dropped axle and will ride a little harsh. Most all the vendors carry them. Speedway carries Posie's 2-leaf lowering springs that should work good. I'd try those.

You should be able to run your rear axle above the springs. I ran a Firebird rear end that way in a '59 I had. Just check the available clearance between the axle and the frame.

With all due respect to Eaton, monos have been around a long time and were even used as factory equipment on some models. I always take info from someone wanting to sell me something with a grain of salt.

I was really cheap a few years ago when I wanted to drop a beat-up 57 I had. I removed 4 leaves from the front end. It sat down nice, and I still had about an inch of clearance between the spring and bumpstop. Then I took it for a drive around the block. The spring settled and I was riding the bumpstop. Not cool. I put 1 leaf back in and that put it back to about an inch. It looked cool, but was lousy to drive. I would suggest considering a dropped axle more thoroughly because it does not affect suspension travel, and therefore ride. The biggest drops I've seen for TFs are 4", which is less than the 6" or so you will get from flipping the rear axle on top of the springs. Depending on how your truck sits, this may put it level, or even nose-up. Be aware also that you will severely limit rear axle travel if you put the axle on top of the springs without notching the frame. Might be OK for a cruiser, but don't expect to haul anything.

After considering all this, I decided to leave my current 55.2 at stock height. I've even come to like the way it stands proud.

Devin

i used a 3 inch dropped front axle on my 57, and also took 1 leaf out. gave me a total of 3.4-3.750 total drop in the front.
rides real nice.

out back i kept the leafs on top of the rear, but took 4 of the 7 leafs out, and use 2 inch shackle extensions.

good luck, and please post some pics.

leonard

Thanks guys. I'm ready to weld on the spring perches but am having trouble with the pinion angle so it's just sitting there til this weekend when I have time to spend under the truck.

With the axle on top of the springs, I've got about 3-4" to the bump stop with truck sitting on jack stands. I know this is a poor way to measure it but it is what it is at present. I'll post some pics when this part is complete and I can move the truck to the shop bays to work on it.