The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Lifting a '57

With all of the lowering kits out on the market has anyone found a lift kit? I have been searching with no luck. I have a '57 3/4 ton (would like to keep the 8 lug pattern) and it needs an altitude adjustment. There is a spring shop close to my house and was thinking of having new springs made...can anyone help???

How high do you want it? I've got a 57 3/4 ton and it sits pretty high with the stock heavy duty springs. Is yours currently original or did someone maybe remove springs or something to lower it at some point?
Jeff

I would think it could be done simply with lifting blocks. The axles are already below the springs. Take measurements of the bolt patterns for the U-bolts on both the front and rear axles, and have your FLAPS get out the books. I'd almost be tempted to make a set myself. Longer U-bolts are readily available, make the pattern, machine to desired height.

Devin

If the truck already is SOA, lift blocks will work in the rear. Front lift blocks are illegal. You can either have the springs rearched or use longer spring shackles. If you go with longer shackles you'll need to reset the caster angle of the front axle. You'll want to realign it anyway after you're done.

It seems to sit no higher than a regular 1/2 ton (if that makes any sense). It does appear to have the heavy duty springs at least in the rear (9 leaf with 5 leaf helper springs). I want to raise it about 3", I will check into the blocks and rearching option also (thanks for the info on front end blocks). Thank you for all of your responses, I will research these options and get some before and after pics once a decision is made.

What size tires are you running?

Many years ago the 59 1/2 ton had big off road tires on it and to clear the front fenders I installed overload shocks. The large rear type not the smaller front type. Put the front end way up there and plenty of clearance.

I plan on running 33" tires. I am not sure what rims I am going to run yet. My grandfather gave me a set of American Racing mags, the old 5 slot style, but they are 16.5" rims and finding tires is a PITA...I have a set of the new style Chevy 2500HD rims, bought them off of Craigs List before I realized that the front backspacing is wrong and needs a spacer to clear the tierods...and I have some 16 steel rims...my wife is getting concerned that it's starting to look like a tire shop.

The NAPCO 1 tons were lifted 3" from the factory w/ blocks in the rear. They also had a shock adapter for the rear which is pretty simple. I can measure/photo my front springs and steering if it would help. The body is still off my '58. Also, the e brake cable will not work after it's lifted, you can get one made from Inline Tube. You will also have to get brake hoses made up.

Stan S.

Pics would be great, thanks Stan