The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk The plan- will it work out?

After bringing home my 46 chevy pickup 1/2 ton, I have decided I want to keep the truck original for the most part. I plan to use it as a daily driver to and from work, about 1/2 a mile each way. And restore to original down the road starting summer 2011.

The only real alteration I would like to make is to lower it some, fairly modest drop. My main concerns are keeping it safe and keeping it as close to the original gear as possible/keeping the cost low (for original restoration).
After a ton of reading, I am even more confused....dropped axles, drop spindles, remove leafs, mono leaf, axle flip, lowering blocks ect. Cheap lowering block kits or labor flipping the axle are right up my alley.
The rear end seems obvious- remove some leafs plus lowering blocks if necessary. Or do an axle flip. Safety?
Now the front end, I'm just not sure. What is the right way to go about trying to keep it as stock and cheap as possible? Oh, and safe too.
I know lowering has been covered a million times and I have read as many threads as I could find but I just don't seem to be able to come to a final decision. I appreciate any help.Thanks.

Lowbow

Go to Sid's www.droppedaxles.com

That is the best advice you will find period. Sid is on the HAMB often.

You can even have your own axle dropped, then you know it will bolt right in. Sid will walk you thru everthing you need.

There is no drop spindles available for your truck.

Mono leafs will drop it more, however not required.

I would invest in a disc brake swap to increase the braking
Now if you had an AD, I would consider selling you an IFS kit.

Lowbow, I have to agree with Scott, unfortunately 'cheaply' and 'safely' don't often go together.
I've never been a fan of lowering blocks on front axles,personally I would 'bite the bullet' and get a dropped axle.
From what I've read about Sid is...he's the guy.
There's a few bolters highly praise his products/knowledge.
Good luck.

Sounds good. Paying the extra $50 for the core might be a good idea too and keep the original axle on the shelf. The brake swap is a must, my old 57 with original brakes gave me a few minor heart attacks.

I saw a "slightly used" dropped axle from a 1950 1/2 ton for sale. The ad said that it will fit 47-54. A mistake I would think? Shouldn't it fit 41-55?
Thanks for the advice.

Good luck Low whatever you decide. My suggestion is: add sway bars front and rear.

exactly what Scott Danforth said.... you cant go wrong with one of Sid's dopped axles up front.
check out my photbucket pics, i got one of his on my 57.

leonard