BUSY BOLTERS Are you one? The Shop Area
continues to pull in the most views on the Stovebolt. In August alone there were over 22,000 views in those 13 forums.
| | Click on image for the lowdown. 
====
| | Forums66 Topics126,776 Posts1,039,271 Members48,100 | Most Online2,175 Jul 21st, 2025 | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 37 | I've got all the stock suspension under my truck and would like to lower the front. Is removing a few leafs the easiest/cheapest way to go? | | | | Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2010 Posts: 114 | or for a hundred something bux you can buy new mono leafs that will lower up to 3" i believe. probably safer too. | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 280 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 280 | its not the easiest or cheapest but if you went with a different front clip with some drop spindles It would drop your front 6 inches! And in the process update your suspension, brakes, and steering! win win!
*UNDER CONSTRUCTION* 1953 Chevrolet 3100 1/2 ton-previously abandoned resto. My Project BoltI hate when people leave their brains at home. Seriously when did critical thinking and customer service go out the window? How about common sense and striving to go the extra mile? Idiots, surrounded by idiots it tell you.
| | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 219 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 219 | What if you changed out the rear of the front spring,, spring hanger'' bringing it up closer to the chassie this would give you a few inches maybe. Now my question.. is there a new type hanger avaliable or would you have to make it? I am considering such a move with the rear spring front hanger, i have lowered the front end with 2'' drop spindles, now working on the rear.I was just going to start a topic when i saw this one. What do ya think?
Last edited by laybacklenny; 01/08/2011 3:22 PM.
layback
| | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 280 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 280 | laybacklenny, shortening the leaf spring shackles would lower the truck you are correct. It would give you how ever many inches you shortened it (obv.) I am sure you can find them somewhere for the mear fact that some guys shackles are rusted out and need replacement. I will look around.
*UNDER CONSTRUCTION* 1953 Chevrolet 3100 1/2 ton-previously abandoned resto. My Project BoltI hate when people leave their brains at home. Seriously when did critical thinking and customer service go out the window? How about common sense and striving to go the extra mile? Idiots, surrounded by idiots it tell you.
| | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 22 New Guy | New Guy Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 22 | Hi Guys, I have a big bolt and would like to get the front to look exactly like this. http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos...91212992_1852033637_597178_4013845_n.jpgWould reset springs and a dropped front axle get me to this? I have put a message in the thread with the owner of this truck but thought it could help with anyone searching in future. Cheers Damian | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 280 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 280 | i am not sure I would have to see the axle setup underneath the skin. I am not sure the bones on these big bolts.
*UNDER CONSTRUCTION* 1953 Chevrolet 3100 1/2 ton-previously abandoned resto. My Project BoltI hate when people leave their brains at home. Seriously when did critical thinking and customer service go out the window? How about common sense and striving to go the extra mile? Idiots, surrounded by idiots it tell you.
| | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 4,109 | I have no advice on how but i would decide on a end plan and try to go there directly. this will save time and most importantly MONEY in the long run.
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: Dec 2008 Posts: 319 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 319 | Shortening shackles will lower, for sure, but might limit the movement of the spring. And remember there are other things to consider, like geometry and clearances. You could end up with the look you want, but it would be a [censored] to drive. Coneboy, how low do you want to go?
cm If you can't fix it with a hammer and screwdriver, you need a bigger hammer.1965 Chevy C10 | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 82 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2005 Posts: 82 | laybackkleny: You say you dropped the front end with 2" dropped spindels. On an I beam axle? If so what spindles did you use? That would be easier than a dropped axle
1949 chev 3100 3 window. 350hp/327/m21 4 spd, 12 bolt rear, power brakes, 3" dropped axle from Sid's. Disc brakes next.
| | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 37 | I guess the big question is: How low can I go with the stock axle and still maintain drivability?
Saving American history one rust bucket at a time. When they're gone, they're gone forever!
| | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 229 Shop Shark | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 229 | measure out your springs eye hole to eye hole and hit the junk yard for a set with less curve would be the cheapest or hit the aftermaket for a monoleaf or lowering springs
MO's 1951 chevy 3100 resto mod project
| | | | Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,516 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2001 Posts: 1,516 | www.droppedaxles.comSid is THE man when it comes to dropped front axles for these old trucks. Marty | | | | Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 936 'Bolter | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2011 Posts: 936 | ^ x2 on www.droppedaxles.comNostalgia Sid is indeed THE man. Awesome guy and a great product. I bought a 4" drop axle off another stovebolt member and Sid has been more than happy to spend time with me on the phone on numerous occasions just chatting thru things. I'll be buying my rear blocks and anything else I'll end up needing from him simply because he's been that helpful. | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 35 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2007 Posts: 35 | Thanks guys for the good words. I'm always here to help on any axle questions. I'm just not a axle dropper I love any old cars. I've made many friends in the old car world by just helping other car nuts out. Who cares if they are a customer or not if they need help. I was a old car nut before I was in business.
Last edited by Drapal; 01/24/2012 2:15 PM.
| | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 37 Wrench Fetcher | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 37 | Anybody removing a dropped axle to install an IFS unit? No room in the budget right now for a new "Sid's". Sure would love to have one though.
Saving American history one rust bucket at a time. When they're gone, they're gone forever!
| | |
| |