The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Stock Suspension Upgrades? '50 Chevy 3100

My '50 Chevy 3100 could use some serious suspension upgrades. I don't expect to take corners at top speed, but I also suspect that the shocks etc may be original!

I'm not sold on lowering the truck. So, what should I consider to make it handle a little better and more reliably?

1. I think it could use a good lube to quiet squeaks and groans
2. I've ordered new shocks all around.
3. Are new springs in order???

Loving my new truck! Thanks - Dickson

Wasn't 50 the 1st year for tube shocks? You could fairly inexpensively update to gas shocks or if you want even stiffer ride you could go with coil overs.

I am updating to gas shocks. They are on order.

How much improvement would come from adding wider wheels and wider, lower profile radial tires? I like the ones on your truck. Where would I go about finding a set?

Thanks! Dickson

I suppose that lowering leaf spring are not a possibility in the front due to little suspension travel space and/or safety issues.

Does lowering a truck perhaps 2" (with rear lowering blocks and drop axles in the front) lower the center of gravity so much that the handling improves?

Or is it just for looks? Thanks - Dickson

I found that going from the original wheels to car tires greatly improved the tracking and ride. Lowering the CG while mathematically decreases lean..improvement in handling will be most noticed by front to rear weight distribution and leveling the stance.

I like the look of a 2 inch rake and lowering the front was a preference

I also have 3/4 ton leaf springs yet in the back so there is not much sway. I guess you could add some helper leaf springs in the back and even in the front to stiffen your 1/2 ton spring rate

My truck handle like a dream since I replaced the springs and the shocks. Next step will be radial tires.

Lowering your truck (dropping the body/frame relative to the axles) will not make it handle better, it will make it worse because it upsets the steering geometry.

Your springs are almost certainly going flat, which is probably a big part of your problem.

So for excellent steering and handeling I would recommend:

Adjust your steering box correctly.
Check and adjust or replace your tie rod and drag link ends.
Make sure your king pins are in good order.
New springs and shackles
New shocks
Get the truck aligned correctly.

And for gravy,
Get radial tires. Keep your old rims and either spend the big bucks for the Cocker 6.50 R 16 or get the tallest skinniest radial that will fit correctly.

I think you will be very pleased, the truck will handle better than new and will look great too.

I have done all the above except the radials, and I am flat amazed at how good she handles. Still a truck of course.

Kurt