I did a search and it mostly covers suspension geometry of the smaller vehicles.
Here's my situation. I purchased this Chevy '64 1.5t stake truck to haul my new holland 345d loader which is about 10K lbs. Since I'm a little on the cheap side, i thought of making a bet that can slide like a roll back tow truck. Drive the loader on top of that and lock it down and (GO)! BUT I have a large roll bar/canopy on that loader, and if i come across a low bridge, i don't want to destroy anything.
SO, would there be a way to lower the front by putting the spring "OVER" the spring? And, if anything can be done to the rear shackles to get some lowering out of them too?
I would measure the height of the loader and the height of the frame (give yourself 6 to 8 inches for the deck) and see how high that is. As long as it is under 12 feet it should be fine. Though there is always this bridge to contend with.
I would be interested in seeing a picture of the Tractor as it must be a monster, or if not, you must have some low bridges in your neighborhood!!
I used to drive a '62 GMC 6500 that was probably about 6 Inches taller at the bed than your truck will be and I would carry full units of lumber, 3 high. We would be bordering 13 Ft 6 Inches at times, but I never hit anything, luckily anyway.
I actually would not recommend lowering your truck any except for maybe some Low Profile Tires if necessary.
Also at 10K Lbs for your Tractor and the weight of a Sliding Steel Bed, you will be real close, if not over your GVW.
Have you considered towing it behind on a trailer instead?
Nice looking truck there, by the way.
Bill
'60-'72 Chev/GMC Fan GMC 9500 Fan Detroit Diesel Fan
I'd LOVE to lower it and put some Alcoa rims up front and some wide Alcoa radials out back like the semi's have around here. I wish that I could do a 'paint-shop' pic of it like that.
BUT, has anyone known of lowering one of these axles?
I was thinking last night you could try to install an Air ride system on the truck with an air pump. With that setup you could let the air out of the bags when going under a small bridge. You would get a lowered effect when you needed it without sacrificing suspension travel.
Those 3-1/2 inch-tall,wooden cross-members will be eliminated, since you're planning on a newer style bed,right? If you move your front axle to the top of the springs,I'd think that you'd lose quite a bit of your steering radius,due to tires rubbing either the frame or fenders. The smaller the tires that you use,the lesser your G.V.W. (SAFE) rating. If You decide to lower your truck,the most inexpensive way to do it,would be to go to low-profile wheels/tires,compatible to your 6-bolt wheels. Personally,I don't like the looks,especially on an older,(1-1/2-2-ton),truck. To me,it looks like a big truck,grafted to a 1-ton frame. Fuel mileage will suffer,as well. My advice would be to find a used "Jerr-Dan",or similar unit. They're usually aluminum,(lighter weight,more hauling capacity),and hug the frame nicely.this would MAYBE shave 4" from the height of your floor,the way it's set-up now.(Lower center of gravity,better stability). I wouldn't try removing any springs,since you're hauling some considerable weight. Make sure that your brakes are up to the task,as well.
