Keep front leaf springs? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

54rustbucket · 03-29-2004, 05:40 PM

I'm begining a ground rebuild of a '54 Chevy truck. It has original front leaf springs and solid front axle, with drum brakes. I would like to lower it a few inches. My question is how many people have kept and still use original solid axle and leaf springs? I plan on installing a disc brake kit, and maybe power steering later. I'm indecisive on how to lower the front, either with a new axle or new leaf springs. What would work better? Also I'm trying to keep cost down, hoping to stay away from a total I.F.S. swap out.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

cdowns · 03-29-2004, 07:15 PM

the problem that you'll find with lowering the present setup and converting to a disc-brake setup is that by the time you get everything with the steering and brakes it's not that much cheaper than just getting a complete pinto/mustangII kit and it's still going to ride like crap

phestus · 04-03-2004, 02:43 PM

I think that keeping the solid axel and messing with the springs etc. is going to be a lot of engineering, but not impossible..
Compared to converting to IFS, whether you modify the present frame or do a front clip (Mustang II, monte, or a pinto?), this is all a lot of work also..Us folk with IFS sometimes forget how fortunate we are with access to all those cool lowering kits, but what you want to do is pretty major.

Considering that the original hot rodders did all their cool stuff on straight axels, there should be lots of info out there on modified
front ends from that era..If I was you, I think that's the way I'd go.

Beyond anything else, it would be unique for these days, but do your research before you start cutting, as this is a good way to burn money quick..Good luck.

john j · 04-03-2004, 07:55 PM

54 rb- I have a 58 that i am putting the 4" dropped monos on the front. You can also check the prices for disk brakes in the Classic Trucks magazines. The advantage of doing it this way is you retain the stock front frame rails. My truck is a hand me down from my dad. It will be passed on to my son. If he wants to 4x4 it he will still be able to. So look beyond today.johnj

03-29-2004, 05:40 PM	#1
54rustbucket Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 3	Keep front leaf springs? I'm begining a ground rebuild of a '54 Chevy truck. It has original front leaf springs and solid front axle, with drum brakes. I would like to lower it a few inches. My question is how many people have kept and still use original solid axle and leaf springs? I plan on installing a disc brake kit, and maybe power steering later. I'm indecisive on how to lower the front, either with a new axle or new leaf springs. What would work better? Also I'm trying to keep cost down, hoping to stay away from a total I.F.S. swap out. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

03-29-2004, 07:15 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	the problem that you'll find with lowering the present setup and converting to a disc-brake setup is that by the time you get everything with the steering and brakes it's not that much cheaper than just getting a complete pinto/mustangII kit and it's still going to ride like crap __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-03-2004, 02:43 PM	#3
phestus Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: In a snowdrift in Manitoba Posts: 39	I think that keeping the solid axel and messing with the springs etc. is going to be a lot of engineering, but not impossible.. Compared to converting to IFS, whether you modify the present frame or do a front clip (Mustang II, monte, or a pinto?), this is all a lot of work also..Us folk with IFS sometimes forget how fortunate we are with access to all those cool lowering kits, but what you want to do is pretty major. Considering that the original hot rodders did all their cool stuff on straight axels, there should be lots of info out there on modified front ends from that era..If I was you, I think that's the way I'd go. Beyond anything else, it would be unique for these days, but do your research before you start cutting, as this is a good way to burn money quick..Good luck. __________________ '70 C-10, mostly rust n' dust '74 BMW R90/6 "The quickest way to get yourself out of a hole, is to stop digging..."

04-03-2004, 07:55 PM	#4
john j Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Newport NH Posts: 216	54 rb- I have a 58 that i am putting the 4" dropped monos on the front. You can also check the prices for disk brakes in the Classic Trucks magazines. The advantage of doing it this way is you retain the stock front frame rails. My truck is a hand me down from my dad. It will be passed on to my son. If he wants to 4x4 it he will still be able to. So look beyond today.johnj __________________ you laugh at me cause i'm different ; i laugh at you cause you're the same

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