55.2-59 1959 Original straight axle

[59_Apache]

Hello All,

I am rebuilding the original front suspension on my 1959 Chevy 1/2 ton. For now I am upgrading to 6 lug discs, roller bearings, posies single springs, bilstien shocks and a new stabilizer bar. Everything is getting replaced or rebuilt and powder coated. I have been unable to find new non dropped front axles nor new non dropped spindles. If anyone knows of a source I would appreciate it. Speedway sells spindles but they are for cars.

I have two original axles
First was heated to remove the king pin and allowed to cool by itself albeit in a cold shop
Second has egg shaped mount holes for the spring mounts.
Which is better to use? Am I risking failure by using the heated one? Would welding and re-drilling the holes cause any issues?

Thank you

[dsraven]

Check pin fitment in the heated axle. If right and not eggshaped try cleaning the bore with a wire brush on a drill, then recheck. If tight use it.
The way to fix the egg shape is to install a larger diameter kingpin, if its within reason. That means reaming the bore to fit the new pin and also reaming the new bushings to fit the new pins. The axle reaming means possible different angle than stock, due to human error etc, so when done it affects camber angle. Not too bad with skinny stock tires but exaggerated with fatties. OR, send it out to a place like Sid's for rebuild or exchange.

[mick53]

I took a set of king pins out of a spare axle today to give the spindles to a forum member. It took a 20 ton press and a rosebud on the torch. I don't think heat hurts the axle. I have never taken out a pair that didn't need heat but I'm no expert.

[mr48chev]

I don't think that heat in that area will have a negative effect as long as you let it cool down naturally and didn't spray water on it or dump it in a bucket of water.

If you don't want a dropped axle You could check with Sids https://www.droppedaxles.com/ and ask about bringing the axle up to snuff without dropping it. Or see what they woud sell an original axle that they had set the camber on and had the ends to spec but didn't drop. That way when you put your shiny finish on it you don't have to worry about the front end shop scratching said finish when they adjust the camber if they have to.

There are no dropped spindles for I beam axle trucks. They just flat don't exist and there is really no need for them. I don't really know of any aftermarket spindles right off hand either. If you decide on a dropped axle I and most others will suggest either having yours dropped or getting one from Sids as the Speedway one is a rather cobbled together piece that is more than a bit suspect along with being rather ugly.

[MARTINSR]

Sids customer services has been top notch for me so far, they have my axle right now for dropping. Go to their site and send them an email, you WILL get a response back quickly and get your answer. I would think that would be just another service for them installing the spindles and all on a dropped axle or stock one, I don't think it would be a big deal. I have a feeling they have a BUNCH of those axles.

Here is SIDs website. https://www.droppedaxles.com/

Brian

[Dan in Pasadena]

A quick FYI about things like Posie's Super Slider springs. Top notch product but when they say 2 or 3" drop that's from the original ride height. Remember your truck springs have settled inches since new over 60 years. So you likely won't get as much lowering as you may think.