Front Front shackles 1959

[dennislbrooks]

It seems to me that the last year of the front front shackles was 1959. Then after, anything with front leaf springs had the shackles on the Front rear - 4wds like my 67.

I fought a darting problem on my conversion 1959 GMC Fleet 4wd - 85 running gears. My 1959 front leaf springs have all new bushings and pins front and rear. Also a new steering box, new ball joints, all new joints in steering. It has had the toe set to zero.

The only thing I had left was front front shackles unlike my 67 with front rear shackles.

Changing my 59 to be like the 67 is very involved but I have improved the steering with a 3/4 ton 4wd sway bar.

I wonder how the pre 1960 Napcos drove with the front front shackles.

[leegreen]

is this picture at ride height?



That drag link angle looks like it would make it turn left on bumps, it needs to be closer to level. Can you get a pitman arm with less drop or steering arms for the knuckles that sit lower?
Or raise the steering box.
Or convert to cross steer.

[dennislbrooks]

Yes it is ride height as the axle is sitting on jack stands. The pitman arm and steering arm are stock. I guess maybe raise the front another inch would be easiest. I could add a leaf.

Raising the steering box would be a chore and I have not found any pitman or steering arms to correct as you suggested. Probably add a leaf is easiest. I have air shocks on the back so raising rear is easy. I really do not want to raise the truck anymore as it is 4 inches over stock now.



I will look at the angle of my 67 - it has no problems. The 59 rides/steers pretty good with the front sway bar.


Both pics below are the 67 and the steering link is near level. My 67 is low and actually has a slight negative arch on the front - the way I want it.