1949 Chevy 3600 into a daily driver

[Coach529]

I have never done any research on the mono leafs, so I cannot comment. I plan on doing the axle flip and then remove 2-3 leaves.

That should be low enough....but if it is not I plan on making a lowering block to place between the springs and axle.

[Coach529]

Not much new on the project. Just stacking up parts for when I have some time to get some stuff done.

My radiator from Gulfstream87 over at HAMB showed up this week.



I also received my dropped axle from Sid. Everything looks great. I got the whole meal deal from Sid. All new modern tie rods ends, drag link. New installed King Pins. Should be better than new.



I ordered my new U-Bolts online last night. Need to order some caster shims and I should be almost ready to go.

I need to go to the local junkyard and find some Chevy 5 bolt steel wheels with some rubber on them for rollers for now until I decided on what I am going to run.

Also need to find a rear end and figure out what I am going to do about a driveshaft. Probably end up with a 4 x 4 S-10 rear end.

[NEWFISHER]

Remember to install the Zerk fittings at the backside of the spindles before you install the axle ( ask me how I know) 1/4" straight ones at the uppers and 45 degree ones below if I remember right so you can access the fitting. When the backing plates and the steer arms are installed, you can get to the lowers.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

Remember to install the Zerk fittings at the backside of the spindles before you install the axle ( ask me how I know) 1/4" straight ones at the uppers and 45 degree ones below if I remember right so you can access the fitting. When the backing plates and the steer arms are installed, you can get to the lowers.

Thanks for the heads up....

[focusedontheprize]

Sid was a great guy to work with. He was incredibly helpful with everything when I did mine (as I have heard from many people). I saw your post asking about the stance, I will wait till get the front clip back on to take a side shot - the rear needs to go lower.....

Are you grabbing a few leafs out of the front spring packs?

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by focusedontheprize

Sid was a great guy to work with. He was incredibly helpful with everything when I did mine (as I have heard from many people). I saw your post asking about the stance, I will wait till get the front clip back on to take a side shot - the rear needs to go lower.....

Are you grabbing a few leafs out of the front spring packs?

Yea I am planning on two for now. My stock springs are pretty sacked out so I am afraid to grab more than that.

[NEWFISHER]

It's gonna be loooooow Start soaking the leaf pack pins with ATF and Kerosine mix and you might want to pick up some new ones. I grabbed mine for less than $5 at the local Napa.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

It's gonna be loooooow Start soaking the leaf pack pins with ATF and Kerosine mix and you might want to pick up some new ones. I grabbed mine for less than $5 at the local Napa.

I have the pins already.......figured they would not come apart without a fight!!

Shooting for that 5" to 5-1/2" drop on the front. Will look sick!!

[NEWFISHER]

How's the drop comming?

[Coach529]

It is stalled out right now. I have been busy with work and some other projects lately.

I hope to get back at in the next couple weeks.

[NEWFISHER]

It's the best looking rig in the driveway!

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

It's the best looking rig in the driveway!

Thanks, but that is not saying much.......

[NEWFISHER]

Originally Posted by Coach529

Thanks, but that is not saying much.......

Well, my driveway has My wifes 2008 Tahoe, my 2006 GMC crew cab 2x on bags and my 97 Chevy 1 ton 4x crew dually camper hauler and the 50 Burb. I drive the 50 burb and my neighbors think I'm nuts. Not saying much is me saying I would drive that sweeeet blue truck before any of the others

[Coach529]

I am sure it will be the most used ride......except during those hot summer months when the top comes off the Jeep!!

I cannot wait!!

[Coach529]

looking for some water pump advice.....

[Coach529]

Despite water pump issues, we are still making forward progress.



Time to install the new Sid's lowered 1/2 ton axle.

Height reference picture!!



15 minutes and a grinder with a skinny wheel and the stock 3/4 ton axle was out.



The ultimate goal is a 5"-6" drop. The axle is 4" drop, so the remaining 2" of drop will come from tires and removing some leaves from the spring pack. To start I removed 2 from the bottom of the stack. The spring retainer bolt came out easy, but I replaced it anyway.



Today I need to round up a puller for the steering arm and start installing the new stuff!!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Coach529

Time to install the new Sid's lowered 1/2 ton axle.

The ultimate goal is a 5"-6" drop. The axle is 4" drop, so the remaining 2" of drop will come from tires and removing some leaves from the spring pack. To start I removed 2 from the bottom of the stack. The spring retainer bolt came out easy, but I replaced it anyway.



Today I need to round up a puller for the steering arm and start installing the new stuff!!

Hi Coach,
It looks from this photo like you pulled the smallest leaf and then the 3rd smallest leaf, is that correct?

Any plans to put Teflon between the leaves to smooth out the ride? This once was a common upgrade that I never seem to see anymore on our trucks. I THINK its because everyone's into IFS. I'm planning to try that when I pull my spring packs apart for cleaning/painting.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Hi Coach,
It looks from this photo like you pulled the smallest leaf and then the 3rd smallest leaf, is that correct?

Any plans to put Teflon between the leaves to smooth out the ride? This once was a common upgrade that I never seem to see anymore on our trucks. I THINK its because everyone's into IFS. I'm planning to try that when I pull my spring packs apart for cleaning/painting.

That is correct, 1st and 3rd leaf pulled from the bottom.

I though briefly about the teflon.......but then kind of forgot all about it.

[mechanixman]

Great work Coach,
It look fantastic
I haven't heard of the Teflon idea before.
What product would you use to coat the springs?
(I'm pretty sure it's not Teflon tape. Ha ha)

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by mechanixman

Great work Coach,
It look fantastic
I haven't heard of the Teflon idea before.
What product would you use to coat the springs?
(I'm pretty sure it's not Teflon tape. Ha ha)

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flat-S...ners,7471.html

[NEWFISHER]

How's the water pump issue?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

How's the water pump issue?
Posted via Mobile Device

Ongoing.

I made a couple gaskets and did a multiple layer of Honda Bond and 2 gaskets to try and take up the dish on the pump.

It sealed it up better.....it now only leaks when it runs.

It leaks so little it evaporates off the block now at idle.

I am just stepping away from cooling system issues for a bit.......Frustrated.

[_Ogre]

going to color match the interior?

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

going to color match the interior?

Doubtful....but I do have a matching bucket and pad for the passenger side. :-)

[Coach529]

Not much progress.

I got the axle bolted up, along with my disc brake bracket bolted up on the passenger side and that is it.







Running to the junk yard shortly to ditch my old stuff and hopefully find some temp 15", 5 on 4-3/4" rims to use.