![]() |
Register or Log In To remove these advertisements. |
|
|
![]() |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
![]() |
#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: greensboro nc
Posts: 673
|
panle suspenion upgrade
I have 1969 Panel truck that I would like to upgrade suspenion on. Truck has 454 and 3 spd. #spd short life just trying to decide on auto or better straight drive setup.Lots of fun with straight gear or easier lazy lifew with auto.
Going to be lowering truck 2" with springs for now. I would ultimately like to use spindle with disc brakes and lower 2 to 3". I want to increase handling and ride . Handling being the most important of the two. As with most the word budget is small and very limited due to other projects like race car. My thinking is. Urethane bushing thru out starting with front end and do while adding new ball joints,cutting springs and adding shocks, To be followed by sway bar install. Then bushing for rear of truck and sway bar at same time. Now I am engine and powertrain experienced. Everything from SBC to top fuel engines and power train. Not a lot of suspensions in Funny car and dragsters.LOL Also built few chassis and lots of welding and fabrication experience, Looking for suggestions on products. Procedures and helpfup tips.
__________________
Only the stupid know too much to learn something new. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#2 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
|
Re: panle suspenion upgrade
Don’t be surprised if the 2” drop springs don’t lower your truck.
If it has the original springs, they are probably sagging. I would start with drop spindles and go from there. Do what you want the first time.
__________________
Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: greensboro nc
Posts: 673
|
Re: panle suspenion upgrade
going to be cutting original springs for now. While they are old they have not been driven as much as age would indicate. I know still had to hold the bbc up.LOL They are factory heavy duty so may help some. Going to be changing ball joints and shocks at same time.so if does not work I will just order a 2" drop or may go 3".
Soft ride is not my goal and if more harsh ride I am ok with it.Heck not bouncing for 3 minutes after crossing a bridge will be huge improvement.LOL
__________________
Only the stupid know too much to learn something new. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#4 |
Senior Member
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Hickory Flat, GA
Posts: 4,458
|
Re: panle suspenion upgrade
If you’ve got power steering already, doing the caster mod will help a lot with the handling
__________________
Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#5 |
Post Whore
![]() Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,100
|
Re: panle suspenion upgrade
X2 on the caster mod.
Get an 1-1/4 sway bar from a later model truck or Burban. It will make a noticeable difference. Relocating the rear shock mounts to allow a more vertical shock positioning is a good idea. All of these are low buck modifications that get you good bang for the buck.
__________________
Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. ![]() RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: greensboro nc
Posts: 673
|
Re: panle suspenion upgrade
I am going to do caster mod soon. The relocate shock mount for rear looks pretty easy.Both more work than money and can do that. As for sway bar I have one off 1991 3/4 ton but not ideal contor should still work and is always changeable so might throw it on too.
__________________
Only the stupid know too much to learn something new. |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Bookmarks |
|
|