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Old 03-22-2010, 03:17 PM   #1
1955 Eddie
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Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

Hi guys. I have a 1953 1/2 ton that I building with a very small budget. Anyone have any ideas or experience on lowering the front end on one of these. The previous owner started a frame off and the frame is in nice condition so I hate to clip it.
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Old 03-22-2010, 03:40 PM   #2
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

De-arch the springs or make a bracket to put the axle on top of the spring. That is lo-buck.
Spending some money will get you a dropped axle or 3" lowering springs.
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Old 03-22-2010, 04:29 PM   #3
bensimmons_05
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

www.droppedaxle.com Cool guy. Affordable drop axles and he gives money for cores. He deals on ebay and has a great rating.

I have one on my truck.
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Old 03-22-2010, 04:30 PM   #4
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

I put the wrong link to begin with.. I changed it.
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Old 03-22-2010, 08:46 PM   #5
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

That's Sid. He's the best around. Scrounge up some cores and you may be able to get it cheaper than you think. I've got 3 so far. Someday I'll send him one and then go pick it up with all the cores!
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Old 03-22-2010, 10:48 PM   #6
1955 Eddie
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

Thanks guys. This really helps. My 53 just seems so high. Maybe thats normal but I bet the running boards are 12 inches off of the ground. Maybe its me being a newbie to original ride height.
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Old 03-22-2010, 11:33 PM   #7
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

getting rid of the stock wheels and tires would help too.
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Old 03-23-2010, 12:21 AM   #8
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

On HAMB there are a couple of threads about his axles, I think one even shows the process. A search over there for chevy truck dropped axle might find it..
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Old 03-23-2010, 11:05 AM   #9
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

IF you are really tight on money you can flip your front axle.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=245130

WAY more trouble than a drop axle but almost free if you have the tools to do it.
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Old 03-23-2010, 01:03 PM   #10
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

Only 12" to running board height? Wow, your's is already lowered. Mine's at 13"!!! You don't need ramps to change the oil but you need a step to get into the truck. Welcome to stock height.
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Old 03-23-2010, 02:50 PM   #11
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

There is some good info on both of those links! Thanks.
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Old 03-23-2010, 02:55 PM   #12
1955 Eddie
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

Thanks for confirming that 12-13 inch height is normal. I just guessed at 12 inches for mine. I bet your right at 13 inches. I was thinking that it might be a 3/4 ton or a 4x4 when I first bought it. It was my first experience with a stock frame.
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Old 03-23-2010, 02:57 PM   #13
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

I agree there is lots of good info on those links. Thanks for the help all.
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Old 03-23-2010, 06:55 PM   #14
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

i did it for free.... remove 3 leafs and manufacture a bump stop. use 14" rims and low profile tires... you will be dragging!! (over speed bumps). it aint safe but it's low!!
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Old 03-23-2010, 07:31 PM   #15
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Re: Anyone know a low buck way to drop a straight axle front end?

Quote:
Originally Posted by mylow53 View Post
i did it for free.... remove 3 leafs and manufacture a bump stop. use 14" rims and low profile tires... you will be dragging!! (over speed bumps). it aint safe but it's low!!
GT
I did almost exactly the same thing he did but I won't even begin to say that it drives anywhere near good.


I think it had 205-70 14's on the front in this photo. I have run 195/14 and like the look better with them.

14x7 Enkie 32 wheels on front and 15x8.5 on the rear with 255-60/15 tires.
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