Lift Questions

[Bnabb0618]

I recently bought a 1950 3600. It is going to be my new project but I haven't actually tore into it yet.
That doesn't stop me from having tons of questions.
My biggest question is about a lift on my 3600.
I know most guys around here are slamming and bagging them but I want to lift my a little bit.
Nothing super crazy probably something around 2-4"
I have read 3100 front springs are the same as the 3600.
I dunno if that helps at all but I know they make more aftermarket parts
for the 3100.
Does anyone make lift springs for either model?
Or are they going be strictly a custom set up?
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[Bnabb0618]

Is anybody lifting their truck?
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[mr48chev]

With this bunch, probably not. We either figure out how to lower them or the restoration guys want them set to factory stock height.

I'd talk to the spring shop your local 4x4 guys use and see if they can re-arch your springs or build you a new set with more arch for the lift. On the rear you could use a pair of lift blocks just like the 4x4 guys but that won't fly on the front. You might even check with a 4x4 shop and see if springs with the right width and length are available with the lift you want.

This is interesting, it gives the measurements of the springs http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_...966_s/1821.htm
You might contact them and see if they can build springs that will give you the wanted lift.

Their home page. http://www.generalspringkc.com/default.asp I don't know anything about them except what we see but It doesn't hurt to ask and they do do custom work.

They are in Olathe Ks and 186 miles from you according to the map.

[coralhead]

I am going with the stock suspension on my '50 3/4 ton. The tires and wheels that Iam using are LT-235/85 R16's on stock 6" wide Furd 8 luggers. My center of the axles and spindles are 15 1/4" from the floor. The running board brackets are 17 1/2" rear and 15 1/2" front. I am going with these this combination because the tire height is a bit over 31" and this will let me get into the 50 MPH+ range without running the 235 tight. Rear end is 4:56.

I do have to climb up into the cab. Hope this may help.

[Bnabb0618]

That does actually help a little bit. Right now I believe mine is sitting on stock suspension and I found a set of 19.5" rims so that already lifted it a couple inches running 8r19.5 tires. I believe they came out to be around 34". I believe the tires that were on there were around 28 inches. I only have them on the back right now though. I'm hoping to get it moved to my place so I can tear into it.
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[coralhead]

Are you running stock drive train? If you get too tall a tire you may have trouble on the low end. 3600's look a lot better up than down.

[Bnabb0618]

Yeah I'm going to leave the '55 235, the sm420 ( I believe that's right, correct me if I'm wrong) and then the stick rear end gears, I believe they are 4.56's
The plan is to be more of a cruiser than a highway runner but that could always change.
Will that hearing I'll be running around the 3000 rpm range at around 55-60 correct? Or am I a little bit off on that?
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[coralhead]

Originally Posted by Bnabb0618

Will that hearing I'll be running around the 3000 rpm range at around 55-60 correct? Or am I a little bit off on that?
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You may have a bit less rpm's than that due to the taller tires but that is a good assumption.

[mechanixman]

I'm guessing you're just planning on using blocks for the rear end, one thing I'd try is a guy named sid. He makes dropped straight axles for a living. Maybe give him a call and see if he'll make a raised axle. I've seen people do it before, it seems like you could bend it the other direction without much more difficulty and have a raised axle.
It's a long shot, but you never know!
Here's sid's website.
http://www.droppedaxles.com/

[Bnabb0618]

This maybe a stupid question, correct me if I'm wrong. I'm learning on this older stuff as I go.
The front I beam dips up on the edges where it goes to the kingpins, could that I beam be flipped over where the dips go down and get a couple inches of lift that way? Are the kingpins tapered or could the spindles just be put on normal.
Hopefully that makes sense.

[mechanixman]

I believe the king pins are tapered.
Even you could do that, if you're using the original steering box, flipping axle over would completely screw up you're steering geometry. I highly doubt you can do that.

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by Bnabb0618

This maybe a stupid question, correct me if I'm wrong. I'm learning on this older stuff as I go.
The front I beam dips up on the edges where it goes to the kingpins, could that I beam be flipped over where the dips go down and get a couple inches of lift that way? Are the kingpins tapered or could the spindles just be put on normal.
Hopefully that makes sense.

NO that will not even work. Along with being unsafe the whole geometry of the suspension would be screwed up.

Something like this straight tube axle intended for the "gasser" crowd would http://www.speedwaymotors.com/1949-1...Axle,8983.html

I don't know how wide the axles are for the two wheel drive postal jeeps but one of those would work as a straight axle if it were wide enough and get you the lift you want especially if you want the prerunner look.

[47 Fasttoys]

Actually, with some work the axle can be flipped. It also has to be flipped side to side. I've seen this done on a '59 F100. Looked like chit and had to steer even worse. Just looking at it after the flip was scary. The wheels pitched in at the bottoms and it looked like if he 1 good rock the I beam would just fold under the cab. It raise it up about 6 inches but I don't think anyone was impressed, including the owner.
Rob

[Bnabb0618]

Couldn't I just use a longer pitman arm to adjust the steering?
I'll probably end up making my own lift leaf springs, I'm just looking for ideas.
I'm not a huge fan of lift blocks either.

[OrrieG]

Any spring shop can get you springs arched for lift. Never use lift blocks on a front suspension, they have a tendency to roll during turning movements. Or drop in a 4wd axle and gain 4"! Take a look at Denees thread, hers is up a little.

[Bnabb0618]

I would never use lift blocks on the front, that's just asking for trouble, I really try and never use them. I'm trying to be thrifty with this project but I don't want to break stuff just cruising either.