Ben:
Responding to your questions below, my truck has a small block 283 V8 with a
2004R automatic. The next year after I did the leaf removal thing I switched
to a Total Cost Involved independant front suspension (IFS) with disc brakes
and Mustang II rack and pinion steering.
I did nothing to lower the original rear end and suspension. I replaced the
stock suspension and rear axle with a Ford 9 inch rear and an Art Morrison
4-link suspension with coil-over shocks I bought at a swap meet.
I have some pictures of the front and rear suspension swaps, showing the
original suspension and the new & improved IFS and 4-link rear suspension.
Let me know if you would be interested and I'll email you with them.
I swapped to an IFS and 4-link because I wanted new suspension parts that
were more reliable, made the truck safer to drive, handle and ride better.
I've not been disappointed but it took me the better part of 4 months
working nights and weekends in my garage and several thousand dollars to get
what I wanted. The truck handles fantastic, rides well, stops straight, and
corners like it was on rails.
Good Luck on your '55 project. Getting it the way you want it is half the
fun! Let me know if you need any more information.
Carl Ham
'56 Chevy Stepside Pickup
Hopewell, IL
>From: "Ben Olsen" <burton1813@gmail.com>
>To: the_hams@hotmail.com
>Subject: Lowering your '56 stepside.
>Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2006 12:39:46 -0500
>
>Hey Carl. I found your description of how you lowered your truck by
>removing
>leafs 3 and 4. That is a very cost effective way of doing it and exactly
>what I was looking and hoping for. So you said that your truck rode very
>good after you did that? Do you have a V8 or a straight six in there
>because
>I'm sure that changes things. I also wanted to ask you if you had done
>anything to lower the rear. I know adding blocks is highly frowned upon and
>generally does more bad than good. So I am curious if you had done anything
>to the rear. I would love to see some pictures of your truck. Even some
>before and after shots before you did the suspension change. If you have
>any
>I would be greatful to see some. I have a '55 that I bought in Nebraska and
>towed back to Vermont, my hometown. It is in storage for the winter becuase
>I am at school in Ohio. Anyway. Thanks for your time, I would be interested
>in hearing what you did to the rear, and very interested in any pictures.
>Thanks a bunch. I enjoyed your story and plan on doing it myself. Ben
>Olsen.
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|