55.2-59 1959 Fleetside Short Bed Project

[BLAC]

Originally Posted by dsraven

well, I would say it would be a fun time getting the spring pack back together again and then you are running the main leaf in a configuration that is opposite to what it was made to do. personally, i wouldn't but i'm sure there is gonna be somebody who says go for it. they are new springs so at least you have that going for you as far as compared to using old springs which would likely crack after a few bends the "wrong way". they are arced for use the other way so using them backwards would be counter-intuitive because they would be simulating carrying a fair load just sitting on the ground installed upside down in the pack.
remember the main leaf, if cracked, is gonna give you a real ride because it is what orients the axle in the truck. any of the other leafs are just "going with the flow" and will cause a sag but not catastrophe if broken.

Ya this is what I was afraid of. I was just unsure if it was a common modification. I might be better off pulling 1-2 leafs

[BAM55]

Go check out the h.a.m.b board and see if you can find info on this. They do a lot of traditional rodding over there and someone may know something.

[dsraven]

how low are you trying to go? you don't wanna drop it too much with a sold axle or it will be bottoming out all the time. what about a smaller diameter tire?

[dsraven]

got some pics with the wheels on and the new front axle stuff? too late already, thr truck is dissassembled into boxes now? lol.

[BLAC]

Originally Posted by dsraven

got some pics with the wheels on and the new front axle stuff? too late already, thr truck is dissassembled into boxes now? lol.

Haha no it is still one (incomplete) piece.

Here it is sitting on the ground, I just think it should be sitting lower. Granted there is no motor or trans in it and the tires are pretty small on 14's so it looks a little funky.



But if you look at the axle directly it looks like the truck would be really low, but the body is up too high.

[dsraven]

I think you will be surprised when you load an engine and trans in there and drive it around a little until the springs get "set". it could make all the difference. of course, a set of wheels and tires would also help. any idea of the diameter you will go with for tires? I have some 235/55r17's on mine. dan from pasadena has the same size on his truck. here is a link to his build. check page 108 for a pic with that size tire to see if you like it. those tires are 27.2" tall. I may end up with some 235/60r17's just for the extra height. it will affect the highway cruising rpm, and fuel mileage, a bit

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63698&page=108

here is a link to a tire size chart with a visual comparison tab and several other tabs. maybe come in handy for you.

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

[BLAC]

Originally Posted by dsraven

I think you will be surprised when you load an engine and trans in there and drive it around a little until the springs get "set". it could make all the difference. of course, a set of wheels and tires would also help. any idea of the diameter you will go with for tires? I have some 235/55r17's on mine. dan from pasadena has the same size on his truck. here is a link to his build. check page 108 for a pic with that size tire to see if you like it. those tires are 27.2" tall. I may end up with some 235/60r17's just for the extra height. it will affect the highway cruising rpm, and fuel mileage, a bit

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63698&page=108

here is a link to a tire size chart with a visual comparison tab and several other tabs. maybe come in handy for you.

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

His truck looks great! I think I want to find some FJ cruiser 17" steelies to roll around on for a while, but they are tough to find

Ill keep that tire profile in mind once I track a set down

[joedoh]

looks like a fine roadkill skinner!