47-59 What's the best upgrade? 1959 Apache

[RostaRob]

I have a 59 Apache Fleetside SWB big window and I'm wondering what is the most economical way to improve its ride? I dont want to lower it, I just want it to drive better than a buckboard wagon. What are some of the easiest ways to improve? Thanks, Rob

[mr48chev]

If the truck sits at the height you like the inexpensive way to do at least some improvement is to take the springs off and take them apart and clean them up and either lube them between the leaves or put some strips between them to help them slide against each other smoother.

It's dark, cold and windy outside so I can't run out and take a few photos but what is normally done is that you take the spring pack apart and after generally cleaning all of the leaves up you do a bit of work on them to help them slide against each other smoother.

That includes rounding off the bottom side of the tip of each leaf where it contacts the leaf below it. Then smoothing out the indents the leaves put in the leaves below them. Part of the rough ride is the leaf above catching in the notch it made in the leaf and not sliding smoothly.

Rather than grease many folks use one of the poly liners for springs like this https://www.classicparts.com/1947-59...ctinfo/74-935/ between the leaves.

That will probably lead to Replacing the bushings and pins in a "while I am at it" thing.

The older rigs like to be greased often. As in at least every thousand miles. That in it's self helps the ride if you keep the bushings greased.

[RostaRob]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

If the truck sits at the height you like the inexpensive way to do at least some improvement is to take the springs off and take them apart and clean them up and either lube them between the leaves or put some strips between them to help them slide against each other smoother.

It's dark, cold and windy outside so I can't run out and take a few photos but what is normally done is that you take the spring pack apart and after generally cleaning all of the leaves up you do a bit of work on them to help them slide against each other smoother.

That includes rounding off the bottom side of the tip of each leaf where it contacts the leaf below it. Then smoothing out the indents the leaves put in the leaves below them. Part of the rough ride is the leaf above catching in the notch it made in the leaf and not sliding smoothly.

Rather than grease many folks use one of the poly liners for springs like this https://www.classicparts.com/1947-59...ctinfo/74-935/ between the leaves.

That will probably lead to Replacing the bushings and pins in a "while I am at it" thing.

The older rigs like to be greased often. As in at least every thousand miles. That in it's self helps the ride if you keep the bushings greased.

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[RostaRob]

Originally Posted by RostaRob

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Thanks for the tip/advice Mr48
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[_Ogre]

A lot of stereo with 4 speakers, subwoofer and a minimum of 1000 watts of power will cover up a lot of issues

[RostaRob]

Not according to my wife. ����

[dsraven]

the best upgrade is a high paying job or winning the lottery, haha. with that the rest are small upgrades because you can afford them.

[Rickysnickers]

Originally Posted by dsraven

the best upgrade is a high paying job or winning the lottery, haha. With that the rest are small upgrades because you can afford them.

hahahahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[1project2many]

dsraven, lmao. Thank you!

"Improve my ride" can be different for everyone. I like having sway bars and a truck that doesn't seem to dodge and dive when cornering. I also have found that the ride quality is less important than the noise level in the cab. If the vehicle makes a bunch of noise on bumps then it really bothers me, even if it has a smooth ride.

Sway bar is easy to install.

Rebuilding springs is not technically challenging although it is likely to be a bunch of work.

Making interior quiet? Possibly a challenge. Good door gaskets and proper adjustment can do wonders even if the cab is rusty.

Adding strength to the steering components so they are less flexible? Still working on an easy solution for that.

[RostaRob]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

dsraven, lmao. Thank you!

"Improve my ride" can be different for everyone. I like having sway bars and a truck that doesn't seem to dodge and dive when cornering. I also have found that the ride quality is less important than the noise level in the cab. If the vehicle makes a bunch of noise on bumps then it really bothers me, even if it has a smooth ride.

Sway bar is easy to install.

Rebuilding springs is not technically challenging although it is likely to be a bunch of work.

Making interior quiet? Possibly a challenge. Good door gaskets and proper adjustment can do wonders even if the cab is rusty.

Adding strength to the steering components so they are less flexible? Still working on an easy solution for that.

Thanks 1P2M. I appreciate you input.
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[Estock]

Posie's leaf springs. Massive difference in ride comfort.