Bob, etal
I have a running 53 window with a stock front axle. I have made the
necessary
changes to lower the truck 3". I also added disc brakes their required
changes. It
already has some expensive shocks built just for a dropped front end. Other
updates
include a strong/new sway bar, late model replacement tie rod ends and mono
springs. The springs are the actual source of the 3" drop for the front.
Yep, I already
had the king pins rebuilt. Its almost a totally new front end, except for
the original
and authentic axle (just for looks). I also have built a power steering
setup. The
gear box is from a late model full size Chevy pickup, '82 or there abouts. I
probably
wouldn't need it cause an IFS can include a power rack setup.
The reason I am sending this note is two fold. First, I am contemplating
pulling the
whole setup and installing an IFS. Not a small task AND its expensive.
That's not to
mention the waste of the existing setup. It occurred to me while reading
your note
about dropped axles and disc brakes, that someone(s) may want all the stuff
to rebuild
and update their ride. If someone wants my front end and I could get a
reasonable
return on my investment (read 'cash outlay') less the minimal wear about 400
miles of
use, I could make the jump to IFS. Oh yea. Second, my wife doesn't like the
current
ride and maybe an IFS would make her happy too.
Anyone out there interested in the whole package?
Partners could purchase the equipment and split between them.
Lonnie
----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Fischer <bfischer@utm.net>
To: <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, September 07, 1999 4:26 PM
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Advance Design front end mods
> Hi Mark,
> Good timing since I'm contemplating the same thing. I read the same "tip"
but have not actually gone out and measured a few trucks in the yards. I
posted a question about dropped axles still being available, however I
didn't get any answers. Looking around in the old yellowed mags I found a ad
for Mor Drop Axle in the Oakland area. I did a search and found a web page
for them, which actually only lists a phone # to call. I called and found
they still drop Chevy (and most anything else) axles on a exchange basis.
>
> (I also found a Feb 77 issue of SR with a article by Pat Ganahl, several
pages, putting a SB Chevy in his 50 AD)
>
> The price I was quoted was 2" - $250, 3" - $275, and 4" - $300. Core
charge is (oouch) $500!! plus you pay shipping both ways.
> I have no problem with the parallel springs, tube shocks etc in good
condition, however I would like to lower the truck front and rear (later
open drive) and add disk brakes to the front. The 49 AD currently has a 283
bolted to the original 4 spd with the torque tube rear, with 215/R75's on
7"X15's frt and 8 1/2"X15 Rr. It's no sports car but it handles OK and would
be even better with a rebuilt front and 3 - 4" lower.
>
> Given the above info however, it doesn't seem cost effective to spend that
much on a king pin set, shackles and a disk brake kit plus a dropped axle,
plus shipping (st tx for me also) Briefly checking it appears a 2" axle may
work OK, but anything more will probably require lowering the tie rod to
clear the springs. This could turn into a big on-going job with steering
geometry problems, clearance problems, etc which I really don't need.
>
> > Last week while lurking on this list I saw this address:
> >
> > The Poor Man's Advance Design Tech Tip Page
> > http://www.home.earthlink.net/~conntest47/
> >
> Let me second your request.
> I'm hoping someone(s) who have actually performed this swap will reply
either here or off list. Sure seems like an ideal solution to the problem.
>
>
>
> "Nothin lasts forever except old Fords and a natural stone" - Willie
Nelson
>
>
> http://home.utm.net/bfischer e-mail - bfischer@utm.net
>
robert.fischer@cdc.com
>
rfischer@worldnet.att.net
> oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|