Hi Wayne,
If it's a shame to replace the front suspension because it's rebuilt then
don't and fix what's wrong. You already have the better of the brakes from
the AD's "not Huck" and you have the newer style shocks "not lever action"
so your doing good. Check the brakes and you may need to have the drums
turned, new wheel cylinders and upgrade to a dual reservoir master cylinder
"conversion kits available from several vendors". Keep the drums adjusted
so you take less pedal travel to make contact with the drums. On the
suspension did they replace the tie rod ends, drag link, new shackle
bushings....I'm assuming the installed new king pins. Play in the front can
also be from loose wheel bearing so you can jack up the front and grasp the
tire at the twelve and 6 o'clock position and try to move the tire up and
down. If it move then the wheel bearing are loose and you need to adjust
them. Loose wheel bearings, worn tie rod ends and drag link all add up to
wondering steering. Now about the steering box. With the truck tires
pointing straight ahead turn the steering wheel a little to the left and
right and note when the tire begins to turn. Their is a procedure to
eliminating the steering box play at the adjustment screw on the steering
box. While your at it, have someone turn the wheel while your under the
truck and take a look at the tie rod ends and drag link attachment point to
see where all the play is coming from "you'll find your worn
parts....visually"!!!
You could just upgrade to a disc brakes and also change the box and add
power steering.
As for the front suspension of Fatman.........I don't recommend them!!!
Order one from Fat Fendered Street Rods in Fontana Ca or Heidt's both are
very similar in attaching the crossmember to the frame and will work better.
Joe
http://50chevy.freeservers.com/
-----Original Message-----
From: Wayne Craig <wcraig@cfl.rr.com>
To: OLE-CHEVY-TRUCKS <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
Date: Wednesday, August 08, 2001 9:11 AM
Subject: [oletrucks] Original or IFS??
>I recently purchased a 1953 Chevy 1/2 ton PU. The truck has a 327 Chevy SB
and
>a 72 Camaro Posi rear axle, but still has the original front suspension. It
>seems a shame to replace the original front suspension because it was
recently
>rebuilt and is like new, but the brake system really sucks, and the
steering
>system is out of phase. I'm weighing the options. Should I keep the
original
>front suspension, but convert to disk brakes, or just bite the bullet and
put
>in a modern front suspension? If I convert to an IFS, I've been looking at
the
>Fat Man IFS Stage II Kit, and also am considering "RB's" bolt-in
suspension.
>My welding skills are nil, but I could probably get a friend who is an
>excellent welder to help me with the Fat Man kit. I could probably do the
>"bolt-in" myself.
>I would welcome any opinions on the subject.
>
>Thanks,
>A.W.
>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
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