TO: Garrette Slonacher
Milford, Delaware
SUBJECT: Lowering my 1959 Chevy truck
To answer the questions in your message to me:
The first question is: what does "TF" in "TF stock suspension" stand for?
TF stands for "Task Force" series of trucks made between 1955 second edition
and 1959. With the exception of some minor body changes from year to year,
these series of trucks are essentially the same for frame, suspension, and
interior. 55/56 look almost identical, 57 got a different grill and hood,
58/59 went to 4 headlights (instead of 2). There are other changes, but you
can search the internet for links to give you more details.
Second: Do you think I could get away with removing 3 springs to give it
more of a drop and maybe cut the rubber bumper a little for more clearance
or do you think that would be pushing it?
Don't know how many miles your truck has on it, but you may want a
professional alignment shop check the front end before you begin. Have them
check the kingpins for wear, the tie rod ends, shocks and etc. If you need
major rebuilding of the front end, your money may be better spent on a new
IFS.
You can remove more than two leafs and cut the rubber bumper, but my
experience is that by removing too many leafs you begin to affect the
handling of the truck. It may have a tendency to wander from side to side
at higher speeds and oversteer. You may be able to overcome this by adding
a front sway bar (a vendor named Brothers sells them but I have no personal
experience with them). I would be very cautious about removing more than
two leafs as you may be affecting the suspension dynamics of your truck.
You can do the old try-it-and-see approach, but this can make you spend a
lot of time taking your springs apart and reassembling (and again, you may
want a professional alignment shop recheck the front alignment when you've
settled on the best combination).
And Last: Did you lower the back? If so did you use the same method or did
you get the extended shackles?
I have done nothing to the rear suspension (it is still stock). Sorry, but
I have no experience with modifying the rear suspension and do not know of
anyone who has done it or documented it in the same manner as I did the
front. Suggest you post a question of the oletrucks message board and see
if anyone else can give you any information. There are many out there with
good advice and personal experience if you just ask (remember, there are no
dumb questions and no one will think less of you for asking, the oletrucks
site is a very friendly one).
Hope this information is helpful, if you have any more questions dont
hesitate to send another message.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!
Carl Ham
56 Chevy TF Stepside
Pontiac, IL
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