I'm getting ready to put in a 4 inch drop axle from SIDS, and ran across this. My Springs look like this on both sides??? What has been going on here? Do I get a whole new spring set or do I just have a couple of new top ones made? Or any other options out there I should be looking at? Sent from my Nexus 5X using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Easy fix, cut all that out. Weld in a M2 and actually enjoy your truck. Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
So let me ask the group this.... Is this dangerous? Sent from my Nexus 5X using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
It could break at any time, and cause you to lose control of the truck. That's what the lawyer said, at least.
Congrats on adding one more post to your count ^^^^^^ You should get some better springs and swap them at the same time. Probably find some someone took off or don't need pretty easy. Are you updating the tie rods and links also? Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
I'm getting the complete update kit from Sid. That does not include any spring work, so I will start looking for some new Springs and thanks for the information everyone. Sent from my Nexus 5X using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
And just let everybody know, it's not a money thing, but I just do not want a Mustang 2 front end. Thanks. Sent from my Nexus 5X using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
FWIW, I have over 100k miles on a stock front end '49 1/2 ton, daily driver only vehicle. MII front ends are for guys who like to spend money putting 200 miles on their trucks a year sitting in their lawn chairs, mostly waiting for cheap ass trophies they don't deserve, that's just one opinion folks.
Should be able to find a front end off someone switching to M11 easy enough, also the 3600 trucks used the same springs on the front.
Dropped the old axle out and the spring came right with it. Just in case anybody wondered if it was real safe to heat them up with a torch to lower back in the days. Sent from my Nexus 5X using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Did the full Sid's 4" drop on my '53 using the old springs. Worked out great. Truck drives great. You'll be glad you went that route.
I went through Detroit Spring when I replaced my '37s springs. I wanted a softer ride, not so much lower. Mike had them spec'ed out and built for all four corners. I weighed each corner of the truck using digital race scales, unhooked the springs and axles and weighed the unsprung parts, and even made a make shift scale to measure the spring rates of the springs I was using. Fronts went from factory 475 spring rate to 260 spring rate. Rears dropped from 190 to 140. The ride is much softer, possibly to soft, as I need a little better shock in the front now that I have some miles on it. It would be worth a call if you need springs anyway. The '37s had way to heavy of spring to start with, so maybe yours is better then mine was. Joe
Those were not heated. They're victims of hard use & metal fatigue ... a common finding on a huge percentage of Chev 3000 series trucks, and the GMCs as well. In Matt's case, a pair of replacement stock springs and a dropped axle will fix it. Those trucks have very little travel to start with, so "lowering springs" is a poor approach. Pulling leaves is worst of all, guaranteed broken springs. The older guys with no $$$ are still bolting the stock axle on top of the stock springs for a 5 1/2" drop. We also build a shock mount for an eye style lower mount so the factory pin mount shocks don't leave trails in the snow, and shorten the pitman arm to erase bump steer. On '53 - early '55 3100s, a '55 2nd - '59 pitman arm is a bolt on shorter replacement. The drawback is that you have to learn how to drive a lowered vehicle.
We have about 10 sets of factory springs, and a set of posies. We toss most of them so if you pay shipping you can have a set if you want. Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Sids stuff is great. If you want IFS MII is NOT the way to go. @ELpolacko s Dakota crossmember is way more goodlier for these trucks.
If you're looking for a set of new springs, check out St. Louis Spring. http://www.saintlouisspring.com/ They can make springs for just about anything, and make them right in St. Louis. That's where the springs for my 59 GMC came from. Also got rear springs for my 56 BelAir 2 door, and 57 BelAir 4 door. In the process, I learned that 55, 56, and 57 Chevys all use different rear springs, with different arches, and spring rates.
I am just finishing up a '59 studebaker 1/2 ton that Sid did a 3" stretch on the axle. Very pleased with his work. I am up in Spencer and hope to see your truck on the road next summer. I would think the leafs will be relatively easy thing to find. Lets see a finished photo!
You'll be very happy with that axle, and it will ride/handle nice. I've been running one for a few years and have put alot on miles on it. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
What is your wheel size and tire specs? Liking your setup. Sent from my Nexus 5X using The H.A.M.B. mobile app