Technical 1955 chevy PU suspension upgrades that made a HUGE difference

I have an IFS and a stocker. They're both fun to drive, the IFS is smoother, but I can live with either one just fine.

 

Doesn't the whole front suspension from a 70's something Chev truck bolt right in to these mid 50's trucks?

 

I know the Camaro/Firebirds do. Put one under a 58 fleetside.

 

Jim...I got a feeling your roads are a lot better than our roads in the Midwest, which mite help, correct me if I'm wrong, you've driven on em all.

 

2 leaves removed. 1 1/8" sway bar. Modified a Geo tracker bar.

 

Mines clipped, but I'm looking for another one to keep the straight axel. Good info, and your truck looks great.

 

Both at same time,off of a Ford bronco 2

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I drove it hard today and the slight body roll it has left was very tolerable. But I ordered a front sway bar and will install it when it comes in.
I'll report if it's too tight or made it even better.

 

**** UPDATE 7/19/17 ****
Well I installed the new 1 1/8" front sway bar. Truck is even better. Really thought it was going to be to tight but it's not.
If I ever get to ride in a truck with a MII front suspension I'll compare the two.
My truck came with a dropped axle so that's why I added to that setup.

 

Thanks for the update, and I'm glad it worked well too!

 

Nice truck

 

Any updates on the front sway bar?

 

Front sway bay added even more stability. Very happy with the set up. I just sold the truck a few weeks ago and the gentleman drove it from my place in NJ to his home in Michigan and loves it.

 

Did you get to compare the axle with the front sway bar to a mustang 2 suspension?

 

No I did not.

 

This is perfect! Exactly what I want for my daily driver!

 

It was mine up to 2 weeks ago. Great truck

 

How much was the drop in the front axle and where did the front sway bar come from ?

 

Did it have the original steering box,I have a 37 with a 41-6 box that probably should be rebuilt but its not all that bad and would like to do some improvements.

 

I am interested in the shocks you used, how did they compare to the Monroe's? Stiffer? Softer? What made them ride so much better? I run Monroe on my'37 and feel they may be to stiff.

Joe

 

smooooother they took the harshness out of the ride.

 

What wheels are those? I like the stance a lot. I just bought a 51 GMC and I want to do something similar. Cool truck.

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Halibrands

 

Love it! What’s your wheel and tire size?


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I took your advice on the Bilstein shocks up front from Posies. Tough shocks! Yes, I had the Monroes.. Always hit bumps hard. Seem to work on the rebound only. I don't have a rear sway bar....yet! Up front is a factory 7/8" sway bar from a Panel truck. It's just ok. I believe it was just to help the top heavy Panels. I noticed that all the aftermarket sway bars are 1" front & 7/8" rear. The Bilsteins are a big difference. The truck may be fine now. Road test will tell. Anyway, thank you for your input.

 

Close fit on frame of 47 to 55.5 trucks,(needs a about a 1/2 inch spacer each side) not close on later series. A little wide on the 47 to 55.5 though.

 

I did similar mods to my 57 and got great results, I’m fairly convinced it handles better than it did new. It’s a blast to drive.

I had Sid drop the original axle, re-installed with 4 degree caster shims, Posies super slider springs, Bilstein shocks, and a front sway bar.

 

Nice truck...I'm working on a "57 as well...How much drop on the axle?

 

Put power steering on one and your wife will comment on how nice your truck drives after she drives it. I converting my 64 F100 and my ex drove it all the time until I sold it.
It had 9 inch wide front tires with a slide in camper in the bed. I used a mid 70's Gm box.

 

3" drop