Solid Axle Update

[scregan]

Need some input on what you have done & what works. Dropped axle, reversed eyes, mono leaf, etc.
What ride height did you get & how was the ride after the mods.
What steering used and how did it work out.
How about brakes?

I want to stick with the solid axle on a 51 5W that I’m buying, but I want to make sure I do the best upgrades.

Thanks Much,

Scott

[mr48chev]

I think there are some disk brake kits for these axles and spindles available. Someone else might come up with a suggestion or you might find one by doing some searches.

Otherwise the normal brake swap is to use 53/54 passenger car drums and backing plates.

To do this you have to drill two new holes in the bottom ( I think, I would have to go crawl under the truck to know for sure) of the backing plate to match the truck spindle and then make a pair of spacers to go between the backing plate and the spindle on the bottom. You will also have to change the bolts.

I would think that a dropped axle, modified spring and lower profile tires will get you down where you want to be.

I run a messed up (by good sense standards) spring and 195-14 tires to get the front end down in the weeds at the moment By messed up I mean I removed a couple of leaves 19 years ago to get the truck low enough to take it to an event with the intent of redoing it a few weeks later and that setup is still under the truck. It drives terrible and rides terrible but it is low.

Currently my truck sits on 195x14 tires on 14x7 Enkie 32 rims on the front and 255/15 tires on 15x8 Enkie 32 rims on the back. This gives me the stance I want and gives the truck the hotrod look I was after at the time I put the wheels on it. The future calls for a rim change and probably a tire change but I will still run smaller tires on the front than the rear to get the look that I am after.

[robin58]

On my 53 I did a 3" dropped axle along with monoleafs. Disc brake conversion to 5 lug 4 3/4 on center. Runs on 17" with 245/45 tires in the front. Rear was 4-linked and runs 275/40 tires. Steering was converted to a 69-87 GM Power steering box and mounted with custom fabbed bracket to avoid bumpsteer. Steereing column is from a 70's van. It sits real low. I barely have 3" of clearance under the front axle.

I like the looks of the solid axle, but not sure if I'd do it again as it does ride rough.