working on a 59 apache - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TexasChevyGuy · 10-28-2008, 09:56 AM

hey guys, im working on a 59 apache step-side (very slowly). as far as suspension goes, i want to slam the truck, but lowering kits seem hard to find. are airbags really the only way to go? if you've got any ideas on where to purchase any lowering parts or airbag kits please let me know.

thanks for your help1

Houston54 · 10-28-2008, 01:18 PM

Welcome to the show.
There are a few recipes for slamming task force series trucks. The front suspension typically is changed over to an IFS of either a Mustang II configuration or a second generation F-body (camaro/firebird) sub-frame. Either can be bagged.

The rear suspension treatment typically consists of a flipped axle and C-notched frame. Bags or coil overs depending on your pleasure and pocketbook.

There have been several articles in the typical truck mags on this subject so you can get more information there.

My preference is to have a spring based set up front and rear. Bags are just not my first choice. The tanks and plumbing clutter things up too much.

TexasChevyGuy · 10-28-2008, 03:36 PM

thank you for the response,
my first choice is to not put bags on it, i would rather go spring based set-up

Houston54 · 10-28-2008, 05:26 PM

That being the case my suggestions would be the IFS kit ($1,700) from either heidts or fatman (other suppliers work well also) or a camaro subframe which works equally well.

The rear suspension can be done several ways. The following link shows some options.
http://www.fulltiltstreetrods.com/rearsusp.htm

When you said slammed that to me means you want to scrape paint. Bags are the only way you will be able to do that. There are several nice Task Force trucks on some of the threads here that can give you good ideas of hw to proceed. Here is one that should impress you.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=1958

TexasChevyGuy · 10-29-2008, 12:02 AM

alright, i think im going to go with a spring based set-up and see how low i can get with that. i think that getting a subframe from a camaro would be a problem, in that i dont have a donor car and it seems like a lot more work than i am interested in.

i'll make a few calls and see what i can do, thanks again!

entourageguy · 10-29-2008, 05:36 AM

Welcome to another 4 lighter.
I went the 4 link rear with bags as well as MII front with shockwaves in the front.

55dude · 10-29-2008, 10:57 PM

nova from 75-79 are same as camaro. front clip from GM A-body 78-86? will work. anyone who has driven a lowered truck for any length of time will tell you it looks cool but... post some pic's of your project.

10-28-2008, 09:56 AM	#1
TexasChevyGuy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 4	working on a 59 apache hey guys, im working on a 59 apache step-side (very slowly). as far as suspension goes, i want to slam the truck, but lowering kits seem hard to find. are airbags really the only way to go? if you've got any ideas on where to purchase any lowering parts or airbag kits please let me know. thanks for your help1

10-28-2008, 01:18 PM	#2
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Re: working on a 59 apache Welcome to the show. There are a few recipes for slamming task force series trucks. The front suspension typically is changed over to an IFS of either a Mustang II configuration or a second generation F-body (camaro/firebird) sub-frame. Either can be bagged. The rear suspension treatment typically consists of a flipped axle and C-notched frame. Bags or coil overs depending on your pleasure and pocketbook. There have been several articles in the typical truck mags on this subject so you can get more information there. My preference is to have a spring based set up front and rear. Bags are just not my first choice. The tanks and plumbing clutter things up too much.

10-28-2008, 03:36 PM	#3
TexasChevyGuy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 4	Re: working on a 59 apache thank you for the response, my first choice is to not put bags on it, i would rather go spring based set-up

10-28-2008, 05:26 PM	#4
Houston54 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: location Posts: 527	Re: working on a 59 apache That being the case my suggestions would be the IFS kit ($1,700) from either heidts or fatman (other suppliers work well also) or a camaro subframe which works equally well. The rear suspension can be done several ways. The following link shows some options. http://www.fulltiltstreetrods.com/rearsusp.htm When you said slammed that to me means you want to scrape paint. Bags are the only way you will be able to do that. There are several nice Task Force trucks on some of the threads here that can give you good ideas of hw to proceed. Here is one that should impress you. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=1958

10-29-2008, 12:02 AM	#5
TexasChevyGuy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 4	Re: working on a 59 apache alright, i think im going to go with a spring based set-up and see how low i can get with that. i think that getting a subframe from a camaro would be a problem, in that i dont have a donor car and it seems like a lot more work than i am interested in. i'll make a few calls and see what i can do, thanks again!

10-29-2008, 05:36 AM	#6
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: working on a 59 apache Welcome to another 4 lighter. I went the 4 link rear with bags as well as MII front with shockwaves in the front. __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

10-29-2008, 10:57 PM	#7
55dude Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: tacoma wa. Posts: 1,037	Re: working on a 59 apache nova from 75-79 are same as camaro. front clip from GM A-body 78-86? will work. anyone who has driven a lowered truck for any length of time will tell you it looks cool but... post some pic's of your project.



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