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01-17-2009, 02:31 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: GILBERT,AZ
Posts: 4
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53 chevy 3100
How does a 53 truck with the stock front end handle and is it safe to drive on the street.
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01-17-2009, 03:30 PM | #2 |
Hollister Road Co.
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Houston
Posts: 6,131
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Re: 53 chevy 3100
They are safe as long as all the parts are there and in good condition. The draw back on a straight axle is bump steer. That's when the truck hits bumps or ripples in the road while going around a corner it will try to bump the front end of the truck toward the outer edge of the corner. Its not a big problem at slower speeds but its a bit thrilling at 60 mph. Idependent front ends help eliminate that issue, not 100% but its greatly reduced. My son drove a 59 with a straight axle all thru high school with no problems.
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01-17-2009, 07:44 PM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: GILBERT,AZ
Posts: 4
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Re: 53 chevy 3100
Thanks for the info
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01-17-2009, 08:52 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Angleton, TX
Posts: 2,219
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Re: 53 chevy 3100
I drive my 54 3100 with the old I beam suspension everywhere without a problem. Granted it does get a little nerve racking at speeds over 60 mph. Unless you are planning to drive your truck accross country alot or on highways at 70 mph alot I wouldnt worry about it. However you want to either re build the original components or check them out to make sure they are in good condition.
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01-17-2009, 09:46 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Idaho
Posts: 8,800
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Re: 53 chevy 3100
I drove my 59 for ten years with the stock straight axle, no problems, it just drove like an old truck!
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