55.2-59 Just bought a 57

[mgchevyparts]

So I just got a 57 small window. Rust free body from Calif. All original suspension, has a 350/350and that's it. I'm liking it just the way it is and I don't want to do the 2 year replace everything routine. It drives very well, stock straight axle, drum brakes etc. I was surprised that it turns nicely and stops straight with original stuff. The only thing I would kind of like to do is maybe lower the front a couple inches. I saw some 2.5" lowering leaf springs on Brothers website. So my question is, do those lowering leaf springs work well, any better pricing then Brothers?

[Dan in Pasadena]

If you do it, buy Posie’s Super Sliders. They have two leafs and a pocket pressed into them for a Teflon disc to eliminate friction. BUT, they may not lower the truck X number of inches because your springs have likely already sagged quite a bit from stock 60 years ago.

Nice looking truck. Congrats!

[RyanPartridge]

Congrats! Clean truck! A guy down my street has a 56 in the same color.

I'm with Dan...Posies Super Sliders. You'll love em.

If you'd like I can dig up a side view photo of my truck with Posies springs before I had my stock axle dropped. It can give you an idea of the stance you'd get.

[mongocanfly]

Sweet truck..!!

[mgchevyparts]

Thanks for the tip on the Posies. Looks like it might be exactly what I'm looking for. Price is reasonable too. Just have to check that my tires won't rub with a 3" drop

[MiraclePieCo]

If you have a local spring shop they can re-arch your current springs or reverse the eyes for a lower stance. I'm not familiar with TF leafs but on most vehicles a simple eye reversal is good for a 2-1/2" drop.

Nice truck.

[mgchevyparts]

Will lowering the front 2-3" with springs cause any issues with the steering arms/linkage etc? Any other changes necessary due to lower springs?

[jsprengeler]

I just purchased a 57 Chevy 3100 also, and I'm interested in the same information! Thanks for starting this thread!

[RyanPartridge]

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

Will lowering the front 2-3" with springs cause any issues with the steering arms/linkage etc? Any other changes necessary due to lower springs?

This was my truck before the axle was dropped...so at this point it was basically stock with new Posies springs, shackles, shocks and tires. No mods to any steering parts at all. The springs tend to settle down a little lower(3/4" or so) after some time as well.
Hope this helps...

[mgchevyparts]

You have it lowered 6" now then.

[mgchevyparts]

Your drop axle must be narrowed to get those wheels/tires inside the fenders with that drop

[RyanPartridge]

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

Your drop axle must be narrowed to get those wheels/tires inside the fenders with that drop

Not narrowed...everything fits, just a little close.
I used to get an occasional tire rub on my left fender when I'd turn the wheel hard on U-turns. Ever since I put a front sway bar in last week it hasn't rubbed and eliminated most all the body roll I had.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Ryan,

Did you have Sid redo your king pins? Modify your steering arms, the whole shebang? I've never driven one but have heard when the whole thing is done and is back to factory specs (other than the lowering of course) the steering and handling is simply an amazing change.

[RyanPartridge]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

Ryan,

Did you have Sid redo your king pins? Modify your steering arms, the whole shebang? I've never driven one but have heard when the whole thing is done and is back to factory specs (other than the lowering of course) the steering and handling is simply an amazing change.

I'm worried about hijacking MG's thread...
But yes, Sid did my kingpins and all. Full treatment.
I will say that after all that work, with the Posies springs, rebuilt stock steering box, Bilstein shocks and sway bar...the truck drives and handles like a dream. It's my daily driver and with every improvement it just keeps getting more dialed in and fun to drive. It steered and handled downright scary when I found it.

[mgchevyparts]

Originally Posted by RyanPartridge

I'm worried about hijacking MG's thread...
But yes, Sid did my kingpins and all. Full treatment.
I will say that after all that work, with the Posies springs, rebuilt stock steering box, Bilstein shocks and sway bar...the truck drives and handles like a dream. It's my daily driver and with every improvement it just keeps getting more dialed in and fun to drive. It steered and handled downright scary when I found it.

All good info...no hijack

[1project2many]

I use drums also. They stop straight. If they get hot enough they will lose stopping power.

[mgchevyparts]

Yes, drums fade way faster then disc brakes. I mostly hate drum brakes but these are the best I've driven.

[mgchevyparts]

So I changed the front springs. Bought what I'm pretty sure are Posies from Classic ind. I say I think because the part number is the same, they look exactly like posies, the paper sticker says super slide BUT Classic does not say they are Posies. And Classic says they will lower 2 to 2.5" which is different from what Posies says. they lowered exactly 2" when installed, Been on a couple weeks now and I went out and measured again and today they lowered 2.25"
Anyway also put new Gabriel gas shocks and new Monroe gas shocks out back.
The ride has improved quite a bit, the biggest changed came when I put the rear shocks on, still rides like an old truck but not like the bronco buck like it did before. The 2" drop up front is exactly what I wanted, the vehicle is more level now, maybe a 1" rake. Looks stock now, before it looked like the front was higher then the rear and it may have been.

[MiraclePieCo]

Thanks for the follow-up. So many guys never let us know how things turned out. Sounds like you achieved exactly what you wanted!