1959 Chevy suspension recommendations, rear end recommendations and transmissions?

[michaelt55]

ok, followed Dave's suggestion and bought a 10 bolt S10 8.5 inch 4x4 rear with the ZR2 option. Its almost the same width, have the disc brakes with an emergency brake setup.. Anyone need a stock rear in great shape? All I need now is to make up my mind on changing out the leafs for softer ones with urethane or go with coils, ala 67 style with some updating....

thoughts??

[michaelt55]

Ok, if I go with new leafs, shocks, notch the frame, what type of link system or what ever would work best with the leafs on a short bed ? Sorta compromise between still using it to haul or tow stuff yet keep a decent ride??

[yossarian19]

Erm.
With leaf springs, you don't need a link system. The leaves *are* the links. A rear four link kit is for when you want to run coil springs.
If you are keeping it stock height, I'd run stock springs in back.
Alternately, you could run Chevy 63" leaf springs. They are for 1/2 ton trucks and have quite a good reputation for ride quality amongst 4x4 types. This will take some modifying to do.

[gabe2000]

Originally Posted by michaelt55

I am the owner of a 59 Chevy SB and I would like recommendations on several things. The only criteria is to tell me why you like vice other.

I have progressive arthritis so my days of solid wrenching on vehicles for days are gone. I sold my modified 914 with a V8 and my 370z because it hurts too much to get in and out of them.

I have mostly new metal for the truck, a crate LS1 engine and a new radiator.

What trans would you add to this and would you change the stock rear? If so to what and what ratio?

I want to improve the suspension. I want disc brakes and better handling. So would you get a complete frame, put a 76-89 pickup frame under it (ez swap), or get front and rear clips?

My time frame would be about a year or so completion date and I want a daily driver not a garage or show queen.

I know this is lengthy but I see a lot of talent and experience on this forum.

Thanks,

Michael

Can help me with my question: swap a 1965 on to a 1956
1/2 ton?

[tmoble]

Gabe, recommend starting a new thread with an appropriate title. You're much more likely to get replies that way rather than tagging to an unrelated topic.