Future gasser '57 chevy

[509nat]

Looking for ideas or suggestions to raise stock front axle 2 or 3 inches for that gasser look.

Thanks,

[scotts62]

Man i love that body style!

[72hotrodder]

lower the leaf spring mounts. or go cheap and buy some blocks

[drivea55]

I am with you, cheapest way and easiest is to block the leafs... IMO

Brian

[OrrieG]

Generally not a good idea to use blocks on the front axle, lots of side loading from the steering.

[scotts62]

Cant you do shackles too? Not too familiar with that setup but thought they have them...

[drivea55]

I think he is right man, either way shackles or blocks will mess with the steering linkage. I am very new to this but sounds and looks like it would affect steering.

what about adding leafs? my 3/4 ton sits high and has just as beefy leafs in the back as it does in the front.

either way sounds like a new pitman arm would be in order to correct steering issues.

[Driveway Dreams]

Sorry, A square body guy chiming in on this one. You should be able to find some leaf packs that are the same width but are longer than your current ones. Then just bolt them in place. And, I agree that you would probably need to adjust your steering just like you would with any lift. But that is a way I have seen many vehicle types get some cheap, subtle lift.

[509nat]

Work begins in stripping down to the bare bones!

Life is GREAT!

[hardwaa]

Here is some pics inspiration.

[Knothead]

You can buy a power steering conversion kit and just use the idler arm and steering arm. This shifts the connectin to the top of the King Pin. That will give you about 5". I also went to a later year steering box, Steve

[drivea55]

that is just some cool **** to have the headers come through the inner fender wells...
oh!, and be high enough to see them...lol

[chevyrestoguy]

I'm diggin' that black n' flamed GMC

[drivea55]

yeah, me too! I think I found the inspirational photo that i needed.

[509nat]

Cleaned, wire brushed and painted frame.
Rebuilted front spindles with new kingpins and bushings.
Upgraded to front disc brakes with five bolt pattern.

Lots of work!

[509nat]

I decided to add 2" blocks to raise the front end for the time being and see how this pans out. Also added a later power steering box and steerimg kit.
Installed a Pontiac Trans Am 10 bolt posi with 342 gears with rear disc brakes and fabricated new spring pershes.

Project is moving forward!

[Twitchin R&C]

looks sweet man. and if you still need an inch or two more just get some longer shackles and you'll be good

[lonelywanderer]

i'm used to seeing cars but those gasser trucks look pretty cool...

[OrrieG]

Nice work. I wish I had a lift..

[509nat]

Here are some pictures of Chevy 409 motor distained for future gasser '57.

Work in progress!

[Kim57]

Love the engine. I've been toying with the idea of trying to find one for my truck.
Kim

[OrrieG]

Didn't know Edlebrock made heads for 348-409. I've always liked them too. Were they ever available from the factory in pickups in 58-59?? I know the 348 was an option in the cars but we called the truck engines when I was a kid. Big trucks only?? I suspect the HP was a bit more than the 425 advertised too.

[nickp51chevy]

Looks good. I wanna get a '57 someday.

[dwcsr]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Didn't know Edlebrock made heads for 348-409. I've always liked them too. Were they ever available from the factory in pickups in 58-59?? I know the 348 was an option in the cars but we called the truck engines when I was a kid. Big trucks only?? I suspect the HP was a bit more than the 425 advertised too.

283 was the biggest you could get in a 2 wheel drive 58-9. 235 was the biggest in a 4x4.

[CAL 58 GMC]

Originally Posted by 509nat

Here are some pictures of Chevy 409 motor distained for future gasser '57.

Work in progress!

Sweet motor!