55.2-59 Just bought a 57 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mgchevyparts · 09-03-2019, 09:24 PM

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** · 09-03-2019, 10:21 PM

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 · 09-03-2019, 10:37 PM

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** · 09-03-2019, 10:48 PM

Sweet truck..!!

mgchevyparts · 09-03-2019, 11:13 PM

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 · 09-03-2019, 11:51 PM

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 · 09-04-2019, 09:37 AM

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 · 09-04-2019, 01:30 PM

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

RyanPartridge · 09-04-2019, 03:41 PM

Quote:

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 · 09-04-2019, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanPartridge

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...

You have Posies front and rear. Shackles, did you have to replace shackles also? These weren't lowering shackles in addition to the springs?

RyanPartridge · 09-04-2019, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

You have Posies front and rear. Shackles, did you have to replace shackles also? These weren't lowering shackles in addition to the springs?

Correct, Posies front and rear. I did replace my shackles too but went with stock length, not the longer "lowering" shackles.

http://www.posiesrodsandcustoms.com/...truck-springs/

mgchevyparts · 09-04-2019, 04:55 PM

Looks good. Looks like same size tires all around, what size?

RyanPartridge · 09-04-2019, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

Looks good. Looks like same size tires all around, what size?

Thanks! I've got a 3" drop axle from Sid with modified steering arms and caster shims now, so it's sitting lower in front and handles way better.
Coker Classic L78-15 all around.

mgchevyparts · 09-04-2019, 05:56 PM

Any chance you have the posies for sale?

RyanPartridge · 09-04-2019, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

Any chance you have the posies for sale?

No they're still on my truck...

mgchevyparts · 09-04-2019, 06:24 PM

You have it lowered 6" now then.

mgchevyparts · 09-04-2019, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanPartridge

Thanks! I've got a 3" drop axle from Sid with modified steering arms and caster shims now, so it's sitting lower in front and handles way better.
Coker Classic L78-15 all around.

Who's/what's Sid?

RyanPartridge · 09-04-2019, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

Who's/what's Sid?

https://droppedaxles.com/

Check out his site...Sid drops stock axle's the old way. 3 or 4 inches. And he'll re-do your kingpins and make any necessary mods to your steering arms so it all goes back in smooth.

Here's my truck with the Posies springs after the axle was dropped 3".

mgchevyparts · 09-04-2019, 09:08 PM

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

RyanPartridge · 09-04-2019, 10:21 PM

Quote:

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** · 09-04-2019, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgchevyparts

Who's/what's Sid?

WHO. IS. SID?

Heresy! Heresy, I tell you! Get the torches and the pitchforks!

Sid is VERY well known among car owners with straight axles. His stuff is as reliable as it comes.

**Dan in Pasadena** · 09-04-2019, 11:40 PM

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 · 09-05-2019, 10:39 AM

Quote:

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 · 09-05-2019, 11:12 AM

Quote:

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

mgchevyparts · 09-05-2019, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

WHO. IS. SID?

Heresy! Heresy, I tell you! Get the torches and the pitchforks!

Sid is VERY well known among car owners with straight axles. His stuff is as reliable as it comes.

So...when are you cutting out your C4 stuff?

09-03-2019, 09:24 PM	#1
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Just bought a 57 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? Attached Images __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED

09-03-2019, 10:21 PM	#2
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Just bought a 57 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! __________________ '55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda!

09-03-2019, 10:37 PM	#3
RyanPartridge Registered User Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 144	Re: Just bought a 57 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. __________________ My 57 truck project

09-03-2019, 10:48 PM	#4
mongocanfly Post Whore Join Date: May 2015 Location: Alabama Posts: 14,671	Re: Just bought a 57 Sweet truck..!! __________________ Mongo...aka Greg RIP Dad RIP Jesse 1981 C30 LQ9 NV4500..http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=753598 Mongos AD- LS3 TR6060...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post8522334 Columbus..the 1957 IH 4x4...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...63#post8082563 2023 Chevy Z71..daily driver

09-03-2019, 11:13 PM	#5
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Re: Just bought a 57 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 __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED

09-03-2019, 11:51 PM	#6
MiraclePieCo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: USA Posts: 2,249	Re: Just bought a 57 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. __________________ 1951 Chevy Panel Truck

09-04-2019, 09:37 AM	#7
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Re: Just bought a 57 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? __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED

09-04-2019, 01:30 PM	#8
jsprengeler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 119	Re: Just bought a 57 I just purchased a 57 Chevy 3100 also, and I'm interested in the same information! Thanks for starting this thread! __________________ Incapable of not thinking about my truck at least every other minute

09-04-2019, 04:55 PM	#12
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Re: Just bought a 57 Looks good. Looks like same size tires all around, what size? __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED

09-04-2019, 05:56 PM	#14
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Re: Just bought a 57 Any chance you have the posies for sale? __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED

09-04-2019, 06:24 PM	#16
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Re: Just bought a 57 You have it lowered 6" now then. __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED

09-04-2019, 09:08 PM	#19
mgchevyparts Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Upland, Calif Posts: 698	Re: Just bought a 57 Your drop axle must be narrowed to get those wheels/tires inside the fenders with that drop __________________ 1957 CHEVY 1/2 TON SHORT BED 1940 FORD 1/2 TON SHORT BED Last edited by mgchevyparts; 09-04-2019 at 09:24 PM.

09-04-2019, 11:40 PM	#22
Dan in Pasadena Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 6,344	Re: Just bought a 57 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. __________________ '55 Big Window Shortbed, Drive-It-&-Work-On-It slid down the "slippery slope" to a Frame-Off Rodstoration! LQ4/4l85e/C4 IFS/Mustang 8.8 rearend w/3.73's Dan's '55 Big Window "Build" - Well, Kinda!



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