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Old 09-05-2019, 11:26 AM   #26
mgchevyparts
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Re: Just bought a 57

If I do anything to this truck it'll be just the springs. However I'm thinking the springs up front and 2" shackles out back. I think I'd prefer a slight rake.
I do have a concern in the back, the wheels are out pretty close to the fender, stock rear, well almost stock a early 60's 12 bolt which is supposedly exact width as 57 original rear. One tire is a little closer then the other, normal body/bed not exactly centered on frame. I'd be concerned that the rear tires rub with the 3" springs back there. Besides the springs front and back do look level and a 1" rake would be preferable for me(and cheaper).
I can get custom smoothies with more back space to suck in the rears but that's just more money, I'll probably flip this truck before long, a shame though because the truck is absolutely rust free. Not a patch panel anywhere it's entire life.
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Old 09-05-2019, 06:24 PM   #27
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Re: Just bought a 57

The more I look at my truck I think the posies up front only might do the trick. If the rake is too much I can always add the shackles. I could even use a thin block up front to raise the front up a little, like an inch after installing the posies.
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Old 09-05-2019, 06:37 PM   #28
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Re: Just bought a 57

I'd start with the Posies up front. Depending on how worn out the current springs are...you never know where the truck will sit with the Posies.
Mine were so worn out they had no arch at all...the Posies ended up raising the front up!
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Old 09-05-2019, 07:04 PM   #29
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Re: Just bought a 57

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I'd start with the Posies up front. Depending on how worn out the current springs are...you never know where the truck will sit with the Posies.
Mine were so worn out they had no arch at all...the Posies ended up raising the front up!
Now that's funny!

As high as my front is I doubt they're very worn. I agree though, I'll install fronts and see where it's at. Right now with 235/75/15 tires I have a 4" gap top of tire to edge of fender
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Old 09-05-2019, 08:08 PM   #30
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Re: Just bought a 57

Your truck looks great. I like the lower stance as well, and will be planning that in the coming years. I have an IFS so will install 2" drop spindles, and lower springs in the rear. Enjoy your truck.
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Old 09-07-2019, 12:20 AM   #31
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Re: Just bought a 57

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Now that's funny!

As high as my front is I doubt they're very worn. I agree though, I'll install fronts and see where it's at. Right now with 235/75/15 tires I have a 4" gap top of tire to edge of fender
How much between your front bump stops and leafs? Mine are original and pretty flat, I have 1.5". I did a 3" drop axel from Sid, king pins, tie rod and ends etc. and disc brakes. I don't have a ton of miles on it, maybe a few hundred but it drives and handles well. I had a 3-4" gap above my tires (also 235/75/15) before. I also did the rear lowering shackles and removed 3 leaves.

The axel I probably more work than it's worth if you're just flipping the truck.
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Old 09-07-2019, 02:39 PM   #32
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Re: Just bought a 57

You guys that installed front lowering springs. What did you do with the factory bumpstop? It's 2 1/4" tall and not in the center. Most likely I would think changing to a smaller poly one but asking to see what others have done.
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Old 09-08-2019, 12:51 PM   #33
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Re: Just bought a 57

Another question.
Any recommendations for new shocks?
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Old 09-09-2019, 11:11 AM   #34
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Re: Just bought a 57

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You guys that installed front lowering springs. What did you do with the factory bumpstop? It's 2 1/4" tall and not in the center. Most likely I would think changing to a smaller poly one but asking to see what others have done.
I just got under there and cut mine down. Buying a smaller one is probably better.

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Another question.
Any recommendations for new shocks?
I used the basic black Bilsteins, ordered through Posies. I'm very happy with them.
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Old 09-17-2019, 03:54 PM   #35
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Re: Just bought a 57

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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".

Did you replace your ball bearings with tapered bearing replacements(front wheels)?
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Old 09-17-2019, 05:39 PM   #36
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Re: Just bought a 57

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Did you replace your ball bearings with tapered bearing replacements(front wheels)?
Yes sir!
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Old 09-21-2019, 06:38 PM   #37
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Re: Just bought a 57

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Yes sir!
Wasn't sure if you had installed disc brakes. So you have stock drums and changed the ball bearings. Just curious, I have stock drums and previous owner just replaced them and he nailed the install because they stop fantastic and in a straight line, which surprised me, I'm more of a disc brake guy
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Old 09-21-2019, 11:10 PM   #38
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Re: Just bought a 57

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Wasn't sure if you had installed disc brakes. So you have stock drums and changed the ball bearings. Just curious, I have stock drums and previous owner just replaced them and he nailed the install because they stop fantastic and in a straight line, which surprised me, I'm more of a disc brake guy
I run drums...they work great.
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Old 09-22-2019, 09:07 AM   #39
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Re: Just bought a 57

I use drums also. They stop straight. If they get hot enough they will lose stopping power.
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Old 09-22-2019, 03:58 PM   #40
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Re: Just bought a 57

Yes, drums fade way faster then disc brakes. I mostly hate drum brakes but these are the best I've driven.
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Old 10-02-2019, 08:43 PM   #41
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Re: Just bought a 57

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.
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Old 10-02-2019, 09:12 PM   #42
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Re: Just bought a 57

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