lowering a 1960 chevy

[golden763]

wats the best way to lower a 1960 chevy pickup wit torsion bar front end i also have a 83 i could take the front end out of it that the best idea

[Tx Firefighter]

You can buy the drop spindles for your truck or just adjust the torsion bars down some, or combine both.

In the rear, typical methods like drop springs or lowering blocks.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

You can buy the drop spindles for your truck or just adjust the torsion bars down some.....

Kevin, help me learn here. Are the 60-62(?) years all torsion bar? Are the frames different because of the T-bar set up? Will the 73-87 suspension bolt to the T-bar frames?

[Tx Firefighter]

60-62 used torsion bars in the front suspension instead of coil springs. These can be adjusted to lower the vehicle some. Early Classic Enterprises makes a drop spindle for them too.

The frame on these trucks is radically different than 63-87 trucks used. It is boxed in the front and has a giant X crossmember in the center of it. Even the front bumper is different.

63-87 suspension can be adapted to these trucks. I haven't personally done it myself, but I do believe reading that it is only moderately difficult to fit the later suspension.

[N2TRUX]

Thanks! I knew the 60-62 trucks used T-bar suspension, but wasn't sure about the frame differences. I have not seen any up close to become familiar with them.


Edit- I found a write up on the subject- LINK

[71stub]

I just put an 83 GMC 1/2 ton 2wd front in my 60. Goes in the same as they do in the 63-66 trucks. Not too hard in my opinion

[Imperial Kustom]

Another thing to consider id the height of the frame rails if you want to use the tower style engine mounts. The '60-'62 frames are 1" shorter than the '63-on. If you are going to use the clamshell style mount though, this is not an issue.

[71stub]

I used all the 83 pieces and just put four 1" spacers between the top of the frame and the motor mount towers.

[jlive68]

71stub you have any pic's.

[71stub]

I dont have very good ones. I can get you some next time i get my truck on the hoist. Its pretty straight forward. Just unbolt your whole front as an assembly and set the new x-member up there and line up the two existing holes on each side and then make the other two on each side fit. Then drill holes in the top of the frame for the engine towers and make some spacers. On the bottom I used some washers for spacers and I think a couple holes line up and a couple had to be fitted. PM me if you want pictures.

[N2TRUX]

Here's an awesome article on the subject- 1960-62 Front Suspension Upgrade