’59 Chevy Apache front suspension

Hello! I’m Dne’! This particular blog focuses on the idea that I had to keep the original suspension, or upgrade. In this photo, this beauty has the original stock axle, but I like the way it sits~  😉  Many early trucker folk like their trucks very low to the ground, I don’t.  At this point, the truck had a 230 I6 and a 4 speed (granny type) transmission with the old rusty stock suspension.

 

 

 

Now luckily, the person before had the front drum brakes upgraded to front disc brake! but that’s another story! Just because it was upgraded doesn’t mean it was done very well. The front shock upper bracket was about to fall off it was so rusted.

 

 

 

 

Even though I would be making a decision on a suspension, the old still has to be removed! Notice My Little Mule doing the heavy work! I want you to know~ those old leaf springs are heavy!!

 

 

 

 

Prepping the axle for shipping to Sid@droppedaxles.com.

 

 

 

 

Now one of these days, this hopefully will look “new” or at least slightly used!

 

 

 

 

These my dear friends are the front pivots that were riveted to the frame. These were unique in design and would probably still be in working order if someone knew how to use a grease gun!   

 

 

 

 

Photo of one of the king pins. They moved freely, but they were shot! Kaput!

 

 

 

 

Pondering the idea of different suspensions were coming to mind. The one here is a Kimbridge unit, but required cutting off the old frame, not for me!

 

 

 

 

Obviously, the photos show that I had made my choice and it’s installed! I decided to use the Posey 2 leaf Super slider springs that I purchased through Sid@droppedaxles.com. Sid is a wonderful man! I’ve never met him, but I assure you he is wonderful ; ) I sent him my axle and he overhauled it, installed new king pins, modified the tie rod receptors to accept modern tie rods. I did not have my axle dropped, but the new slider springs will lower the truck about 2″‘s. Notice my Saginaw power steering gear upgrade(that will be another blog too!)

 

 

 

 

The 6 degree shim to put more positive caster should allow the truck to stay steering straighter down the road with a quicker return to center after a turn, so I’ve been told.

 

 

 

 

The next two pictures just show the long link.

a poor quality picture (sorry).

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, with the engine installed and on the ground for the first time in a year, I’m looking for a level drag link. Looks like this is about as level as I’m going to get it.

 

 

 

After installing the engine, I was rather anxious to see how the truck’s stance was going to be! I was actually hoping it may ride a little lower. Again, this is the two leaf Posie slider springs.

Just another angle. I believe that once the hood is on, fluids in, however probably won’t make much difference! ; )  I can live with it. But I do like the fact that it sits the way a truck should.

 

Well, here we are on 7-14-13, the truck has been driven about 15 miles to check things out. Eventually I may lower the truck further, but right now I just would like to enjoy driving it! 😉 The truck drives very well, no noticeable bumpsteer, and holds a straight and steady course when going 50-60 mph. The Saginaw power steering works and steers effortlessly, some may not like steering which turns so easily, but that can be changed with a valve installed in back of the power steering pump, but I like it the way it is, at least right now I do!

 

This week I should be getting my new wheels and tires installed, I’ll post another pic then!

Well, here I am, Dne'(my name in case you forgot!), and my project ’59 Chevy Apache!

 

I hope you hang with me on my projects! I move kind of slowly, but I get the job done! 😉