66 1/2 ton shorty

[leavmeb]

Wondering what the best way to improve my handling and suspension.
It was updated before I got it with disc brakes and what seems to be
new steering and linkage parts.
It had a 283 and now has a crate 350.
Seems like it needs more than new shocks.
Do I need to put heavier coils in the front?

Thanks

 

[dvalentine]

The best improvements in handeling with these trucks are seen after a modest lowering.

Use 2 1/2 inch drop spindles with a one inch drop spring. Match the rear with a 4 inch drop spring, one inch lowering block, and adjustable pan-hard bar. Using a four inch spring in the rear will not require you to relocate shock mounts, or notch the frame rails.

Use drop shocks on all four corners.

Use a heavy duty front sway bar. I'm not a beliver in rear sway bars for our trucks, because of the lack of weight over the rear, I just don't think the performance improvement warrents the expense..

Check these guys out, http://www.earlyclassic.com

dv

 

[leavmeb]

Thanks for the imput.
I don't want to lower it for a couple of reasons, one the roads in Maine are
not the best and I don't care for the look of a lowered truck.
Perhaps some new shocks and springs is all I can do.

Thanks again

 

[dvalentine]

Thanks for the imput.
I don't want to lower it for a couple of reasons, one the roads in Maine are
not the best and I don't care for the look of a lowered truck.
Perhaps some new shocks and springs is all I can do.

Thanks again

Try the FRONT Sway bar from the folks at the link above. With new springs, shocks it will make a huge difference.

Also, a basic front end rebuild will also tighten things up. Control arm bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends and idler arm will remove any slop out of the front steering and suspension.

DV

 

[leavmeb]

Thanks for the imput!

 

[2tons of fun]

a sway bar from any 67-87 will bolt on the front and the rear sway is a biiiiiiiiiiggg help if you have a coil rear. new shocks will go a long way. if oyu grab some bbc/1t coils from a 67-87/91 they will raise the front a little but do a lot to stiffen it up too.