installed mono springs

[johnnybee]

after reading the posts here on the chevy duty forum, i decided to install a set in the front.changed all the pins and shakle hardware stuff. the stance is great, about 3 inches. only problem ive had or having is the travel distance to the frame rubber bumpers was lost. truck rides better, but a speed bump is trouble, hits rather hard.i dont know if using smaller cushions is the anwser.this so far is the only drawback to monoleaf springs.i have owned this truck for 35 years,kind of odd getting used to the new look she has.i have a 3/4 inch difference on the level of the truck, dont think the monos did that. front and rear are off on the driver side. didnt think it was much. so i had my gal look at the truck, and she says, hey its leaning over a bit! is it worth trying to level out the truck, and how is that done? tires are the same, front and rear, air is the same in all tires, maybe being a bit to critical on that issue. would like to wish all a good christmas, and a happy new year to all forum members. this is a great place to get info on all those purty trucks. thanks john.

 

[ljw]

looking at the construction of your truck,since the leafs are bolted to the axle,and your truck leans-maybe something else is bent? I assume that when the truck is hung on stands without weight on the springs that they hang at the same height from the frame?

 

[Halfton57]

Hey John,
I've owned my '57 for 32 years (I bought it from my dad for $375 in 1972) and I thought that was a long time but you've got me beat. Oh well!
Several years ago I pulled all the springs off of my truck, took them to a local spring shop, and had them re-arched because it wasn't sitting level. After reinstalling everything the truck still looked cockeyed so I took it to a place that specializes in straightening bent/broken frames, etc. It turned out that the frame had several cracks in it and was all bent out of shape. They welded up all the cracks, straightened the frame and since then it looks fantastic. I don't remember the exact amount but it was less than $200 and well worth every penny.
Good luck,

Wes

Stepside57 in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California

 

[johnnybee]

seems the the springs are settling a bit. now less than half an inch difference. i have a frame shop that can get it dead level. will give it time to settle. that doesnt sound right, but who knows? i worked at a garage with my dad, for two summers washing engine parts, gophering for any thing the mechanics needed. i was 13-14 years old. my dad said if i wanted anything for helping. i choose his 58 chevy truck that belonged to his passed away brother. as it sat. my dad didnt want the truck because his brother died in it. ive been tempted by lots of folks to sell her. but ive hung on to it for a long time.it will pass to one of my kids someday. i hope they can appreciate its historical or sentimental value. thanks wes. john

 

[johnnybee]

hi lee. the truck seems to lean on the drivers side. but ive got less than half inch now.when i had my driveway poured they put a grade on it so the drive is not flat, which seems to give the look of a lean. but on the other hand a tape measure would not lie. ill get it up and check like you said. only thing on the down side of this setup is the loss of travel to the frame bumpers. ive got to watch out for deep dips or hitting speed bumps to fast. i wish the makers of these springs would caution folks on that issue. thanks. john.

 

[Halfton57]

Except for the last three or four years I drove my old '57 everyday to work. I have since retired and now keep it in the garage most of the time. Every once in a while I get tired (fed up!) with working on it and threaten to sell it to the highest bidder. But then I catch hell from my wife, kids and grandkids. One of my kids or grandkids are expecting to inherit it some day and they all panic whenever I say anything about selling it. Ha!!!

Take care John,

Stepside57 in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California

 

[johnnybee]

yes i know the feeling, i did just that some years ago. bought this little honda. drove the tar out of it. and no wrenching! it was nice.revived the 58 after the honda wore out. today i heard a odd exhaust noise out of the 58, sure nuff loose header bolts. out come the wrenchs, found a few other small bugs to fix while im getting dirty under the truck, i think it likes me down there!lol. i drive my girls later model cars and i say, i like this to much! i dont have alot of years left so ill drive the 58, gets to be, you go out, and spend hours yacking about old cars with folks. which i enjoy and dont mind except when im trying to get something done! i get a little paranoid leaving it some places. the more i improve it the worse it gets. its a shame to be a garage queen. im afraid of the car theft guys. here in cal we got tons of those jerks. okay halfton. have a good new year, and maybe a few more miles on the old girl! john.