55 Suspension, advice needed.

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Jun 1, 2002 | 06:37 PM

55forder

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Joined: Apr 2001

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From: San Diego

55 Suspension, advice needed.

Hello friends,
I recently got my 55 on the road, and she was horribly rigid. I put on new shocks all the way around, but she still feels real un-sturdy. I know I will probably need new leaf springs all the way around, but DAMN! they are expensive. I also have lots of slop in the steering. Any suggestions for a fix until I can get leafs? (Im buying the lil lady a wedding ring, and things are sorta tight).

Thanks.

Jun 1, 2002 | 09:04 PM

darkhorse54

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From: Red Bluff U.S.A.

55 Suspension, advice needed.

You can take your leafs to a black smith and have them re arched that would be a little cheaper and you can adjust your steering by loosening the nut on your box and while holding the nut still turn the screw with a flat head screw driver until the screw stops then back it off about 1/4 turn then tighten the nut back down.

Jun 2, 2002 | 12:14 AM

pcmenten

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From: Boise, Idaho

55 Suspension, advice needed.

And, I wonder if your king pins (kingpins?) are shot. My truck wanders and I know it's because of the king pins.

Jun 2, 2002 | 03:51 AM

55forder

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From: San Diego

55 Suspension, advice needed.

I installed a new (used) drop axle, and the kingpins went in a little looser than planned. I plan on getting the 10% larger pins in there, will this help the "wander?" Ill adjust my steering box tomorrow.

Thanks for the help!

Jun 2, 2002 | 06:59 AM

STEVE1103

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Joined: Dec 2001

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From: Lakeville, PA

55 Suspension, advice needed.

Tighter king pins will help wander, when you adjust your steering box lift the truck and take the weight off the front end.

Jun 2, 2002 | 04:47 PM

Franklin2

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From: Virginia

55 Suspension, advice needed.

I battled the loose steering thing on my 53. What I found out is a good way to test the front end. Jack up the front of the truck and support it by the frame. Take off the u-bolts that hold the axle on and lower the axle a little bit. Then grab the spring pack and wiggle it side to side and pull on the spring eye bushings to check for play. There should be NO side to side movement. I found out my driver's side spring pack had lots of play in it, and the rear spring hanger on that side was wore out. I had to get a new one and drill the rivets out to put the new one in. Boy what a difference in steering that made!