OK I have tried to lower my stock 56 and still can't get it in the weeds yet. I am thinking of goind to a 3' drop axle but don't wanted to make sure nothing major needs to be replaced when doing so. Undersand I wil have to replace the old, tired and worn out parts but want to make sure I am not bitting of to much. Looking for the pros and cons!! Thanks Bing

 

Bing,
Recently added a 3" drop axle fome MF to my 55 and am really happy with the result. Did have to change shocks and add a set of tie-rod extensions, also had to fab a wheel stop for the drivers side since am using all the stock components other than the axle itself. After all is said and done probably not much cheaper than adding a front clip from Volare or Jag but I want to keep the straight axle on mine. I know Ed(Imlower2) has done the same on his 56 and having some issues with some of the po's additions but am sure he will get it worked out. If I had it to do over again I would go the same route. I don't want my old truck to drive like a new car. good luck...

 

Actually Joe inspired me to put a drop axle in my truck after he installed his. I didn't use the MF type drop axle, but a stock axle which was stretched by Mo Drop (reputable company). The install was pretty easy, fine tuning it was another thing. The previous owner bent the steering arms down to clear the leaf springs. It is a pretty common method to avoid having to use or purchase the tie rod extensions like Joe explained. After installing the axle, I had really bad bumpsteer. If I hit a bump, I'd be in the other lane and the steering was very unstable. Basically a roller coaster ride. I noticed my drag link was about 2 inches too long, so I had to cut and shorten it. Then my draglink was still at a bad angle, so I removed the pitman and shortened that by 1.5 inches. I still have very slight bumpsteer but not anymore than I had with the original front end and it drive pretty nicely now. I also had problems aligning the front end because the front end was too low to get the truck on the alignment rack. The poor alignment guy had to adjust everything by jacking the front end up and adjusting from there. I didn't have to change shocks or anything else like Joe did. Personally, it was a challenge to get it right but I'm not sorry I did it. The payoff is when you step out of the truck and see the front end in the weeds and the drop axle definitely did that. I'm with Joe, I have a passion for the straight axles and it gives me the feeling of being in a old hotrod.

 

Bing,
If you go to my KMC gallery in several of the last shots of the truck sitting in the street you can see the latest stance with the drop axle.

 

if I were going this route, I'd have to relocate the axle centerline in the middle of the fender well. 'course this has caveats of its own -extending the drag link at least - modifying or buying the main spring...

 

I must say all your trucks have great stances and I apprecite the help. Looks like when the snow rolls in this winter I'll be putting in a drop axle and seeing if I can't get her in the weeds. Thanks again. Bing

 

Thanks for the help as the axle is in and definetly changes the stance. Pictures are in my gallery. Only question I still have is for thoughts on the best way to lower my tie rod ends. My tie rod will not clear the leaf springs now. Appreciate the info. Bing

 

Classis performance sells a tie rod drop kit PN# F-43 check thier catalog or web site.