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Would I gain any REAL handling/ride benefits by swapping all 4 of my top leaf springs for reverse eyes to gain an overall lowering of about 2"? I'm trying to
come up with a simple solution that helps diminish what Numberdummy calls the "Oxe Cart" ride on my '64. TIA!
I would assume that lowering any vehicle would lower its center of gravity, therefore handling better to some degree. How much better I don't know yet!
I would assume that lowering any vehicle would lower its center of gravity, therefore handling better to some degree. How much better I don't know yet!
Agreed...however, whether it is worth the cost and hassle to make the modification is why I asked about REAL benefits...and what determines REAL, I'm not sure, but hoping someone here can enlighten me. I don't think I would bother if the improvements were marginal at best.
Last edited by Payner44; Dec 29, 2007 at 11:46 AM.
I think I'd go with some gas shocks and sway bars front and rear. Or a IFS of your choice. These trucks just really don't handle well. Radial tires help, maybe a power steering system (expensive and not easy) and simply keeping your speed down. Even the newer trucks with I-Beams are a handful at anything over 75-80. I think aerodynamics take over after 65 + and then your on your own.
I like driving my slick BECAUSE of the way it handles! I think most of you guys would agree as well. Why would we keep owning and working on these trucks if we didn't love 'em for what they are? I find it so much fun to have scary brakes, barely any steering, not-so-nice handling, and an old school motor pushing you around in an heavy all-metal box!
Last edited by matt2491; Dec 29, 2007 at 12:12 PM.
I like driving my slick BECAUSE of the way it handles! I think most of you guys would agree as well. Why would we keep owning and working on these trucks if we didn't love 'em for what they are? I find it so much fun to have scary brakes, barely any steering, not-so-nice handling, and an old school motor pushing you around in an heavy all-metal box!
I agree, and have stated similar sentiments in other threads. My ONLY reason for seeking a better solution in this regard is for safety reasons. I don't go faster than 65, ever, and most often no more than 60 on the highway. However, there are times when my comfort level lowers and my nerves fray a little, if you know what I mean?
Last edited by Payner44; Dec 29, 2007 at 12:20 PM.
I hear you about going fast. A few months back I took my '64 up to 75 MPH to see what would happen and scared the hell out of myself in the process...and I've gone 175 MPH before in a Vette without even batting an eye!
Just stepped on the gas...with the 4.10 Dana 60.2 rearend it was revving around 3500 RPM. What scared me was all the shaking and vibrating it was making!
Last edited by Payner44; Dec 29, 2007 at 04:40 PM.
I agree, and have stated similar sentiments in other threads. My ONLY reason for seeking a better solution in this regard is for safety reasons. I don't go faster than 65, ever, and most often no more than 60 on the highway. However, there are times when my comfort level lowers and my nerves fray a little, if you know what I mean?
I have to ask Payner44 about the post above stating, "I don't go over 65, ever"
In another quote you responded by saying that.....
<TABLE class=tborder cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=4 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR title="Post 5504509" vAlign=top><TD class=alt2>I hear you about going fast. A few months back I took my '64 up to 75 MPH to see what would happen and scared the hell out of myself in the process...and I've gone 175 MPH before in a Vette without even batting an eye! </TD></TR><TR><TD class=thead colSpan=2>Today 01:53 PM</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
Which is it, do you never go over 65, ever, or just a slip up?
I have to ask Payner44 about the post above stating, "I don't go over 65, ever"
In another quote you responded by saying that.....
<table class="tborder" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr title="Post 5504509" valign="top"><td class="alt2">I hear you about going fast. A few months back I took my '64 up to 75 MPH to see what would happen and scared the hell out of myself in the process...and I've gone 175 MPH before in a Vette without even batting an eye! </td></tr><tr><td class="thead" colspan="2">Today 01:53 PM</td></tr></tbody></table>
Which is it, do you never go over 65, ever, or just a slip up?
Good point...I was actually referring to my everyday driving habits with this particular truck...the 75MPH effort was only a one time thing to see what would happen, which served to re-enforce my habit of staying at 65MPH or less. I go a hell of a lot faster in my wife's '06 Silverado, though!
Last edited by Payner44; Dec 29, 2007 at 06:53 PM.
Unbelievable. Back when gas was "cheap" and I could afford a 390 as an everyday commuter, 80mph was an everyday thing. If you didn't you'd get ran over by the Hindu/Muslim truck drivers from British Columbia!
My 65 handles great with no mods to the suspension other than gas shocks and 2" smaller od tires. Good tires do make a world of difference.
The tin does dance the whotuzzy at 100mph though.
There are many performance designs for solid axles. You can visit a local speed shop for ideas on how to improve your handling.