[jsutton]

51 Chevy Truck front suspension? What would be gained by changing the front suspension other than going from Manuel to power steering and brakes? Would it be better to replace parts on the existing system? Dumb question? If so sorry.

[smoyers]

I have a '41 1/2 ton Chevy, you do not need power steering on a 1/2 ton truck it would make it too sensitive. you can buy a disc brake kit from Speedway Motors and others and run intermediate
GM brakes. I bought a dropped tubular axle from Butches Rod Shop in Ohio and mono leaf springs to lower the front end at least 6" plus 14" rims ford 9" inch in the rear with 2" lowering blocks looks tough.

[willys36@aol.com]

It's just whatever spins your prop. Modern suspension makes it much easier to lower the truck and gives a better ride. Stock suspension is much easier to do and gives a more traditional look. See how I adapted power steering to my rebuilt stock '53 front end here.

[Kurt]

It dependes on how you use your truck. If you just cruise around on fri. night and just want to update simply, stay with the stock system, add the brakes, drop it a bit and your done. If you drive it regularily, the new independant suspension rides, handles, stops better, will let you go lower safely, and will be easier and cheaper to maintain.

[packratwrecker]

If you have any wear in the kingpin bushings, you are planning to keep it a while, and like to drive it a lot, I'd go for an independent.
The ride quality is worth the difference.
I put kingpins in a 51 1/2 ton at vo-tech. It was so badly worn, i had to ream the axle and put in oversized kingpins. If you have never tried to align a straight axle, then you are in for a treat.
Brace, bend, measure. Brace, bend measure. It only took half a day on the alignment rack.