Thread: New here. Might need some help...

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Change the brakes all the way around. Pulling to the left when braking is because of your brakes. Either your left side is grabbing too hard or the right side is worn shoes and not grabbing enough, visa versa, etc.

First, Jamie welcome to the site. I'm new here too, and the sight looks great. I agree with FMX and think it is good for you to keep the straight axle. However, if you decide to go dropped, IMHO I think 6 inches is a bit much, 4 inches better.
As to some of the comments about straight axles and poor handling, wandering all over the road and such, I think that most of those properties are ones of worn or poorly setup parts. When you change your kingpins and bushings, make sure they are sized by an automotive machine shop. Also definitely replace the spring bushings and pins, and all the other parts that normally wear on these front ends like tie rod ends. Make sure the steering box isn't too sloppy. Check wheel bearings for excessive wear. It will all be time well spent.
My truck has a 4 inch drop solid axle with monoleafs, and it works very well in the handling department. But it is still a truck.

Originally posted by FMXhellraiser
Change the brakes all the way around. Pulling to the left when braking is because of your brakes. Either your left side is grabbing too hard or the right side is worn shoes and not grabbing enough, visa versa, etc.

could also mean that there is air in the line on that side/ wheel cylender and needs bled out also.

Originally posted by 46yblock
First, Jamie welcome to the site. I'm new here too, and the sight looks great. I agree with FMX and think it is good for you to keep the straight axle. However, if you decide to go dropped, IMHO I think 6 inches is a bit much, 4 inches better.
As to some of the comments about straight axles and poor handling, wandering all over the road and such, I think that most of those properties are ones of worn or poorly setup parts. When you change your kingpins and bushings, make sure they are sized by an automotive machine shop. Also definitely replace the spring bushings and pins, and all the other parts that normally wear on these front ends like tie rod ends. Make sure the steering box isn't too sloppy. Check wheel bearings for excessive wear. It will all be time well spent.
My truck has a 4 inch drop solid axle with monoleafs, and it works very well in the handling department. But it is still a truck.

46yblock,
6 inches isn't a ton because that is off the stock height already and the stock axle is I think either 3 1/2 inch drop or 3 1/4 or so. So going with a 6 inch will drop it around 2 1/2-3 inches. That is what I was told on chevy talk...

Oh yeah and Matt is right about air in the lines. For some reason I had already thought in my mind that they were bled, etc and didn't even really think about air or not. But yeah I would fully bleed the brakes and bench bleed the mc if you plan to put a new one in too.

That will be a fun truck. '53 is a good year. We're just finishing one up for a friend of ours. Redid the electric, brakes, new 235, 2 inch drop out back. Should be fun when it's done.

Let's start with axles. this depends on what you want to do. everything that has been said here is true, to an extent. You won't really notice a difference in your ride between the straight axle and IFS, when you're driving down the road in a straight line, but you will when you're pulling into a corner. So the decision here lies in what you're trying to do with the truck. The power steering question has seemed to be answered pretty well and same with the brakes. First thing I would do is bleed everything real well and make sure it's all adjusted properly. We had some problems on my bud's truck with the adjusters. his just didn't work, so we were constantly adjusting, but new adjusters and all was well. Out back blocks are the way to drop. You can get all you want in a couple of hours. Very little work. I would go drop axle if you keep the straight. Taking out springs may bring your truck down, but they will affect the way it handles and the amount you can carry in it without hitting the bump stops on each and every bump, not much fun. The drums will work fine as long as you keep them adjusted and pay attention when you drive. Don't get me wrong, disc are a better setup, but the factory drums will more than get the job done. You can also buy after market boosters that fit under the cab that will help with stopping.

Other than that, have fun with it. Those are great trucks. And I would agree with Dave, there are no dumb questions. A wise man once told me the only dumb question is the one not asked.

Originally posted by FMXhellraiser
46yblock,
6 inches isn't a ton because that is off the stock height already and the stock axle is I think either 3 1/2 inch drop or 3 1/4 or so. So going with a 6 inch will drop it around 2 1/2-3 inches. That is what I was told on chevy talk...

Maybe there is a difference in "drops" between Chevy and Ford, I dont know. But the 4 inch drop axle I have has only 1.5-2 inches clearance above the scrub line, measured at its lowest point in the center. Wheels are 15 inch.

Alright I see what your talking about, I am not saying your wrong or nothing at all so please don't think that.

Thanks everyone for your comments. The truck is allready lowered and I wont be changing the stance or anything. If keeping the drum brakes all around will work fine I might do that and just get the power steering setup for the truck. Then change to a better master cylinder along with the new front end kingpins and such. I think a 68-72 truck power steering box will work with a couple kits for changing it over but what will work for a new tilt wheel column beside an aftermarket one? Here are some pics of the truck for you all.
Thanks,
Jamie

Ohh and the truck is a 12 volt system with a gen. can I convert that to an alternator by just switching it or do I have to do something else. Ohh and here is another pic.

Jamie, www.inliners.org. Go there and look at their tech section, it will tell you all about converting to 12 volt in a few different ways and it has the alternator way on it. Really sweet truck to! You should be able to find a late C-10 tilt as well...