1959 Apache help

[Ryanthelion145]

Hello. I have a 1959 Apache with 4x4 stuff. Danna 44 ford front axle, 1959 front leaf springs. It needs major upgrades. It’s not a crawler but the potholes here in California are destroying my truck. Any suggestions. I’m looking at cheap 4 links for k5 blazers on eBay. I don’t like the price of fox coil overs and that seems over kill. I’ve thought about 1967 blazer leaf springs but not sure if that is any better than my current leaf springs. My budget is about 1500 dollars.

 

[ZooMad75]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but cheap and 4 link kits are not normally used in the same sentence.

For $1500 you can invest in much better leaf springs. You’ll need to id what you have first and then talk to the folks at ORD about getting a pair of custom springs.

 

[Ryanthelion145]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but cheap and 4 link kits are not normally used in the same sentence.

For $1500 you can invest in much better leaf springs. You’ll need to id what you have first and then talk to the folks at ORD about getting a pair of custom springs.

Thanks. Custom leaf springs seem like over kill. I can just add 1967 blazer 6 inch leaf springs. Same length 44 inches with new rear mounts. Just want to make sure those springs will actually work.

There are 400 dollar 4 links on eBay for k5 blazers. Should be fine for road driving. I’m not building a crawler. It may see the off road once a year to get a Christmas tree

 

[Ryanthelion145]

Thanks. Custom leaf springs seem like over kill. I can just add 1967 blazer 6 inch leaf springs. Same length 44 inches with new rear mounts. Just want to make sure those springs will actually work.

There are 400 dollar 4 links on eBay for k5 blazers. Should be fine for road driving. I’m not building a crawler. It may see the off road once a year to get a Christmas tree

This is the kit I’m looking at. Not sure if it’s for bags or coilovers need to do more research. For my purposes this should be vastly more improved that 1959 leaf springs

 

[Fastereddie]

This is the kit I’m looking at. Not sure if it’s for bags or coilovers need to do more research. For my purposes this should be vastly more improved that 1959 leaf springs

View attachment 419004

If you want, you can just send me your money and I’ll kick you in the nuts instead.
That would be easier for you.
Seriously though, don’t buy that.

You will be much better off to get some correct size leaf springs with new bushings and some good shocks.

 

[Fastereddie]

Cool truck too!

 

[Bent77]

Moved to the Garage, the Offroad Design forum is reserved for questions about their components, not eBay’s stuff

 

[ZooMad75]

Thanks. Custom leaf springs seem like over kill. I can just add 1967 blazer 6 inch leaf springs. Same length 44 inches with new rear mounts. Just want to make sure those springs will actually work.

There are 400 dollar 4 links on eBay for k5 blazers. Should be fine for road driving. I’m not building a crawler. It may see the off road once a year to get a Christmas tree

That eBay kit is for the rear for one thing. I’m with Eddie Don’t waste money on it. If you don’t want custom springs at least go for tuff country ez-ride spring or other “soft ride” springs.

 

[cheavyk10]

That eBay kit is light duty for a lowered two wheel drive truck with limited suspension travel. There's no way you could get the geometry right and keep the truck at the same height it is now without fabbing up your own brackets for those links.

 

[obijuank5]

It's expensive to be cheap.

 

[Ryanthelion145]

That eBay kit is for the rear for one thing. I’m with Eddie Don’t waste money on it. If you don’t want custom springs at least go for tuff country ez-ride spring or other “soft ride” springs.

Thank u. Much appreciated

 

[Ryanthelion145]

That eBay kit is light duty for a lowered two wheel drive truck with limited suspension travel. There's no way you could get the geometry right and keep the truck at the same height it is now without fabbing up your own brackets for those links.

Thank u for the explanation. I’m really glad I told me this. Looks like new leaf springs

 

[rampage]

Hmmm, 60 year old springs and worn out rubber bushings. I think spring and shock technology has improved a little in that time. As mentioned, I’d get some quality springs and shocks (i.e. Tuff Country EZ rides/ORD custom and Bilstein shocks) and possibly some greasable bushings. Your budget so it’s your call, but like a house, build a good foundation and work your way up.

 

[82355]

Take some detailed pictures of what you actually have. Chances are, that is not a factory four wheel drive truck.

Martin

 

[Wes Harden]

I think it would have been a NABCO conversion in 59. Since it's 8 lug I am willing to bet some one converted it. From a 2 wheel drive.

 

[ZooMad75]

Probably on a blazer chassis by the sounds of it. Pretty common as the they match up pretty close.

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

I would call ORD and get a set of springs custom made for that truck 6 inch springs in that length will still ride rough.