If you're an avid reader of CLASSIC TRUCKS then you know that I installed CPP front disc brakes and a firewall-mounted brake booster on a '55-59 Chevy in our January issue. This month I changed it up a bit by installing CPP's 3- to 4-inch rear drop springs and disc brake kit.
The CPP brake booster was already installed, and I was worried that I would have to purchase an extra brake master cylinder and proportioning valve, because when I ordered the front disc brakes I was going to use the stock rear drums. After a quick call to Craig Chaffers, head honcho of R&D, explaining what I wanted to with the brakes and the rear suspension, Chaffers eased my worries. He explained that the master cylinder from my previous kit would work just fine and that the only modification I would have to make was with the proportion valve. The proportioning valves' check valve needed to be removed by simply unscrewing the front of the block and removing it. That turned it from a disc/drum valve to a disc/disc valve.
When I opened the CPP 3- to 4-inch rear suspension kit, flip kit, shackles, perches, and shocks I noticed the nice, laser-cut front and rear spring perches. The welds were very uniform and with solid penetration. CPP took pride in what they were doing and it showed in the product. Now the only hard part was to remove all the tired stock components, such as rear drums, springs, and riveted spring perches.
I knew I wanted to go low in the rear but still be able to carry a few pounds in the back or possibly tow a motorcycle trailer, so the multileaf drop springs were the way to go. Just how low you want is up to you by adding lowering blocks between the rearend and the new springs. I used CPP's 2-inch blocks and U-bolts to get my desired ride height. The install went really easy, except for a few pesky rivets. Hopefully, your install goes as smoothly as mine.
