Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

When I was looking for info on Porterbuilt's Stage 1 kits, I found very few before and after pictures for comparison purposes. So when I decided to go this route, I figured that I would take some pictures of my truck in the same place, from the same angle before and after installing the Stage 1 kits.

Once I got to this point, I decided I wanted to go lower, so I added McGaughy's 2.5" drop spindles. Then I wanted to go lower in the rear, so I added Porterbuilt's 2 piece bolt in notch.

I took pictures of the truck aired up and aired out after every change so that others could see what results come from various combination of parts.

Now that I have my truck where I want it, I put together the chart below with some of the pictures.

FYI - Since adding the notch, I basically have the Stage 2 rear kit in the bottom two pictures.

Some measurements from the ground to the top of the wheel arch in the fender:

Stock: 32"/33" (front/rear)
Stage 1 Up - 33"/34"
Stage 1 Down - 26"/27"
W/ drop spindles Up - 30"/34"
W/ Drop Spindles Down - 24"/27"
W/ Notch up - 30"/32"
W/ Notch Down - 24"/25"

Hopefully someone finds this helpful.

Here's a link to the full size version:

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...%27s%20C10.pdf

Of course this wouldn't have been possible without the help of Travis at Pro Performance!

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

thanks for the info very nice job. :metal:

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Very nice info. Something for me to look forward to. Have my Stage I front and Stage II Basic rear on order.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

hey are McGaughys drop spindles different from CPP? I know CPP are cheaper and they claim to pull the front tires inward, which I hope is a good thing. I'm eyeing CPP as we speak.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Great info, thanks for posting...Jim

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Very good info, thanks for taking the effort to put this together. It will help me make some suspension upgrade decisions in the future.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

That's pretty cool Matt, thanks for the pictures. This is what I'm doing to my suspension.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Thanks for taking the time and posting your results. It will help me decide on my drop. ;) Nate

I installed the stage 2 rear w/bags and I have 2" dropped spindles with 2" dropped springs for the front. I'm thinking I need to cut one coil now and maybe 1.5" blocks in the rear. We'll see :uhmk:

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Awesome picture chart and write up! You basically did the second part of my PB write up where I was going to try and illustrate the different stance heights of the PB Stage 1/2 kits. Your charts even better with the stock height comparisons too!

Great job!

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Thanks for posting the pictures and chart Matt. Its really helpful since I just ordered basically the exact same setup but couldn't find any pictures of a completed truck with that that exact setup, seems like everyone is laying frame with drop members and step notches. Great looking truck and that setup looks like it'll be perfect for daily driver duties.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Thanks for the feedback guys! Sounds like I wasn't the only one looking for some pictures for comparison purposes.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

I'm not sure what exactly the differences are between the CPP and McGaughys spindles. I'll ask Travis to chime in or maybe someone else know.

I chose McGaughy's because they'll work with a disc brake upgrade I'm planning on making in the future.

- Matt

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

If you already have bags in the rear, why not just bag the front too?

Where are you from in Pittsburgh? I'm Pittsburgh born and raised. I grew up in North Apollo - the southern part of Armstrong County.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Thanks! You're Porterbuilt write up was awesome and I used it as a reference when installing my notch last week. I hope that once painted, my truck is half as nice as yours. - Matt

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Very nice write up sir!

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Very nice comparison!!

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Did you use the PB Trac-bar? The comparison chart is a very good idea. I'll have the McGaughy's spindles/brakes and PB stage 1 kits before Spring.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

I have the PB Trac-Bar on it's way. Hope to have it installed soon.

If you're going to also do drop spindles, I would recommend doing the stage 2 rear kit and using it without the upper cups. That's where I'm at now. I basically bought the stage two components individually which ended up costing a little more in the long run.

With the spindles and with the upper cups in the rear with no notch, it gave the truck a "east coast rake" with the rear up high in the air. It was cool looking, but I didn't want that look long term.

After doing this, I think the stage one kits should only be used together when you're keeping the stock arms and spindles. This will give you a somewhat stock looking ride height with the option to lower it 6 inches or so when desired.

If you want to be lower, you need to go with the Stage 1 front, Stage 2 rear, and drop spindles. If I were to start over, that's what I would do. - Matt

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Matt-

Thanks for the write up! We will be borrowing your comparison pic you put together!

I plan on painting your truck and putting some wheels on it (digitally of course)... what are your plans for paint and wheels? Might as well try and make it look like it will when you complete it! ;)

Nate

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Thanks for the feedback, Nate.

Sorry I didn't start with a better looking truck!

Feel free to add wheels and paint for real or digitally. The plan is Dark Blue - something like Dodge's Jazz Blue on the Challengers - with 20" polished wheels. If the budget allows, I'm thinking Intro Flows but that could change.

I have and can send you a bunch of pictures. Let me know if you want those as well.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

I am going to run shrader valves on the rear bags. I was thinking about going with coils again but I already have the bags, line and shraders. I just want to get my truck back in one piece again ;) Then I can decide if I want to fully bag the truck. I'd rather not spend the money or the time messing with that now.

I grew up in Arlington (on the hill above South Side). I live in Brentwood now. My Dad moved out your way a few years ago to Freeport. Now he tells people he lives out in the country :lol:

Your truck looks awesome, keep up the good work. Nate

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Great information Matt, and appreciate you posting this up. I too, will have to use this for our site for others to see. Truck is coming along great.

CPP has 2 types of spindle, the regular & the modular. The modular is supposed to narrow your track width, but to what exact measurement, I am not sure. I believe they say 3/4", but I am unclear on what that is in comparison to and have yet to confirm.

In my opinion and knowledge, the regular CPP spindle (has caliper mounting ears like a stock spindle) and the McGaughys are very much the same.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Following

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Thanks for clearing that up, Travis.

Nate - Sunday night I sent you a bunch of pictures. Let me know if you didn't get them or if there's anything else you'd like. - Matt

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

awesome info. thanks for taking the time to do it.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

question... how much did you spend? And it is bags right? stock arms? thanksfortheinfo!
Wellbedoingthesame once income tax money comes lol

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

isthere any way you can.send me a parts list I will need to order if I wanted this exactdrop? ErikEscobar@ymail.com stageone front kit and I guess thestage two kit for rear.. I plan on getting some dropspindles and using stock control arms for now

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

We will be happy to. If you don't see an email today, look for it Monday.

Nate

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

According to the chart;

If I get the Stage 1 (f/r) w/ stock spindles and a-arms, then I will still be riding at about stock height?

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Correct. By swapping the steel spring with an air spring (everything else staying consistent) the "ride height change" could be minimal if even noticeable.

However, there will be some lea-way with the adjustability the air spring offers, but additional drop would achieved with a drop spindle and or tubular lower control arm.

It's always hard to define where "ride height" actually is when running an air suspension, as it can change with the air bag being inflated or deflated. Some like more pressure for a little firmer ride others like less for a softer ride. It's all based on preference.

In this case, for discussion purposes, it won't change much.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Correct - Bags.

Here's a basic rundown of what all I bought. Keep in mind, I also bought some tools (step bits, saw blades, cutting discs, etc.) and paint to complete the job. I made each item listed a link so you could see/read more.

Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front Kit - $365.00
Porterbuilt Stage 1 Rear Kit - $365.00
Porterbuilt Bolt In Notch - $249.00
Porterbuilt Adjustable Trac Bar - $149.00
McGaughy's 2.5" Drop Spindles - $242.00
2 - Pro Performance 1/4" Manual Schrader Valve Kit - $39.00 each

Total - $1448.00 plus shipping

If I were to do it again, I'd do this:

Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front Kit - $365.00
Porterbuilt Stage 2 Rear Kit - $799.00
McGaughy's 2.5" Drop Spindles - $242.00
2 - Pro Performance 1/4" Manual Schrader Valve Kit - $39.00 each

Total - $1484.00 plus shipping. For $36 more you'll have the stage 2 shock bar system which I'm guessing is easily worth the difference.

- Matt

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Nate already confirmed this but I'll add that the ride quality is greatly improved over the jarring, bouncy ride on the stock springs & shocks. I had never even ridden in a bagged truck/car before I did this and wasn't sure if I'd be happy. I can't believe I ever even had a doubt about it. :metal:

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

thanks man, im sure this is the route I am going to go.. thanks again..

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

I want to stay about stock height, but was wondering if I do want to adjust the stance;
Are there air bags that are shorter in order to maintain air pressure, but lower the ride?

Dano

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Any 1? ?????

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

I'm not sure about shorter bags. I'll let Travis, Nate or someone else who knows answer that question.

After I did the Stage 1 kits, I decided that I wanted to have a lower ride height too which is why I added the drop spindles and notch. I also removed the upper cups in the rear. Never thought about shorter bags, but removing those cups does make the bag shorter.

Changing the pressure changes the height as desired. These kits give about 6-8" of adjust-ability. Of course you don't want to run at 0 psi or at full pressure.

Personally, I like the fact that I have a nice ride with a slightly lowered stance and I can let the air out when I get to my destination and appear to have a super low truck. I had an S10 that was statically dropped a good bit, and it looked cool, but rode like crap. My C10 rides great AND has the desired look when parked.

Not sure if that answered your question or not. - Matt

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

is there a switch to disinflate bags?

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Nd how do you get it back.up?

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

Eventually I'll have compressors, tanks and Accuair controls. But for now I have all the lines running to the cab where I've mounted a small gauge and schrader valve for each bag. I use the compressor in my garage to air the bags up and I just use my fingers to release the schrader valves to lower it. I have a 9 gallon tank that I keep in the bed when I drive it somewhere. This gives me the ability to air the bags up from empty one time. I also carry a small compressor that I can plug into the cig lighter if need be.

Re: Porterbuilt Stage 1 Front and Rear Kit Chart
 

cool