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-   -   Static Drop--Ride Height (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=569258)

54belair 03-05-2013 06:37 PM

Static Drop--Ride Height
 
First of all, Im planning a 2 1/2 / 4" drop on my project truck.

Today I was fabbing the brackets for the rear mount fuel tank and I had a scary thought--- "will the weight of the fuel and tank (aprox 150#) mounted behind the axle cause the truck to drop further than the 4" Im looking for"?
Supposedly with the drop Im planning the truck should sit nearly level--but now Im wondering if I should go with a 3" spring due to the extra weight?

The thought is scary because I have already bought the new rear springs!!

Anyone have any experience or thoughts with this?

black_sheep454 03-05-2013 07:17 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
Just find someone who weighs around 150 pounds and have them sit on the tailgate, if it squats too much then you'll know.
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jrdv 03-05-2013 08:43 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
It is going to depend on how much tension your springs have. I would think new springs should be fine, especially with only having a 4 inch drop.

I have a 4/6 drop on my truck. I haven't put in the c notch yet, but I haven't had the axles hit the frame yet. I hauled 4 mounted tires in the back with no problem.

I would think you should be fine, but you won't know till its all put together.

John

kevmac 03-05-2013 09:07 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
belair, post a pick when your done please. I have the springs to do the same 2.5/4 drop with rear tank and want to see the look. Thanx kevmac

54belair 03-05-2013 09:32 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
Will do kevmac-----but it will be several months before I get her back together!! Right now she is occupying two bays of my shop and a storage trailer!!

BigCountryx 03-05-2013 09:42 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
If it squats, just trim your front springs till you get the look you want
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PanelDeland 03-05-2013 10:05 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
I wouldn't sweat it too much.It's not going to be a "real" 4 in drop.The original springs have probably sagged a bit.I think I got about 2 3/4 out of my 4 in drop springs.Just something to keep in mind.2 1/2-4 drop pretty much leveled my panel. It had a pretty good rake before but that may be because the passenger front spring came out in 3 pieces.

54belair 03-05-2013 10:16 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
Normally I want the full 4"----but Im thinking if the fuel and tank (and later a tonneou cover is going to add weight which could cause additional drop--then the 2 3/4" is a good thing!!

brad_man_72 03-05-2013 10:41 PM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
If you have a coil rear its way easy to raise it. Longer bolts and a piece of plate the desired thickness with a hole in it for the spring to rest on. You could even make practice plates from plywood to figure out how thick you want them to be.
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PanelDeland 03-06-2013 10:00 AM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 54belair (Post 5929883)
Normally I want the full 4"----but Im thinking if the fuel and tank (and later a tonneou cover is going to add weight which could cause additional drop--then the 2 3/4" is a good thing!!

I dont want you to think 2 3/4 from 4 in springs.I'm just saying that some sag in the originals is common and you may not get 4 in.I wouldn't think 2 3/4 was the standard from it.Sag is going to depend on what your truck was used for and how often it carried how much weiight.My point is that your stock ride height probably isn't where it is now and the 4 in springs are designed on the original height.

54belair 03-06-2013 11:00 AM

Re: Static Drop--Ride Height
 
OK--gotcha ! Where mines at now is totally unknown---the p o heated the rear springs and claimed he had a 4" drop (sorta). Im redoing both front and rear--drop spindles in front and stock springs and 4" (?)drop springs in the rear.
Im not sure how much sag would be caused on new springs with the additional 125-150# on the rear. Id rather have a slight rake than a squatter! I could still trade out the 4's for some 3's since they are still in the box.


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