Looking to lower '81 1500-ideas and pics please? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ed1le · 03-18-2005, 05:45 PM

I just got an '81 Silverado long bed in rough shape but still with potential. I have a fresh 355 to put in and was thinking of a 3/5 drop with a set of 18's (with 255/55/18's all around). Will that combo look right with that stance? I don't want to go too low as it'll still be put to use hauling and pulling. What's the best way of lowering it? Springs and Spindles up front? Can I do an axle flip without notching the frame or use shackles? Any suggestions and examples will be greatly appreciated!

jermasaurus · 03-18-2005, 07:33 PM

ed1le,
The spindles and flip kit are a nice way to go, but in my case the back is noticably lower than the front.
As for the flip kit, you can do it without notching the frame. But you are supposed to remove the factory bump stop and bracket, which is riveted to the frame.

I used the DJM kit and it went pretty smooth. You can get the 3" spindles and rear flip kit for a little over $300. Summit Racing is probably the best prices and their shipping for the 60 lbs was only $8!

You can see my before and afters right here http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/793361

Low87 · 03-21-2005, 01:35 PM

6/8 drop on 16s
3.5" spindles & 3" drop springs
flip kit & 2" hangers

Crush · 03-21-2005, 02:37 PM

6/8 (same as Low 87's)
22x10's

NOTE: it will sit a little lower than pictured (maybe 1")once I get the fuel cell back in the rear and all the motor accessories and etc.. back in. I have about 300-400 lbs of stuff still to put back into the front and rear.

ed1le · 03-21-2005, 04:26 PM

Wow, they're SWEET!

03-18-2005, 05:45 PM	#1
ed1le Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 5	Looking to lower '81 1500-ideas and pics please? I just got an '81 Silverado long bed in rough shape but still with potential. I have a fresh 355 to put in and was thinking of a 3/5 drop with a set of 18's (with 255/55/18's all around). Will that combo look right with that stance? I don't want to go too low as it'll still be put to use hauling and pulling. What's the best way of lowering it? Springs and Spindles up front? Can I do an axle flip without notching the frame or use shackles? Any suggestions and examples will be greatly appreciated!

03-21-2005, 01:35 PM	#3
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	6/8 drop on 16s 3.5" spindles & 3" drop springs flip kit & 2" hangers __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

03-21-2005, 02:37 PM	#4
Crush Active Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 307	6/8 (same as Low 87's) 22x10's NOTE: it will sit a little lower than pictured (maybe 1")once I get the fuel cell back in the rear and all the motor accessories and etc.. back in. I have about 300-400 lbs of stuff still to put back into the front and rear. __________________ D.M.C -FF-

03-21-2005, 04:26 PM	#5
ed1le Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 5	Wow, they're SWEET! __________________ 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero Sportwagon, 2.3L 250 HP Turbo-I think I'm growing up! 1981 Silverado 1500 longbed project, fresh 355/700R4, beginning complete restoration w/ 4/6 drop & 18's www.edworks4you.com

03-18-2005, 07:33 PM	#2
jermasaurus Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New Lenox, IL Posts: 442	ed1le, The spindles and flip kit are a nice way to go, but in my case the back is noticably lower than the front. As for the flip kit, you can do it without notching the frame. But you are supposed to remove the factory bump stop and bracket, which is riveted to the frame. I used the DJM kit and it went pretty smooth. You can get the 3" spindles and rear flip kit for a little over $300. Summit Racing is probably the best prices and their shipping for the 60 lbs was only $8! You can see my before and afters right here http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/793361



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