Please help me build my suspension...

[Orange '71 GMC]

I am about to put my truck into daily driver status, and I want to upgrade the suspension before doing so. For the past 6 years, I have been driving a 1994 Camaro, so this is going to be quite a difference for me as you might imagine. It is everytime I swap seats for a little while. We are talking about a 1971 GMC C10 here.

All I have as of now is the stock 1-1/16" front sway bar with the ECE Lowered Sway Bar Mounts, Energy Suspension Polyurethane Bushings, and KYB Gas-A-Just Shocks F&R.

My truck is stock leaf spring rear, and I have no intentions of changing it really.

What I would like to acheive is this.
I want to get it sitting level first of all, and in the best effective manner. I do not want it slammed. I want it to sit pretty much like it is, just level. So a 1/2 or so is about what I am looking at I think. This would be mostly just for the upgrade of whatever it took to the drop/to increase ride quality. If there isn't such a way, then toss the idea I suppose. I'll live with it.

I also want to acheive maximum "car-like" handling out of it. Like I said, I am going to be jumping from a '94 Camaro to this, so I am used to cornering at high speeds, etc. Do I need to rigid mount the front sway bar? What about a rear sway bar? Also, I know the coil spring trucks came with a panhard bar - I know that this couldn't hurt with rearend movement/walk. Will it mount up?

I currently have 15" wheels with some pretty tall tires, but am considering even tossing those to get some 17" at least to kill sidewall flex. I guess I am really into comfort of driving over the top.

What all can be done?

I would appreciate any and all links, info, parts, prices, etc. that you guys can give me.

THANKS CREW!

[67Fleet]

You won't need a panhard bar with a leaf setup. I would get a rear sway bar, and upgrade your shocks. Moving up to some 17" wheels with 45 or 50 series tires would be good too. Also, you can beef up the front sway bar with poly bushings. The biggest difference you can make is just to rebuild your front steering components with new parts. You'll definitely feel a difference that way.

[Orange '71 GMC]

Originally Posted by 67Fleet

The biggest difference you can make is just to rebuild your front steering components with new parts. You'll definitely feel a difference that way.

Anyone care to expound on that?

I haven't researched that aspect of this truck at all. I haven't had any issues with it honestly, so I just left it be. What parts, etc. do I need to upgrade/rebuild...

The shocks are brand new - and I thought the KYB's weren't that bad for a standard stock honestly...no?

[67Fleet]

The KYB's are good shocks so you should be good with those. As for the steering components....tie rod ends, end links, pitman arm, upper/lower ball joints, idler arm, and tie rod adjusting sleeves. I think I covered everything.... Also, make sure your steering box is adjusted properly so there is no excess play in it.

[Orange '71 GMC]

Originally Posted by 67Fleet

As for the steering components....tie rod ends, end links, pitman arm, upper/lower ball joints, idler arm, and tie rod adjusting sleeves. I think I covered everything.... Also, make sure your steering box is adjusted properly so there is no excess play in it.

Thank You.

I have checked all that stuff out previously (not very recently, but I haven't put over 7,000 miles on my truck in the past 6 years either), and know that it was in good working order, but I suppose just replacing it with newer components will be the answer? Are there any preferred items/brands?

The steering box will not be a problem I don't think, as it will most likely be getting replaced soon by a unit out of a Sunfire I believe. I am putting a front mount pulley system on that uses a smaller pump, so that will take care of it. I know my current one has some play...not excessive, but some.

[Orange '71 GMC]

OK, did a little looking around at ECE...
They have a kit that pretty much has the entire list of parts mentioned...

"Complete front-end rebuild kits consist of inner and outer tie rod ends, tie rod adjusting sleeves, upper and lower ball joints, upper and lower control arm shaft kits, idler arm and pitman arm."

I will have to check and see on that - I know some of the front end has been replaced, but not sure what.

Was also looking at their lowering options.
Looks like I can either go with a 1-1/2" shackle or the 4" leaf, which would mean a 2/4 drop or stock/1-1/2. Opinions on either of those anyone?

Thanks for your help thus far 67Fleet!

[67Fleet]

No problem! I forgot to mention, that there are numerous ppl on the board here that recommend going to Napa or similar and you can get the parts cheaper (Moog parts) than purchasing a kit through ECE or CPP. May be worth the extra effort due to the cost savings.

[Orange '71 GMC]

Thanks - it is worth the effort to me as well.

I am already "finished" with this truck, but am doing all this stuff as another new phase, so I have other things I can spend the saved money on.