lowering springs and shocks?

[64hotrod]

Hey guys, first i just want to say, what an awesome forum. i'v been reading the archives for months now and it has been my number 1 source for info on my rebuild. anyway, my questions are,#1 where is the best place to order drop springs and shocks? #2 how low can i go without bump steer becoming a BIG problem?#3 i plan on dropping in a bb 402 so how will that change things. i also plan on getting 2 1/2 drop spingles and converting to 5 or 6 lug disk.(i'm 6 lug drum now out of a '69) also will a steering stabilizer really help if bump steer is a big problem?sorry for all the questions @ once but i need to order stuff to keep working on it. thanks, steve

[7deuce]

Holy questions.........................................

[64hotrod]

i know, what can i say, i panicked. btw, your truck is freekin' sweet!

[jimmydean]

For a solid drop, you can go with a 2" spring and 2.5" spindles. The steering on a 2" drop isn't bad, but 3" is a bit much. There are a lot of people with 3" springs that say it's fine, but I wouldn't go that low.

Sticking with 6 lug would be the easiest since you have a 6 lug rear. If you have stock wheels, you will need to make sure that the rim wil fit over the disc, if you are runnung aftermarket wheels, it shouldn't be an issue. I got the 6 lug kit from GMC Pauls and will install it next weekend.


I am going with bags rather than springs because it fits my build better than springs. I got the shock kit from CPP when they were on sale and they came with the relocators for the rear. I went with w 3" drop front, and the 5-6" drop rear on the shocks.

Can't help you on the 402, my experience is with 350's.

[70c10]

jimmydean- I'm going to order the same CPP shock kit. BTW- I might be picking your brain next month because I got the same 6 lug kit with drop spindles from Paul also!.

[jimmydean]

Not a problem! Are you doing springs or bags? I went with bags because I wanted to be able to tow and haul without worrying about dragging.

[70c10]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

Not a problem! Are you doing springs or bags? I went with bags because I wanted to be able to tow and haul without worrying about dragging.

Springs

[67Fleet]

Jimmy, I got the same shock kit from CPP. Up front you will be limited on your lift with those shocks. I haven't unbolted mine to see exactly how much, but I do know that they prevent the front end from going to its max potential. Just something to think about.

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by 67Fleet

Jimmy, I got the same shock kit from CPP. Up front you will be limited on your lift with those shocks. I haven't unbolted mine to see exactly how much, but I do know that they prevent the front end from going to its max potential. Just something to think about.

Did you get the same size? Should I have gotten a taller shock? I can return them, they won't be here until Thursday. Looking at your aired up shot, it looks about right where I want to be, maybe an inch higher would be good.

Let me know what size you got and I will measure mine when they get here. I would like to be able to go as high as I can with the 7" front bag. Thanks for the heads up.

[67Fleet]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

Did you get the same size? Should I have gotten a taller shock? I can return them, they won't be here until Thursday. Looking at your aired up shot, it looks about right where I want to be, maybe an inch higher would be good.

Let me know what size you got and I will measure mine when they get here. I would like to be able to go as high as I can with the 7" front bag. Thanks for the heads up.

I'm almost positive I ordered mine for a 3" drop also. I got the Doetsch Tech shocks. C05425A is the part number. Hope that helps.
-Bret

[67Fleet]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

Did you get the same size? Should I have gotten a taller shock? I can return them, they won't be here until Thursday. Looking at your aired up shot, it looks about right where I want to be, maybe an inch higher would be good.

Let me know what size you got and I will measure mine when they get here. I would like to be able to go as high as I can with the 7" front bag. Thanks for the heads up.

I'm almost positive I ordered mine for a 3" drop also. I got the Doetsch Tech shocks. C05425A is the part number. Hope that helps. Just double-checked the CPP website and that's definitely the one I ordered.
-Bret

[64hotrod]

thanks for the info jimmydean. thats what i wanted to know. also i havent really decided yet on the 402 bb or my 400 sb. i guess i'll save that one for latter. anyway please let me know how the install goes. thanks again, steve