20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

StepinNJ · 04-06-2007, 10:36 AM

A few weeks back I asked for some input on 20 inch wheels for my 79 GMC step side. I went with a 20X 8.5 wheel and 275-45-20 tires. Here is the truck so far. I removed the bed rails, wheel well moldings, bumper guards, and replaced the grill and headlight bezels. Now I am looking to lower it 2-3 inches in front and 4 inches in back. Any suggestions on what kit to use? I want to drive this a lot so I need a decent comfort level. This is a great site for info by the way.
Dave

**N2TRUX** · 04-06-2007, 10:45 AM

HUGE difference! That looks so much better with all the clean up work and fresh wheels. I have alawys had good luck with DJM products. They are cheaper than BellTech and work just fine.

Eyegore · 04-06-2007, 10:57 AM

No advice on drop info. but you have one nice stepper.

killthewabbit · 04-06-2007, 11:20 AM

boatpuller · 04-06-2007, 11:45 AM

man,that looks good...when you drop it,it's gonna look even better.

Malo83 · 04-06-2007, 01:34 PM

Real nice

, yeah take out some of that altitude and swap out those Elephant ears for some sport mirrors and she'll be profiling, she looks good.

John

garysouthlake · 04-06-2007, 04:12 PM

Ya gotta love the 20's. They really fill out the wheelwells. Looks great...

Crush · 04-06-2007, 04:20 PM

That's a GREAT lookin' stepper!!!

I agree with N2TRUX.....DJM is great quality.

I've also had great luck with Western Chassis stuff.

BaddBusa2005 · 04-06-2007, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crush

That's a GREAT lookin' stepper!!!

I agree with N2TRUX.....DJM is great quality.

I've also had great luck with Western Chassis stuff.

Where is a good place to buy either???

68GMCCustom · 04-06-2007, 06:24 PM

Nice truck!

pcmcobra · 04-06-2007, 06:47 PM

summit, stylinconcepts...
grab a truckin' magazine and there are plenty of places to choose, tons of ads...lol

**N2TRUX** · 04-06-2007, 06:53 PM

It's hard to beat www.summitracing.com unless you have a local vendor you want to support.

Srubydo1986 · 04-06-2007, 07:02 PM

Very nice truck.

smashingchuck · 04-06-2007, 07:05 PM

I would use DjM 3" spindles in the front... get them from summit. out back you have a few options...

StepinNJ · 04-07-2007, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashingchuck

I would use DjM 3" spindles in the front... get them from summit. out back you have a few options...

Question.
If I use drop spindles do I also need drop springs? Or do I retain the stock springs. The reason I ask is my truck leans to the right slightly in the front so I think I have a bad spring already. Since I need to replace them I was just going to go with a drop spring by itself. Just seems easier. If I need springs for the spindles do I get stock height or lowered?

**AspecialZ** · 04-06-2007, 08:44 PM

I went with McGaugheys, love there stuff, very nice stepper!

stangalang · 04-07-2007, 01:01 PM

5 inch flip kit for the back and 3 inch spindles for the front trust me you want be dissapointed. If you want to you could use air shocks on the back and you could lift and lower the back about a inch and a half I did this on my 78 and I have no complaints and I even cut a half turn on my stock front spring and the ride is great.

**N2TRUX** · 04-07-2007, 06:37 PM

You can run dropped spindles and stock springs. It's up to you if they need replaced which way to go.

boxrodz · 04-09-2007, 02:52 PM

Good progress - StepinNJ.

Along with the suggestion of using Summit and Stylin Concepts, you could also consider Sportruck.com http://www.truckshop.com/catalog/63-...p-1-c-448.html.

For a mild drop, you could go with 3" drop spindles in front and 4" hangers and shackles out back. Depending on your axle to framerail clearance out back, (if you don't plan to haul anything to heavy and NJ roads are too bad), you may be able to get away with a 4"-6" drop using drop spindles and drop springs in front and a flip kit out back. This would get you closer the drop in pics of your previous thread.

BTW, you could also measure the distance between the lip on the LCA and the lip of the spring pocket of each side of the front to determine if one spring is sagging more than the other. Also, replacing your springs with new stock springs may actually raise the front a bit.

AirMale · 04-09-2007, 06:59 PM

If your in S. Jersey, I can help you install your drop. Drop me a p.m.

StepinNJ · 04-09-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirMale

If your in S. Jersey, I can help you install your drop. Drop me a p.m.

Funny, I bought the truck in Cape May in February.

boxrodz · 04-10-2007, 12:58 AM

OT
AirMale -
Did you ever finish your 4 bar? If so, how's it working out?

liljon285 · 04-10-2007, 06:49 AM

Very nice truck. I used 3" drop coils in dront with djm drop shocks and just air shocks in the beack, but then again i wanted a rake.

liljon285 · 04-10-2007, 06:50 AM

Oh sense you got bigger wheels itll be a bit higher than mine my tiny fifteens, they let the control arms almost hit the floor lol.

AirMale · 04-10-2007, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boxrodz

OT
AirMale -
Did you ever finish your 4 bar? If so, how's it working out?

Well things were at a stand still with having twin girls but have spent many hours this month finishing what I started.

04-06-2007, 10:36 AM	#1
StepinNJ TuTone Silverado Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Central NJ Posts: 196	20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 A few weeks back I asked for some input on 20 inch wheels for my 79 GMC step side. I went with a 20X 8.5 wheel and 275-45-20 tires. Here is the truck so far. I removed the bed rails, wheel well moldings, bumper guards, and replaced the grill and headlight bezels. Now I am looking to lower it 2-3 inches in front and 4 inches in back. Any suggestions on what kit to use? I want to drive this a lot so I need a decent comfort level. This is a great site for info by the way. Dave Attached Images __________________ 13 Corvette GS vert 13 Ram Laramie Longhorn 11 Wrangler Sahara unlimited 08 300 76 El Camino 67 Bel Air sedan 63 Corvette SWC 08 HD Road King Classic 68 HD Golf car

04-06-2007, 10:45 AM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 HUGE difference! That looks so much better with all the clean up work and fresh wheels. I have alawys had good luck with DJM products. They are cheaper than BellTech and work just fine. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

04-06-2007, 10:57 AM	#3
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 No advice on drop info. but you have one nice stepper. __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

04-06-2007, 11:20 AM	#4
killthewabbit Spear and magic helmet! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,226	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 __________________ -- Will

04-06-2007, 11:45 AM	#5
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 man,that looks good...when you drop it,it's gonna look even better. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

04-06-2007, 01:34 PM	#6
Malo83 Cruzzzn' Vet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Porterville,Ca. Posts: 1,918	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 Real nice , yeah take out some of that altitude and swap out those Elephant ears for some sport mirrors and she'll be profiling, she looks good. John

04-06-2007, 04:12 PM	#7
garysouthlake 'lox' Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: dallas area Posts: 50	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 Ya gotta love the 20's. They really fill out the wheelwells. Looks great...

04-06-2007, 04:20 PM	#8
Crush Active Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 307	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 That's a GREAT lookin' stepper!!! I agree with N2TRUX.....DJM is great quality. I've also had great luck with Western Chassis stuff. __________________ D.M.C -FF-

04-06-2007, 06:24 PM	#10
68GMCCustom Truck and auto performance nut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: McKinney,Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 Nice truck! __________________ Kurt - '68 GMC short step - NIB '09 LY6 6.0L crate motor w/mods, NIB '12 crate 4L85e w/billet 3k stall Circle D, 3.73 posi 12 bolt, DynaTech f-swap headers, 3/4 drop, handling mods, etc. - my toy '72 Chevy LWB C-10 Highlander - 350/350 ps/pb/tilt/ac - not original but close '06 Chevy TrailBlazerSS - LS2/4L70e - little black hot rod SUV - my DD '18 Kia Sorento - wife's econo-driver '95 Chevy S10 - reg cab shortbed, LS, 4.3, auto... my '68's powertrain and chassis build -links broken A surprise phase - carb to efi -links broken

04-06-2007, 06:47 PM	#11
pcmcobra Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,684	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 summit, stylinconcepts... grab a truckin' magazine and there are plenty of places to choose, tons of ads...lol __________________ 1986 C10 SWB 6.0/6l90e Miami...Flee it like a native

04-06-2007, 06:53 PM	#12
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 It's hard to beat www.summitracing.com unless you have a local vendor you want to support. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

04-06-2007, 07:02 PM	#13
Srubydo1986 The Crazy Machanic Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Nokesville Va Posts: 1,437	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 Very nice truck. __________________ 1986 Sliverado longbed 400 small block mean as hell, 700r4 trans (5 speed coming one day) 1970 chevelle 2dr sedan Latest update June 24 2007. *1957 4 door stationwagon - pink all original needing a good restore (body great, floors bad) newest additions 1965 shortbed fleet great granddads. Been told im nuts to bring it back from the dead (still going to happen) plans-all stock with a turbo 292 inline 3 speed column shift. and thats it big block 427 and 5 speed trans and ford 9 inch theyhave no home yet thinking what to put them in and a 79 c60 trash truck um no idea i have one

04-06-2007, 07:05 PM	#14
smashingchuck It'd be alot cooler if you did Join Date: May 2003 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 2,345	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 I would use DjM 3" spindles in the front... get them from summit. out back you have a few options... __________________ 78 Build Thread 4Runner Build

04-06-2007, 08:44 PM	#16
AspecialZ Street Rod Restoration Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wellsburg, WV Posts: 882	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 I went with McGaugheys, love there stuff, very nice stepper! __________________ Follow me on Instagram @ hot_rod_shop

04-07-2007, 01:01 PM	#17
stangalang Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: h-town Posts: 13	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 5 inch flip kit for the back and 3 inch spindles for the front trust me you want be dissapointed. If you want to you could use air shocks on the back and you could lift and lower the back about a inch and a half I did this on my 78 and I have no complaints and I even cut a half turn on my stock front spring and the ride is great.



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04-07-2007, 06:37 PM	#18
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 You can run dropped spindles and stock springs. It's up to you if they need replaced which way to go. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

04-09-2007, 02:52 PM	#19
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 Good progress - StepinNJ. Along with the suggestion of using Summit and Stylin Concepts, you could also consider Sportruck.com http://www.truckshop.com/catalog/63-...p-1-c-448.html. For a mild drop, you could go with 3" drop spindles in front and 4" hangers and shackles out back. Depending on your axle to framerail clearance out back, (if you don't plan to haul anything to heavy and NJ roads are too bad), you may be able to get away with a 4"-6" drop using drop spindles and drop springs in front and a flip kit out back. This would get you closer the drop in pics of your previous thread. BTW, you could also measure the distance between the lip on the LCA and the lip of the spring pocket of each side of the front to determine if one spring is sagging more than the other. Also, replacing your springs with new stock springs may actually raise the front a bit. __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

04-09-2007, 06:59 PM	#20
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 If your in S. Jersey, I can help you install your drop. Drop me a p.m. Attached Images __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

04-10-2007, 12:58 AM	#22
boxrodz Until Seventy Times Seven Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Rocky Mountain Front Range Posts: 1,301	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 OT AirMale - Did you ever finish your 4 bar? If so, how's it working out? __________________ boxRODz 1983 C10 SWB Fleetside When two halves is gone, there's nuthin left. Two nothings is nuthin. That's mathematics son. You can argue with me but you can't argue with figures. Two half nothings is a whole nuthin...

04-10-2007, 06:49 AM	#23
liljon285 That Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: miami, fl Posts: 327	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 Very nice truck. I used 3" drop coils in dront with djm drop shocks and just air shocks in the beack, but then again i wanted a rake. __________________ 1978 Chevy Scottdale Stepside, 3rd engine- 350c.i. built with cam and lifters, holley 670cfm carb. and intake,heads shaved .60. Truck is a project, and I am its restorererer!

04-10-2007, 06:50 AM	#24
liljon285 That Guy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: miami, fl Posts: 327	Re: 20 inch tires for my 79 part 2 Oh sense you got bigger wheels itll be a bit higher than mine my tiny fifteens, they let the control arms almost hit the floor lol. __________________ 1978 Chevy Scottdale Stepside, 3rd engine- 350c.i. built with cam and lifters, holley 670cfm carb. and intake,heads shaved .60. Truck is a project, and I am its restorererer! Last edited by liljon285; 04-10-2007 at 06:51 AM.

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