best way to drop 3/4ton, any suggestions

[airportland]

just wanted to get some feedback, i would like to drop the front 2 1/2" and the back 4".

[72BlckButy]

Contact Early Classic Enterprises (ECE). If I recall correctly, they offer a drop kit for the 3/4 ton owners.

[Sinister]

GMC Pauls' has 3/4 ton drop springs as well.

[72armyswbtruck]

Springs or Leafs?
Just go old school and heat them. Just be careful to not overheat them. Put a jack or something under the truck so it doesn't go lower than you want it to.

[Longhorn Man]

do you plan on using it as a 3/4 ton truck when you lower it?

[BADSAM]

I've been thinking about this as well. Does anybody have pics of dropped 3/4 tons? Maybe a quick description of what they did?

I know I'd like to maintain the 3/4 ton capacity, if possible.

[mr48chev]

I'd like to drop my 71 GMC about the same amount. I don't want it way low just get it down out of the sky a bit and right now my bed rails are higher than late model Z71 4x4 trucks. At least higher than my sons 2000 GMC with the same size tires on both trucks.

[bignbad]

Thats somthing i dont understand why would anyone what to drop/lower a truck?then it should've been a car.It's usless as a truck then.Anything raise it up a few inches....i dont mean to make anyone mad...thats just my opinon,unlighten me on lowering trucks

[mr48chev]

Originally Posted by bignbad

Thats somthing i dont understand why would anyone what to drop/lower a truck?then it should've been a car.It's usless as a truck then.Anything raise it up a few inches....i dont mean to make anyone mad...thats just my opinon,unlighten me on lowering trucks

three fourths of the trucks owned by the guys on this board never haul anything because they might get a scratch in the paint or wood in the bed.
That includes fully restored to showroom trucks and custom trucks that are dropped to the ground.

In my case my truck is a 71 3/4 ton camper special and it already rides like a lumber wagon according to my wife. about 600 lbs in the back actually smooth it out and take the bounce out.
As the truck sits I don't like the way the tires fit in the fenders and the rear end is up in 4x4 territory with the camper springs. I don't haul heavy loads as a rule and my sailboat and trailer don't compress the rear springs more than an inch when I tow the boat.
I want to cut the gap between the fender lip and the tire in half or a bit more. Also lower it that much so my 62 year old body can get in and out a bit easier.


Each of us makes choices when we do our trucks and often only the guys with a like mind set can really understand the thinking.
As for myself I can't quite understand why it is so important for some guys to take a 35 year old truck and spend ten times the original cost returning it to what appears to be original show room condition. Often restored to a condition that doesn't allow for use except for going to shows in fear of getting a scratch.
In the same token bagged trucks and the big oversize rims leave me cold. Spending mega bucks so the truck can look like the suspension is broken when you pull in and park it at a show. The "my wheels are bigger than yours" thing just isn't my style.

[airportland]

I agree with you MR48chev, Im not looking to slam it and put 20's on it, just want to drop it a little, I dont haul that much stuff, dump run here and there but I do use the bed I am a painter so it gets worked. I started the post just to see what other guys out there have done, I know there has to be some 3/4ton guys that have done this. I checked out GMC Pauls and ECE and the rear leaf shackles might work. They would be the cheapest route, dont know if they apply to 3/4. I will continue to research and contemplate.

[Elephanthead]

They want a truck that has a terrible ride, well more terrible then stock anyway. Plus that is how you get the fine ladies.

[FOREVER71]

why do people waste money on huge lifts and tires just to drive them down the street ? i guess because they think it looks cool.same reason people lower there trucks. to each there own .why worry about it?

[dan42]

Originally Posted by airportland

just wanted to get some feedback, i would like to drop the front 2 1/2" and the back 4".

Fill it with gravel. Just kidding. Actually, 72army's idea is a pretty good one - that's what PO did to mine, and it looks about like what you want - you just have to be careful when you do it. Also, don't expect to use it like a 3/4 ton anymore. JMO.

[bignbad]

i'll jack a truck 4 to 6inchs put 35's on it and have it painter realy nice and everything and still take it off road and get it dirty and so on.I would also do the same thing with a new truck.also haul a ton of stuff.thats what they are for work and play

[ftw80]

3"drop coils. drop shocks. rear drop shackle(did not gain much). then start pulling every other leaf spring until you get the ride and height you want. you can always replace the leafs if you want to go back.

[Ackattack]

FYI, if you think a regular 3/4 ton rides like crap, try a SWB 3/4 leaf

I'll be swapping out to a 1/2 suspension in a few weeks

[wild4wheels]

ftw, your truck ROCKS. Any more pics? what rims/caps? Here are a couple from my picture archives.

[rollinhard]

The chassis i got with my project trucks had what looks like 2" drop shakles and de arched springs in the rear was suppost to be 4 1/2" drop and its 3/4 ton

[wild4wheels]

2.5" - 3" spindles and stock springs and rear I like the every other spring idea. I think that is really uncalled for cape, I think he was asking for info/pictures not your opinion.

[pulltilbroke]

Originally Posted by wild4wheels

ftw, your truck ROCKS. Any more pics? what rims/caps? Here are a couple from my picture archives.

What is the wheel tire combo on that Green/White 72 Cheyenne? Also what kind of a drop its that, It looks just right.

[chevy2tom]

I dropped my 71 C20 with 2 1/2 drop spindles in front & 5" drop coils from GMC Pauls in the rear. It looks level,just above the tires.
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[sbc383rulz]

if you dont have anything positive to add to this keep your opinion to yourself!! i mean seriously the guy wanted help not a bunch of people giving styling advise! springs and shackles seem like the best idea, good luck making a truck that you like and can enjoy yourself despite all the haters!

[67chevy1series]

i heard that if you cut 3/4 ton coils that they ride real nice

[panhandler62]

I have 3" drop spindles and trimed one coil off the front springs for a 5" drop.

In back I have Porterbuilt trailing arms and bags for up to about a 12" drop (about 8" at ride height.)

I would avoid cooking the springs. Jeep or aftermarket springs in back (or a flip kit for leafs) and trim a coil or aftermarket springs in front. When you cook the springs you can get unpredictable changes in spring rate.


Also.. for some others.. Some people like them low, some people like them on the ground, some people like them in the clouds and some people like them the way GM delivered them. None of these optins are wrong unles it is *your* truck and it is not the option *you* want.

[eagleuh1]

Amen, Brother Panhandler. Well said. Its your truck, do with it what you like. But post lots of pics when your done. And tell us how you did it and where you got the parts.