How low without maxing out alignment - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bowtiedriver2 · 03-31-2009, 05:45 PM

I am looking to drop 2-3" on the front of the '69 1/2 ton. I don't want to convert to disc brakes to use drop spindles just yet. Don't wanna put that much cash into dropping it right now.

So, how much can the springs be cut before alignment becomes an issue?

Thanks in advance.

ChevLoRay · 03-31-2009, 07:22 PM

Good question. Mine is dropped with spindles and converted to discs. ECE sells a 1-inch shorter spring to make it a total of 3.5 inches lower up front.

I'm thinking that when the front wheels are tucked-in at the top, that too much has been cut/torched and the springs won't support the vehicle....saw an '88-98 SWB the other day and I know the inside of the tires had to be wearing like crazy.

There have been many of the '67-72's that had cut springs on them, so somebody will let you know what worked for them....and what didn't work for others.

gringoloco · 03-31-2009, 09:15 PM

3" spring drop is generally the limit for alignment adjustability. Cut one full round off the bottom of your springs- should give you 2-2.5" and still be alignable...

BATurbo · 04-08-2009, 11:16 PM

I took a coil and a half off the front coils of my 70', (w/ 3 spacer blocks in back - Rear coil suspension), way back in 91-92. It dropped the front 3 inches or so. I drove the truck for 5 years without any problems.

Here's how it sat. If you look at the front wheel/tire it sits straight at ride height.

Tx Firefighter · 04-09-2009, 06:22 AM

I've done a good number of trucks with 3 inch drop front springs. As long as the suspension is pretty tight and not worn too much, you can get enough shims in place to get back into specs.

If your control arm bushings or ball joints are worn though, you likely won't be able to get enough adjustment.

03-31-2009, 05:45 PM	#1
bowtiedriver2 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: IL Posts: 19	How low without maxing out alignment I am looking to drop 2-3" on the front of the '69 1/2 ton. I don't want to convert to disc brakes to use drop spindles just yet. Don't wanna put that much cash into dropping it right now. So, how much can the springs be cut before alignment becomes an issue? Thanks in advance. __________________ '69 LWB Stepside, 350 with mild mods, and 3 speed on the floor Intentions...383 sbc (in assembly stage), trans is still not a definate (3, 5, or 6 speed?), 3/5 drop, power disc brake conversion...then some body work.

03-31-2009, 07:22 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: How low without maxing out alignment Good question. Mine is dropped with spindles and converted to discs. ECE sells a 1-inch shorter spring to make it a total of 3.5 inches lower up front. I'm thinking that when the front wheels are tucked-in at the top, that too much has been cut/torched and the springs won't support the vehicle....saw an '88-98 SWB the other day and I know the inside of the tires had to be wearing like crazy. There have been many of the '67-72's that had cut springs on them, so somebody will let you know what worked for them....and what didn't work for others. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. Last edited by ChevLoRay; 03-31-2009 at 07:22 PM.

03-31-2009, 09:15 PM	#3
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,921	Re: How low without maxing out alignment 3" spring drop is generally the limit for alignment adjustability. Cut one full round off the bottom of your springs- should give you 2-2.5" and still be alignable... __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy

04-08-2009, 11:16 PM	#4
BATurbo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Warren, Mi Posts: 32	Re: How low without maxing out alignment I took a coil and a half off the front coils of my 70', (w/ 3 spacer blocks in back - Rear coil suspension), way back in 91-92. It dropped the front 3 inches or so. I drove the truck for 5 years without any problems. Here's how it sat. If you look at the front wheel/tire it sits straight at ride height. Attached Images

04-09-2009, 06:22 AM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: How low without maxing out alignment I've done a good number of trucks with 3 inch drop front springs. As long as the suspension is pretty tight and not worn too much, you can get enough shims in place to get back into specs. If your control arm bushings or ball joints are worn though, you likely won't be able to get enough adjustment. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin



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