Lowering info - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Contagious209 · 08-22-2009, 10:46 AM

What kind of info is needed to know what can drop my truck. It's a 73 custom deluxe 20 long bed

70k52wd · 08-22-2009, 10:57 AM

Hi and welcome to the forum. I think you can find most of the info you will need in the FAQ's section. This is a question that some of the knowledgeable guys can help you with in the Suspension section. Good luck with your project.

Contagious209 · 08-22-2009, 01:54 PM

thanks i will check that out

jd74c-10 · 08-22-2009, 03:17 PM

i have a 74 c-10 long bed. i cut 1 1/2 coils off the front springs and dropped the front 4 1/2" then readjusted the frontend. that took about 3 hours. then i moved the rear spring front hanger up on the frame rail 3 1/2" and added 4" longer rear shackles. to bring the rearend down. after all that i had to take out the overload plus two more springs to level it out. the whole thing cost me about $100.00 . and a weekend of work. if i was doing it over i would only cut 1 coil off the front springs. you can buy everything to do the drop and the options are endless. i went for the cheapest drop i could because i am cheap. but it all worked and looks good. have fun with it and listen to what these guys on here say most of them know what they are talking about and have experienced what you are doing to your project. everyone has their own opition . Jim

Contagious209 · 08-22-2009, 04:07 PM

I hear about lowering blocks. But I want to know wa I cam do to lower the front. I kno about cutting coile but I heard of cutting coils are a bad choice. I plan on lowering it put some irocs new
paint job stereo redo interior and beef up the engine. I'm am part of a forum for my car and I'm always eager onlearn sumting new

shockermotorsports1 · 08-22-2009, 08:17 PM

Cutting the springs on these old trucks is ok. But make sure you measure if you cut to much the only thing to od is buy a new spring and do it again. The raising blocks dont work when they are to short.
On the back you can do a axle flip and relocate the axle cradle. No need to take springs out.
Good Luck

Contagious209 · 08-23-2009, 09:02 AM

Axle flip would lower the bak?

**lolife99** · 08-23-2009, 09:30 AM

Are you keeping it 3/4 ton?
What kind of budget do you have?
How low do you want to go?
Do you plan to add drop spindles?

For the rear a flip kit would get you approx.6" lower,... maybe more depending on the number of leaves in the rear leaf spring pack.

You can do a maximum of a 3" drop spring up front before you run into alignment issues.
You will also need drop shocks. They average about $40 each.

You say your adding Irocs? Aren't they only available in 5 lug? Or did they start making them in 8-lug?
We need more info.

And,... WELCOME to the board!

Contagious209 · 08-23-2009, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Are you keeping it 3/4 ton?
What kind of budget do you have?
How low do you want to go?
Do you plan to add drop spindles?

For the rear a flip kit would get you approx.6" lower,... maybe more depending on the number of leaves in the rear leaf spring pack.

You can do a maximum of a 3" drop spring up front before you run into alignment issues.
You will also need drop shocks. They average about $40 each.

You say your adding Irocs? Aren't they only available in 5 lug? Or did they start making them in 8-lug?
We need more info.

And,... WELCOME to the board!

im new to the truck world so bare with me, is there a loss if i loose the 3/4 ton? what does it mean? i want to go 2-3 inches lower and if i have to put drop spindles then i will and i forgot about the lug pattern so irocs are now out of the picture

**lolife99** · 08-23-2009, 07:01 PM

3/4 ton trucks have 8 lug wheels and a heavier suspension. Lowering products are not as plentiful for them as the 1/2 ton version of your truck,... which has a 5 lug wheel.
You can lower the front by changing the springs only. They come in 1", 2", and 3" drop. You can also use drop spindles that come in 2.5" or 3" drop depending on the brand you buy. You can easily lower the back 2" with a drop shackle. Any lower in the rear gets more complicated.

Do you have a good selection of tools, or access to them?

Please take some time to read in the suspension section.
This board also has a section of "popular questions" called FAQ's.
Look in the suspension section there also. Here's a link:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=262550

Contagious209 · 08-23-2009, 07:03 PM

Can I covert to 5 lug ?

3r!c84 · 08-23-2009, 07:46 PM

that would be alot of work.
brakes, calipers ,back drums axles exc.

**lolife99** · 08-23-2009, 07:43 PM

Yes. Early Classic Enterprises makes a "conversion spindle that allows you to use a 1/2 ton (5-lug rotor) while keeping your original style ball joints and tie rod ends. Look here:

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

But,... you would have to swap out the 3/4 ton rearend for a 1/2 rearend.

Contagious209 · 08-23-2009, 07:45 PM

By rearend do you mean bed? Or bumper

Contagious209 · 08-23-2009, 07:49 PM

Woah that is a lot of work. Looks like Im going to have to look for another set of rims

74 C-30 · 08-23-2009, 08:04 PM

by rearend he meant the rear axle
best bang for your buck, i think, is 3" lowering springs, and get lowering shackles and hangers, like these
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=54
as for wheels, look around and you will find some nice 8 lug wheels, oh and

shockermotorsports1 · 08-24-2009, 08:54 PM

jsut cut 1 1/2 coils off the front springs, shim the upper A arm to get the right caster for alignment. Flip the rearend wich means put it on top of the leaf springs. that way you keep the 3/4 ton springs and you can drop it. No need for spindels or anything.

Check mine out
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...41#post3482441

Contagious209 · 08-25-2009, 02:15 AM

Is that what you did?

78BO · 08-25-2009, 05:21 PM

My personal opinion is stay away from LMC. I just went through a very bad experiance with them and would not recomend them to anyone.

The best easiest way to do a good drop in summit 3in drop spings for around 80 bucks and a rear flip kit for about the same. Good cheap, easy and fast to do. I ended up doin a the 3in springs and 4 in rear drop. Took one day to do. If I could do it over I would have went with a flip kit in the rear. But now I just want to drive it.

3r!c84 · 08-25-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78BO

My personal opinion is stay away from LMC. I just went through a very bad experiance with them and would not recomend them to anyone.

The best easiest way to do a good drop in summit 3in drop spings for around 80 bucks and a rear flip kit for about the same. Good cheap, easy and fast to do. I ended up doin a the 3in springs and 4 in rear drop. Took one day to do. If I could do it over I would have went with a flip kit in the rear. But now I just want to drive it.

hey u shoulda did a flip in the back lmao

just messin with yea

78BO · 08-26-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3r!c84

hey u shoulda did a flip in the back lmao

just messin with yea

Funny

Speaking about drops. If you look at the hitch on the back you can see how the guy that I got it from lowered the hitch by 3in. I forgot about that until yesterday. I was pulling out of the station and there is a big dip. I almost got stuck in the damn driveway lol. I had just idled out of the parking lot and I fill a thud! When to give it gas and the right side wheel just spun. Finally the other side kicked in and got me out. I felt stupid.

Contagious209 · 08-25-2009, 05:45 PM

When I go to summit I can't seem to find a flip kit or lowering springs for the front. Another question is if I buy for a 1/2 ton would it work for my 3/4 ton? Cus if I can find a flip kit for my truck I'll buy it and same for springs Cus I could use a drop

jd74c-10 · 08-25-2009, 06:20 PM

the front springs are bigger on a 3/4 ton than on a half ton. also the rearend housing is also bigger than a half ton. they won't interchange. i have cut a lot of front springs with very good out come. just don't cut to much off the first time. cut 3/4 of a coil and put them back in . if it is not low enough you can cut a little more. also moving the rear spring hanger up is easy . cut the rivots and redrill the hangers and frame rails .then rebolt with grade 8 bolts. make sure to measure everything 3 or 4 times before you cut anything. the front centerline on the spring hanger has to be perfect or your truck will go down the road sideways like a dog. you can remove springs from the rear spring pack to lower the rearend more after you move the hangers. look under every lowered truck you see and ask all the questions you can before you start. i have lowered a few trucks this way with no problems. if you don't feel comfortable doing it find someone who knows how to do it right. good luck and have fun Jim

shockermotorsports1 · 08-25-2009, 06:58 PM

Thats the way mine is done I will try and get close up pics of the shims and flip

flamingbig10 · 08-26-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Contagious209

When I go to summit I can't seem to find a flip kit or lowering springs for the front. Another question is if I buy for a 1/2 ton would it work for my 3/4 ton? Cus if I can find a flip kit for my truck I'll buy it and same for springs Cus I could use a drop

for the front you can use half ton coils because I have a set of stock coils out of half ton and 3/4 ton and there the same size

08-22-2009, 10:46 AM	#1
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Lowering info What kind of info is needed to know what can drop my truck. It's a 73 custom deluxe 20 long bed __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-22-2009, 10:57 AM	#2
70k52wd Blaze-Air Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,117	Re: Lowering info Hi and welcome to the forum. I think you can find most of the info you will need in the FAQ's section. This is a question that some of the knowledgeable guys can help you with in the Suspension section. Good luck with your project.

08-22-2009, 01:54 PM	#3
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info thanks i will check that out __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-22-2009, 03:17 PM	#4
jd74c-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: bullhead city az. Posts: 51	Re: Lowering info i have a 74 c-10 long bed. i cut 1 1/2 coils off the front springs and dropped the front 4 1/2" then readjusted the frontend. that took about 3 hours. then i moved the rear spring front hanger up on the frame rail 3 1/2" and added 4" longer rear shackles. to bring the rearend down. after all that i had to take out the overload plus two more springs to level it out. the whole thing cost me about $100.00 . and a weekend of work. if i was doing it over i would only cut 1 coil off the front springs. you can buy everything to do the drop and the options are endless. i went for the cheapest drop i could because i am cheap. but it all worked and looks good. have fun with it and listen to what these guys on here say most of them know what they are talking about and have experienced what you are doing to your project. everyone has their own opition . Jim

08-22-2009, 04:07 PM	#5
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info I hear about lowering blocks. But I want to know wa I cam do to lower the front. I kno about cutting coile but I heard of cutting coils are a bad choice. I plan on lowering it put some irocs new paint job stereo redo interior and beef up the engine. I'm am part of a forum for my car and I'm always eager onlearn sumting new __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-22-2009, 08:17 PM	#6
shockermotorsports1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kennedale, Tx Posts: 39	Re: Lowering info Cutting the springs on these old trucks is ok. But make sure you measure if you cut to much the only thing to od is buy a new spring and do it again. The raising blocks dont work when they are to short. On the back you can do a axle flip and relocate the axle cradle. No need to take springs out. Good Luck __________________ NOS is like viagra. Impressive? Yes, but once you run out your left limp and inadequate. Racing in a Honda is like beating up a retarded kid, win or lose, you still look bad....

08-23-2009, 09:02 AM	#7
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info Axle flip would lower the bak? __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-23-2009, 09:30 AM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Lowering info Are you keeping it 3/4 ton? What kind of budget do you have? How low do you want to go? Do you plan to add drop spindles? For the rear a flip kit would get you approx.6" lower,... maybe more depending on the number of leaves in the rear leaf spring pack. You can do a maximum of a 3" drop spring up front before you run into alignment issues. You will also need drop shocks. They average about $40 each. You say your adding Irocs? Aren't they only available in 5 lug? Or did they start making them in 8-lug? We need more info. And,... WELCOME to the board! __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 08-23-2009 at 09:31 AM.

08-23-2009, 07:01 PM	#10
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Lowering info 3/4 ton trucks have 8 lug wheels and a heavier suspension. Lowering products are not as plentiful for them as the 1/2 ton version of your truck,... which has a 5 lug wheel. You can lower the front by changing the springs only. They come in 1", 2", and 3" drop. You can also use drop spindles that come in 2.5" or 3" drop depending on the brand you buy. You can easily lower the back 2" with a drop shackle. Any lower in the rear gets more complicated. Do you have a good selection of tools, or access to them? Please take some time to read in the suspension section. This board also has a section of "popular questions" called FAQ's. Look in the suspension section there also. Here's a link: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=262550 __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 08-23-2009 at 07:02 PM.

08-23-2009, 07:03 PM	#11
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info Can I covert to 5 lug ? __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-23-2009, 07:46 PM	#12
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: Lowering info that would be alot of work. brakes, calipers ,back drums axles exc. __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

08-23-2009, 07:43 PM	#13
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Lowering info Yes. Early Classic Enterprises makes a "conversion spindle that allows you to use a 1/2 ton (5-lug rotor) while keeping your original style ball joints and tie rod ends. Look here: http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx But,... you would have to swap out the 3/4 ton rearend for a 1/2 rearend. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

08-23-2009, 07:45 PM	#14
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info By rearend do you mean bed? Or bumper __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-23-2009, 07:49 PM	#15
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info Woah that is a lot of work. Looks like Im going to have to look for another set of rims __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-23-2009, 08:04 PM	#16
74 C-30 Dually Pride Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: NH Posts: 540	Re: Lowering info by rearend he meant the rear axle best bang for your buck, i think, is 3" lowering springs, and get lowering shackles and hangers, like these http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/cc/full.aspx?Page=54 as for wheels, look around and you will find some nice 8 lug wheels, oh and __________________ If I have to explain, you wouldn't understand. '74 Chevy C-30 350/4 speed/dually '94 Ford Ranger



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

08-24-2009, 08:54 PM	#17
shockermotorsports1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kennedale, Tx Posts: 39	Re: Lowering info jsut cut 1 1/2 coils off the front springs, shim the upper A arm to get the right caster for alignment. Flip the rearend wich means put it on top of the leaf springs. that way you keep the 3/4 ton springs and you can drop it. No need for spindels or anything. Check mine out http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...41#post3482441 __________________ NOS is like viagra. Impressive? Yes, but once you run out your left limp and inadequate. Racing in a Honda is like beating up a retarded kid, win or lose, you still look bad....

08-25-2009, 02:15 AM	#18
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info Is that what you did? __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-25-2009, 05:21 PM	#19
78BO Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Austin TX Posts: 531	Re: Lowering info My personal opinion is stay away from LMC. I just went through a very bad experiance with them and would not recomend them to anyone. The best easiest way to do a good drop in summit 3in drop spings for around 80 bucks and a rear flip kit for about the same. Good cheap, easy and fast to do. I ended up doin a the 3in springs and 4 in rear drop. Took one day to do. If I could do it over I would have went with a flip kit in the rear. But now I just want to drive it. __________________ 1978 Chevy C10 Bonanza, 405hp/440tq 383, tweeked Th350. http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.ph...&id=1116781152

08-25-2009, 05:45 PM	#22
Contagious209 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Stockton Posts: 68	Re: Lowering info When I go to summit I can't seem to find a flip kit or lowering springs for the front. Another question is if I buy for a 1/2 ton would it work for my 3/4 ton? Cus if I can find a flip kit for my truck I'll buy it and same for springs Cus I could use a drop __________________ 1973 custom delux 20 with 454 project 2000 dodge neon

08-25-2009, 06:20 PM	#23
jd74c-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: bullhead city az. Posts: 51	Re: Lowering info the front springs are bigger on a 3/4 ton than on a half ton. also the rearend housing is also bigger than a half ton. they won't interchange. i have cut a lot of front springs with very good out come. just don't cut to much off the first time. cut 3/4 of a coil and put them back in . if it is not low enough you can cut a little more. also moving the rear spring hanger up is easy . cut the rivots and redrill the hangers and frame rails .then rebolt with grade 8 bolts. make sure to measure everything 3 or 4 times before you cut anything. the front centerline on the spring hanger has to be perfect or your truck will go down the road sideways like a dog. you can remove springs from the rear spring pack to lower the rearend more after you move the hangers. look under every lowered truck you see and ask all the questions you can before you start. i have lowered a few trucks this way with no problems. if you don't feel comfortable doing it find someone who knows how to do it right. good luck and have fun Jim

08-25-2009, 06:58 PM	#24
shockermotorsports1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kennedale, Tx Posts: 39	Re: Lowering info Thats the way mine is done I will try and get close up pics of the shims and flip __________________ NOS is like viagra. Impressive? Yes, but once you run out your left limp and inadequate. Racing in a Honda is like beating up a retarded kid, win or lose, you still look bad....

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.