How Low Can I Go?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

specks70 · 02-16-2014, 08:49 AM

Looking to see how much I can safely lower my 1970 step side truck by only changing the springs.
I'm not into the real low riders but would like to lower my truck a little plus level it out. What can I do safely???

19GM71 · 02-16-2014, 09:24 AM

Based on your statement I would say a 2-4 drop using coil springs front and rear would be safe and still very usable. This would slightly lower your truck and level it out.

specks70 · 02-16-2014, 09:32 AM

What would be a good combination to lower and level?

**special-K** · 02-16-2014, 09:47 AM

2" lower in rear puts a truck pretty much level. 3" springs in front is the max,so 3/5 drop for lowest all spring and level. 5" is also the practical lowest for rear to maintain proper travel. Yes,you can "get away" with 6" but I said practical. 2/4 is a very nice look for those not hung up on way low. It improves handling and gives a pleasant stance without screaming out,"I'm lowered!". Subtle is always cool in my book.

19673ontree · 02-16-2014, 09:51 AM

My truck is lowered 3" front 5" rear with spring's and in the rear it pulled the rear end to one side slightly , probly could have left it alone but I put an adjustable rear trac bar in mine cause ,,, well cause that's just the way I am LOL

Omaha68C10 · 02-16-2014, 10:40 AM

Can you still haul 5 to 6 hundred pounds in a LWB with the 3/5 drop and still have enough clearence between the axle and the frame without a C notch?

19673ontree · 02-16-2014, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Omaha68C10

Can you still haul 5 to 6 hundred pounds in a LWB with the 3/5 drop and still have enough clearence between the axle and the frame without a C notch?

No !

**Already Gone** · 02-16-2014, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

2" lower in rear puts a truck pretty much level. 3" springs in front is the max,so 3/5 drop for lowest all spring and level. 5" is also the practical lowest for rear to maintain proper travel. Yes,you can "get away" with 6" but I said practical. 2/4 is a very nice look for those not hung up on way low. It improves handling and gives a pleasant stance without screaming out,"I'm lowered!". Subtle is always cool in my book.

So in your opinion a 2 1/2 Drop Spindle up front with a 4 inch drop spring would level a long box out nicely and give it that subtle look that I too really like. Would you need an adjustable track bar with a set up like that?

Hawghauler · 02-16-2014, 01:42 PM

I'm going to bag the back on my truck. This allows me to haul a trailer, carry a load, and set the stance where I like, when I like, including when I'm loaded. I'm making an adjustable panhard bar and am only running individual schrader valves for now. All for the cost of bags and fittings and a little labor.
Then I can also lower it to the bottom for loading bikes, lawn mower, wheel barrows, etc.

**special-K** · 02-17-2014, 09:56 AM

The frame I bought from Hart Rob came with a 4/6 drop. I want to use my truck as a truck and don't want to butcher the frame,so will be swapping bags in place of coils on rear. I also like having the option of running the more traditional hot rod rake when the mood strikes,which is actually just equally lowered front and rear/stock stance but lower.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

So in your opinion a 2 1/2 Drop Spindle up front with a 4 inch drop spring would level a long box out nicely and give it that subtle look that I too really like. Would you need an adjustable track bar with a set up like that?

Greg,that's the rule of thumb...The rear sits 2" higher in stock form. I believe that's what the original literature shows as well. So,you are talking about a 1 1/2" difference which will give a 1/2" rake(?). Would that be detectable? I doubt it. Whenever you lower the rear on coil spring trucks it offsets the rear to the right. By 3-4" it is noticeable. You would want an adjustable panhard bar to center the rear. The other rule of thumb is up to 4" drop+ adjustable panhard/4"+ = Super Trac bar,which actually relocates mounting points to keep the bar at an effective angle.

*ck5566* · 07-09-2016, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Already Gone

So in your opinion a 2 1/2 Drop Spindle up front with a 4 inch drop spring would level a long box out nicely and give it that subtle look that I too really like. Would you need an adjustable track bar with a set up like that?

4" spring drop in back is the max be for you need a adjustable track bar

CST10 · 02-16-2014, 12:57 PM

I did a 2/3 drop. I like a small rake.

**special-K** · 02-16-2014, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CST10

I did a 2/3 drop. I like a small rake.

That looks fantastic!

**leddzepp** · 02-16-2014, 01:48 PM

This is the lowest you can go with a static drop, 5/7. It needed notching at even 5" in the rear.

Rafa72cheyenne · 07-07-2016, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

This is the lowest you can go with a static drop, 5/7. It needed notching at even 5" in the rear.

Whats your tire size all around on this picture?
Any rubbing issues front or rear?

19673ontree · 02-16-2014, 02:50 PM

My 3/5

Duvall · 02-16-2014, 04:17 PM

With a 3/5 spring and a adjustable panard bar, you will bottom out. I would use a combination of springs and drop spindles to keep as much travel as you can. The rear of my truck needs a C-notch. They make notches that you won't have to modify your bed. When I do get the notch I am going to two more inches in the front and rear. jmho.

Have fun.

specks70 · 02-16-2014, 06:46 PM

Thanks everyone for your input, 2/4 sounds like what I want to do.
Does anyone out there have a pic of a step side with that combination?

specks70

19GM71 · 02-16-2014, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by specks70

Thanks everyone for your input, 2/4 sounds like what I want to do.
Does anyone out there have a pic of a step side with that combination?

specks70

This is as close as I have for an example for you. This is 3-5 all springs. Custom made track bar to center rear end. No notch. Don't haul anything except my but, and I personally have not bottomed out any. Tires are 245/45/20 and are about 28.6 inches tall. I have plenty of ground clearance and I can drive this thing as I like with no worries. This is a little lower than you are asking for but maybe a good reference.

19GM71 · 02-16-2014, 08:18 PM

Here is another.

Trucolur · 02-17-2014, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19GM71

Here is another.

I love fleet side trucks but I have too say that's a nice step there !!

19GM71 · 02-17-2014, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trucolur

I love fleet side trucks but I have too say that's a nice step there !!

Thank you very much!

brad_man_72 · 02-16-2014, 07:38 PM

4-6 no notch spring only drop. Is it right, no. Does it work, yes.
I couldn't imagine anybody running this setup and still using it as a truck. Lol
Probably the same kinda guy who would haul wood with a swb and tow with gasp* peep mirrors.

sstaten69 · 02-16-2014, 08:01 PM

looks nice. Love it.

specks70 · 02-16-2014, 09:10 PM

Wow 19GM71, I do like that. Very impressive. Good looking truck.
A question though. . . How would I know what length "track bar" I would be needing??

02-16-2014, 08:49 AM	#1
specks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Fletcher Ohio Posts: 46	How Low Can I Go?? Looking to see how much I can safely lower my 1970 step side truck by only changing the springs. I'm not into the real low riders but would like to lower my truck a little plus level it out. What can I do safely???

02-16-2014, 09:24 AM	#2
19GM71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Stigler,OK Posts: 125	Re: How Low Can I Go?? Based on your statement I would say a 2-4 drop using coil springs front and rear would be safe and still very usable. This would slightly lower your truck and level it out.

02-16-2014, 09:32 AM	#3
specks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Fletcher Ohio Posts: 46	Re: How Low Can I Go?? What would be a good combination to lower and level?

02-16-2014, 09:47 AM	#4
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: How Low Can I Go?? 2" lower in rear puts a truck pretty much level. 3" springs in front is the max,so 3/5 drop for lowest all spring and level. 5" is also the practical lowest for rear to maintain proper travel. Yes,you can "get away" with 6" but I said practical. 2/4 is a very nice look for those not hung up on way low. It improves handling and gives a pleasant stance without screaming out,"I'm lowered!". Subtle is always cool in my book. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

02-16-2014, 09:51 AM	#5
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: How Low Can I Go?? My truck is lowered 3" front 5" rear with spring's and in the rear it pulled the rear end to one side slightly , probly could have left it alone but I put an adjustable rear trac bar in mine cause ,,, well cause that's just the way I am LOL __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

02-16-2014, 10:40 AM	#6
Omaha68C10 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 56	Re: How Low Can I Go?? Can you still haul 5 to 6 hundred pounds in a LWB with the 3/5 drop and still have enough clearence between the axle and the frame without a C notch?

02-16-2014, 01:42 PM	#9
Hawghauler Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Whidbey Island/Edmonds,WA Posts: 361	Re: How Low Can I Go?? I'm going to bag the back on my truck. This allows me to haul a trailer, carry a load, and set the stance where I like, when I like, including when I'm loaded. I'm making an adjustable panhard bar and am only running individual schrader valves for now. All for the cost of bags and fittings and a little labor. Then I can also lower it to the bottom for loading bikes, lawn mower, wheel barrows, etc. __________________ If I have to be on 4 wheels, It has to be a classic Chevy 1967 c10 Longbed (Hawghauler/Icy weather transport) 2003 BMW K1200GT (Rain bike) 2007 Softail Deuce (Sun bike) 2009 Ultra Classic Electra Glide (Everything else bike)

02-16-2014, 12:57 PM	#12
CST10 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Gonzales, La Posts: 1,441	Re: How Low Can I Go?? I did a 2/3 drop. I like a small rake. Attached Images __________________ MyToys: Goldilocks the "Ol School Survivor" 1968 C10, SWB Stepside, 08/15 TOTM, 250 CI 6 cylinder, 3 on the tree, 3.73 rear, 3/5 static drop, 23,500 original miles. Samson the 1970 CST10, LWB, 462Ci, Turbo 350 tranny, 3.08 rear gear, PB, PS, A/C, AM/FM, 2/4 Drop. Brutus the 1998 Camaro Z28, 33,500 original miles, LS1, 519 RWHP/497 RWTQ. Member of the Louisiana Classic Truck Club, LCTC Member of the Louisiana C10 Club Member of the Baton Rouge Drifters Car Club

02-16-2014, 01:48 PM	#14
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,076	Re: How Low Can I Go?? This is the lowest you can go with a static drop, 5/7. It needed notching at even 5" in the rear. Attached Images __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

02-16-2014, 02:50 PM	#16
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: How Low Can I Go?? My 3/5 __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC

02-16-2014, 04:17 PM	#17
Duvall Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Hanford Ca. Posts: 68	Re: How Low Can I Go?? With a 3/5 spring and a adjustable panard bar, you will bottom out. I would use a combination of springs and drop spindles to keep as much travel as you can. The rear of my truck needs a C-notch. They make notches that you won't have to modify your bed. When I do get the notch I am going to two more inches in the front and rear. jmho. Have fun.

02-16-2014, 06:46 PM	#18
specks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Fletcher Ohio Posts: 46	Re: How Low Can I Go?? Thanks everyone for your input, 2/4 sounds like what I want to do. Does anyone out there have a pic of a step side with that combination? specks70

02-16-2014, 08:18 PM	#20
19GM71 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Stigler,OK Posts: 125	Re: How Low Can I Go?? Here is another. Attached Images

02-16-2014, 07:38 PM	#23
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: How Low Can I Go?? 4-6 no notch spring only drop. Is it right, no. Does it work, yes. I couldn't imagine anybody running this setup and still using it as a truck. Lol Probably the same kinda guy who would haul wood with a swb and tow with gasp* peep mirrors. Attached Images __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

02-16-2014, 08:01 PM	#24
sstaten69 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Irondale, Missouri. Posts: 196	Re: How Low Can I Go?? looks nice. Love it. __________________ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...0&referrerid=0



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02-16-2014, 09:10 PM	#25
specks70 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Fletcher Ohio Posts: 46	Re: How Low Can I Go?? Wow 19GM71, I do like that. Very impressive. Good looking truck. A question though. . . How would I know what length "track bar" I would be needing?? Last edited by specks70; 02-16-2014 at 09:33 PM. Reason: Incorrect question

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