Aluminum Motor LS Swaps... How did you achieve your lowered desired ride height?

[z71se]

Seeing that an aluminum LS motor weighs 140-150lbs less than an iron headed sbc, I'm concerned about how I'm going to keep my truck looking how I want it, without using expensive coilovers or chopping the springs in half. Right now I'm using 2.5" spindles and Eibach springs and my truck looks like this. I can't go to 3" spindles because I want to keep my 15" wheels.

[bennylava]

Trim a spring coil maybe? Normally I'd be against that but in this case it may be accomplished with such little material removed from the springs, that it doesn't actually matter or hurt anything.

[87Flh]

I have 3" spindles and 15" rally wheels on my 87. Also cut 2 coils out. Rides great.

The only issue I had was the brake calipers rubbed the inside of the rim. A sanding disc and about a minute of time cured that. No issues since.

Your wheels may be thicker than the rally's though.

[jbristo67]

Originally Posted by 87Flh

I have 3" spindles and 15" rally wheels on my 87. Also cut 2 coils out. Rides great.

The only issue I had was the brake calipers rubbed the inside of the rim. A sanding disc and about a minute of time cured that. No issues since.

Your wheels may be thicker than the rally's though.

What did your Rally’s come off of. I would like to do this on my blazer until I have enough money for my perm wheels.

[bbbc10]

You can use any stock rallys just gona have to grind stuff for the 15x8 not to rub on the control arm

[87Flh]

The rallys were on the truck when I bought it so I am not sure if they are original to the truck.

Mine are 15x8 and clear the control arms. It was just the calipers that rubbed the rim.

I dont remember what spindles I got, but they are 3 inch drop. Bought them from Summit for I believe, $279. DJM maybe?

[Rich84]

I have 3" spindles and 15' wheels too..Had to grind a little on the caliper, and a little on the lower control arm. Not a big deal at all. I would wait to see how she sits when its done.
If your going with a 4l80 they weigh quite a bit more then a th350.

[homemade87]

Also you need to drive it for a while . The springs will settle down some . Mine did . I did not lower as much as you have . I used 2-1/2 spindles with stock springs . Took a while but it did come down some after driving .

[z71se]

Originally Posted by Rich84

I have 3" spindles and 15' wheels too..Had to grind a little on the caliper, and a little on the lower control arm. Not a big deal at all. I would wait to see how she sits when its done.
If your going with a 4l80 they weigh quite a bit more then a th350.

Any pictures?

[Rich84]

[z71se]

Rich, which motor and front springs do you have?

[Rich84]

It has an LQ4/4l80. It is 1.5" lowering springs and 3" spindles. Flip kit with new stock leafs in the rear. 255/70's all around.

[Rich84]

I bet it won't change your stance much if at all.

[z71se]

Originally Posted by Rich84

I bet it won't change your stance much if at all.

Ok thanks for your feedback. Remember my aluminum motor will remove a further 80lbs from the front end compared to your truck... My truck already had a 350/700R4 combo, so slightly heavier than a TH350.

From my research:

A SBC weighs 620lbs wet (full of oil, coolant, all hoses and air cleaner attached)

An LS aluminum motor weighs 464lbs wet (full of oil, coolant, all hoses, and airbox attached)

A 4L80e w/ converter and full of fluid weighs ~249lbs
A 700R4 w/ converter and fluid weighs ~196lbs

Total powertrain weight with 350/700R4 combo: 816lbs
Total powerstrain weight with aluminum LS/4L80e combo: 713lbs

Difference: 113lbs

[Rich84]

My wife is 135Lbs...truck don't budge when she gets in...LOL

It probably will depend on how firm your springs in front are.

[87Flh]

Sorry about the pic, taken in the evening with my phone.

[z71se]

Originally Posted by 87Flh

Sorry about the pic, taken in the evening with my phone.

What motor and trans do you have?

[87Flh]

5.7 Vortech
Muncie M-20 w/Lakewood bell housing
Stock (for now) rear
8"x15" rallys all around
275 60 15 in back
215 65 15 on front
3" spindles
stock springs minus 2 coils
flip kit in rear

rides great, it does occasionally rub the front air dam on parking curbs

[z71se]

Originally Posted by 87Flh

5.7 Vortech
Muncie M-20 w/Lakewood bell housing
Stock (for now) rear
8"x15" rallys all around
275 60 15 in back
215 65 15 on front
3" spindles
stock springs minus 2 coils
flip kit in rear

rides great, it does occasionally rub the front air dam on parking curbs

That's not an aluminum LS swap though...

[87Flh]

No, but the overall weight should be about the same due to the trans.