72 C10 with static drop

[rmcc]

New to the site and wanted some advise. Currently I've got 2.5 dropped spindles and half to 1 full coil removed from front. Don't remember exactly as it was done back in the early 90's. In the rear I've got dropped coil springs, I believe they were 4inch drop.

So it's 2012 and I'm ready to make the ride a little better. I'm happy with the amount of drop. My front control arms are needing new bushings and shafts so I'm thinking new tubular control arms. Also considering beefing up the shock mount area. I see CPP has some brackets for this. In the back I'm considering going the way of a C notch just to make more room for axle travel because I have felt the axle and frame impact(not good) and it also badly needs some shock extenders. The adjustable pan hard rod is also a possibility.

With all this said, what companies are providing the best service right now? I've been reading about several different ones on here. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Rex

[N2TRUX]

Unless you plan to go with dropped tubular A-arms, I don't think I would spend the money. You can rebuild your stock arms and accomplish the same thing for a lot less. The CPP piece is hit or miss. Some have had great results, I was one that did not. Even after several attempts to mod the brace, it still would not fit my truck.

You are on the right track for the rear. An adjustable panhard bar, shock extenders, and a C-notch will be a great addition. We have a great group of Forum Vendors here that can supply all of your needs.

[SCOTI]

C-notches are not required @ 4" of rear drop.

Find out what is actually making the contact. If the original bumpstops were not removed, it could be that you're making contact there. That's simple removal of the brackets to eliminate contact. You can then install some new short bumpstops above the axle tubes on the bottom of the frame rails.

Some control arms currently marketed & worth purchasing for a coil application would be the Hotchkis C10 parts. They are spendy but good stuff typically is. Quality materials, R&D time, installation ease, & geometry improvements have a cost.

As N2TRUX stated, the CPP shock reinforcement brackets have been hit or miss according to those that have purchased them & communicated their experience. These are a copy of GM's original design created for the stresses of the larger C20/30 work trucks and/or 4x4's.

Hotchkis also has a front shock kit that allows better travel dimensions, shock valving, & would compliment their lower arms nicely. Because of their re-engineered placement, they don't require the reinforcement bracketry.

For the record.... I do not work for or represent Hotchkis in any way. I have researched C10 suspension alternatives & feel their kit is the best thing going for the static drop/coil spring guys.

[rmcc]

I appreciate the advice. I was actually expecting a Hotchkis recommendation. I'll also work out the cost to rebuild my originals. Another reason I had a thought to go with tubular arms is the alignment. I was hoping a more proper camber adjustment would be achieved. I'll definitely take another look at the rear bump stop brackets. I know the original brackets are in place and I believe the adjustment at the time was making the original bump stops shorter. I know that sounds awful but I was only 19 at the time. Thanks again.
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[lolife99]

Welcome to the board!

Look ar Porterbuilt Fabrication.
They have tubular a-arms that will allow you greater caster gains.
www.porterbuiltfabrication.com
They are also a site supporter and have members on here,... on a regular basis.

[lolife99]

http://www.porterbuiltfabrication.co...arting-at-1049

[rmcc]

This is my truck. I've had it since 1989. Wanted to give an idea of what I had to work with. Since my original completion, I've put the factory mirrors and handles back on and replaced the tube grille with a factory grille. I'll try to get a few more photos added to my profile. It has a 5.7L TPI engine/trans from a 1988 Chev Camaro IROC-Z.

[rmcc]

Thanks lolife99. Do the Porterbuilt Fabrication parts arrive unfinished?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by rmcc

Thanks lolife99. Do the Porterbuilt Fabrication parts arrive unfinished?

Normally yes.
I have had some things powdercoated at an extra cost.
You will need to contact Nate Porter about that.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Welcome to the board!

Look ar Porterbuilt Fabrication.
They have tubular a-arms that will allow you greater caster gains.
www.porterbuiltfabrication.com
They are also a site supporter and have members on here,... on a regular basis.

I remembered PB's arms being built for air applications; I didn't know they were built for the coil applications too. These are definitely worth considering!

[lolife99]

You are correct SCOTI.
I was thinking air bag a-arms.
My mistake.

Nate does show these options on his website for the Porterbuilt a-arms:

C20/C30 arms (add $75... and no ball joints included. They will use factory replacement ball joints)
-Chromoly tubing (add $100. These will be fully TIG welded)
-Custom length (narrowed up to 1.5" and lengthened up to 2" add $100)
-One inch forward (we can also build these arms with the ball joints located one inch forward from stock, allowing for increased castor and the wheels to be centered in the wheel well opening)
-Coil spring (Add $49)

[SCOTI]

It's worth inquiring for sure. I know PB was doing the coil set-up for the C20/C30 apps 'cause he tried to take more of my money.... . I just don't know if it's an 'option' or standard now.

[rmcc]

The PB parts do have some great feedback and it appears Nate is very engaged with this website. I'll get a message to him for sure.
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