How to decide what drop I need

[C10_Nation]

How did you figure out what drop you wanted? Did you get wheels first then drop or drop then wheels? Want to do just a coil drop.

[brad_man_72]

You have to decide what stance you prefer and go from there. Lowest coil only is about 4-6 any more than that requires cutting the bumpstop and frame. Here's mine lowered 4-6 spring only. Adjustable panhard bar 76 front suspension and flipped rear lower shock mounts.
Welcome to the board. The search function is awesome when researching questions that have been asked many times.

[C10_Nation]

I want to have the fender well just over the tire or just above it.. I was thinking a 3 5 drop but your 4 6 looks killer. Just couldn't figure out if I needed wheels first or if I could go that low with stocks. Did you just use a tape measure to figure out approx where it would sit?

[lolife99]

Drop first always.

[C10_Nation]

Thanks man

[CC69Rat]

Im not sure what year or what type of truck you have but.. there are a lot of things to consider when you lower it.

With a 3/5 drop for example you're doing an "all spring drop" right now remember your truck has about 40yr old springs in it. They have likely sagged a little over the years so that 3" spring drop you're trying to achieve is going to only be about a 2" net drop.

Also a 3" drop spring can (didn't say always) but can make it a bit more of a challenge to get back into alignment specs.

In the consideration stage I usually suggest to think about using dropped spindles. It costs a little more up front but the spindle drop will yield 100% of your advertised drop. 2" spindle = full 2" drop. Also the dropped spindles will generally keep your steering geometry and alignment specs in check. You can also keep your stock springs or combine a 2" spring and 2" spindle for that full drop you're looking for. (3.5 net or so) 2.5" spindle and 2" spring is pretty common. If your truck is already disc up front (??) This is much much easier.

For the back, anything over a 3 or 4" drop I would suggest shock relocation and an adjustable track bar. The truck will ride better because the shocks are not at such a horizontal angle. The relocation will help get them more vertical.

The 4.5/6 drop kit from Early Classics is highly recommended. Just my thoughts

[C10_Nation]

Running a 71 lwb. Stock height, disc/drum combo. Thanks for the info.