New to lowered suspension… What to use?

[derotoreut]

I'm looking to do a frame off on my '71 SWB and want to lower it. I'm thinking of around a 4/6 drop, probably 20" wheels, but want to know the right way to do it. I am thinking about using a new drop member with rack & pinion and coil overs in the front. For the rear I'm thinking about a 4-link with 9" rear end and coil overs. don't know if I need a C-notch or not? From what I've read I don't think so, but if the whole truck is removed from the frame, probably just as easy to do it. I appreciate any input. I'm definitely going to learn on this one.

This may sound crazy, but if I'm planning to go through all of this would I be better off with complete new chassis? By the time I add all of this to my existing frame it will add quite a bit.

[Kook87]

I just did mine with the ride tech 4 link on the rear and drop spindles with coil overs on the front. The kit comes with c notches for the rear. You can get a great riding and handling truck with this set up. The drop cross member would most likely only be needed if you were putting air ride on it and wanted the ride height very low.

[PGSigns]

For as little drop as you are looking to do I would use drop spindles and 2" springs in the front and a set of 4" springs and 2" blocks in the back with a bolt in C notch. Will sit nice and not break the bank.
Jimmy

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

For as little drop as you are looking to do I would use drop spindles and 2" springs in the front and a set of 4" springs and 2" blocks in the back with a bolt in C notch. Will sit nice and not break the bank.
Jimmy

I'm thinking of going with rack & pinion steering too, so wouldn't it be best to just go with a front drop member? Maybe it's not necessary. I'm just trying to learn.

[Dan@Hotchkis]

Our complete kit drops the truck exactly where you want it. This suspension setup was designed using a "clean slate" approach and on streettires can maintian .98 lateral g's on the skid pad. Combined with our tuned shocks, it will drive and handle as good as a newer Vette! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Here's a little video of a couple of our R&D trucks at work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgef-d3MA2o#t=21

[NEWFISHER]

http://www.azproperformance.com/Unis...011900-01.html

[PGSigns]

Really depends on what you want in the end. If you want a nice lowerd daily driver that drives well than the method I posted can fit that bill quite well. If you are looking for an auto cross setup that will handle like a sports car than there are systems for that. So the next question is what is your goal for this truck in the end of the project and what is your budget for the suspension? 2K or 10K? as you can do it for either and have a good driving truck.
Jimmy

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by Dan@Hotchkis

Our complete kit drops the truck exactly where you want it. This suspension setup was designed using a "clean slate" approach and on streettires can maintian .98 lateral g's on the skid pad. Combined with our tuned shocks, it will drive and handle as good as a newer Vette! If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Here's a little video of a couple of our R&D trucks at work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hgef-d3MA2o#t=21

I will look into this when I have a chance and contact you with questions. Thanks.

[derotoreut]

Originally Posted by PGSigns

Really depends on what you want in the end. If you want a nice lowerd daily driver that drives well than the method I posted can fit that bill quite well. If you are looking for an auto cross setup that will handle like a sports car than there are systems for that. So the next question is what is your goal for this truck in the end of the project and what is your budget for the suspension? 2K or 10K? as you can do it for either and have a good driving truck.
Jimmy

Jimmy, In the end this will not be a daily driver. I'm looking to build a weekend driver/show truck. I want to use this truck for car shows, cruises and other events like Columbus and Syracuse Nationals. I plan to do a LS swap. I have a son in law who is a great body/paint man. In the end I'm looking for a nice street Rod truck. I'm planning to take my time and will be in no hurry to complete it. I have other trucks to play with in the meantime. I'm not worried about the budget part. I have a wonderful wife who is understanding and willing to let me do this. In the spring I plan to sell my blue '69 C20 to help fund this build.

[PGSigns]

No limit has a nice setup and here is a thread on another option. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=589967
Jimmy