Static dropped 71 help

[bumwine]

Just picked up a 71 that's dropped 5.5/7. I want to replace the shocks. The front right is blown I believe so im just going to replace all the shocks while im at it. What shocks do you guys suggest to handle my drop?
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[shawno72]

For the rears get you a set of stock front shocks. Thats what most manufactures sell anyways. Done it several times and the fit is perfect.

[bumwine]

My main concern are the fronts. My front right scrapes wheel well
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[shawno72]

Sounds like you may no have any bump stops? Put some in and trim them a little

[Todd68Chevy]

Originally Posted by bumwine

My main concern are the fronts. My front right scrapes wheel well
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What size are the front tires/ wheels? I have approx. 6 to 6 1/2 inches of front drop and my tires do not hit but I am running 15" wheels and not real big tires (I need to check the size). I am just running drop shock (I need to check which company) and it seems to be working fine. Like shawno72 said, if you are hitting then you need something to limit movment and the shocks are not what you want to do that, there needs to be bump stops or something else there.

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by Todd68Chevy

What size are the front tires/ wheels? I have approx. 6 to 6 1/2 inches of front drop and my tires do not hit but I am running 15" wheels and not real big tires (I need to check the size). I am just running drop shock (I need to check which company) and it seems to be working fine. Like shawno72 said, if you are hitting then you need something to limit movment and the shocks are not what you want to do that, there needs to be bump stops or something else there.

How did you achieve 6-6.5 of drop?
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[Todd68Chevy]

Originally Posted by Robznob11

How did you achieve 6-6.5 of drop?
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It is all in springs and drop spindles. I think 2 1/2" spindles and rest springs. The worst part is that I bought it all from another board member and I do not know the exact amount of drop. When I first built the truck 20 years ago, I heated the springs and lowered it 4" all around. Then a few years ago I finally did it correctly and bought a rolling chassis from a board member and swapped all the suspension to my truck. I measured the truck height before I tore it down and then when it was back together and the front end is 2 1/2" lower than it was when I tore it apart so I am guessing 6" to 6 1/2". I know to get the rear back to the height it was I went with 5" drop coils.

With 215/70r15 tires up front, The bottom of my bumper is 8 1/2" off the ground. The lower control arm is 3 1/2 inches off the ground and the center cross member is 5" off the ground.

[bumwine]

I'm running 235/75/15's I'm just curious why only the right side scrapes. It scrapes with body roll around a curve
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[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by Todd68Chevy

It is all in springs and drop spindles. I think 2 1/2" spindles and rest springs. The worst part is that I bought it all from another board member and I do not know the exact amount of drop. When I first built the truck 20 years ago, I heated the springs and lowered it 4" all around. Then a few years ago I finally did it correctly and bought a rolling chassis from a board member and swapped all the suspension to my truck. I measured the truck height before I tore it down and then when it was back together and the front end is 2 1/2" lower than it was when I tore it apart so I am guessing 6" to 6 1/2". I know to get the rear back to the height it was I went with 5" drop coils.

With 215/70r15 tires up front, The bottom of my bumper is 8 1/2" off the ground. The lower control arm is 3 1/2 inches off the ground and the center cross member is 5" off the ground.

well the reason i asked is because the shortest spindles you can get is 2.5 and the lowest springs are 3 and with a 3" spring there is very little room between the bump stop and upper spring pocket like 1" i dont think if you took a 3" spring and cut or heat it that it would be too driveable and it real difficult to even get an alignment with a stock 3" spring . Im not trying to be a know it all i was just curious. I bet you have about 5 1/2 tho.
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[Todd68Chevy]

Originally Posted by bumwine

I'm running 235/75/15's I'm just curious why only the right side scrapes. It scrapes with body roll around a curve
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Is it on a curve to the right, to the left or both?

Originally Posted by Robznob11

well the reason i asked is because the shortest spindles you can get is 2.5 and the lowest springs are 3 and with a 3" spring there is very little room between the bump stop and upper spring pocket like 1" i dont think if you took a 3" spring and cut or heat it that it would be too driveable and it real difficult to even get an alignment with a stock 3" spring . Im not trying to be a know it all i was just curious. I bet you have about 5 1/2 tho.
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It could be 5 1/2. I do not know what stock height is. I love the look but I know it is to low for me because it drags to much while driving. I just explained stuff because I am not sure. The springs look normal and I do not think they are heated or cut. They might even be for something else. I really wish I knew.

[bumwine]

When I curve to the left or hit a bump the right wheel scrapes wheel well
Pretty sure you have a 5.5/7 drop because my truck has the same stance
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[Robznob11]

Well these are some things i can think of that it could be.
1. A sagging spring on that side,maybe it is getting weak.
2. Weak shock
3. Cab mounts,core mounts wore or cab suppurts in bad shape causing the whole body to sag a little on that side
4. Body not square on frame therfore your clearance is less on that side.
5. Bump stops would be it if it only happened during bumps it should not be riding on stops going around a corner. You could try a front bar to limit body roll! Meaure your clearance on both sides and see if other wore or sagging parts could be the culprit
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[bumwine]

thanks! i will try the shock and bump stop first

[bumwine]

here is my current stance

[sKnNyPpY]

That looks VERY low. I have 2.5 spindles and 1" drop springs on my 71 and still have a couple of inches of space with 20s on 45 series tires (close to stock overall diameter). I am thinking of going 2" springs to get closer to what my rear is with flip kit and new 5/1 leaf pack. I think your springs are sagging or cut. I used stock front sized Monroe Sensa-Tracs all around and love the ride.

[bumwine]

i think i have 2.5 spindles with 3" springs but im not sure.