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08-15-2023, 06:57 PM | #1 |
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3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
It’s been a while since I’ve been active on here. I’m thinking about shaking things up a little, but looking for some feedback. Can you haul anything at all with a 3.5/5 drop (drop spindle + 1” lowering spring in the front) and 5” drop spring in the back? It’s not like a haul anything real heavy, but maybe an occasional load of brush, etc. Thanks for your help!
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1967 Chevy C-10, 250 L6, Powerglide, 3.73, SWB, Fleetside Upgrades: Power steering, Offset air cleaner, Rear Sport bumper, 3 point safety belts, HEI, -1/-2 springs, 16x5 wheels, McGaughy's disc brake conversion, Sway bar Last edited by NC67Chev; 08-15-2023 at 06:58 PM. Reason: Spelling error |
08-15-2023, 07:53 PM | #2 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I have one inch drop springs on my Burban without the dropped spindles. The spindles won't affect the load capacity or suspension travel compared to mine. (The dropped spindles will reduce ground clearance of the lower control arms.)
You may run into problems with 5" drop springs in the rear with a load bottoming out on the frame bumpers. If you're only hauling occasionally then a set of auxiliary air bags would be a good addition. You may also want to look into 2" drop blocks and 3" drop spring to get your 5 inch drop. I am always hauling stuff or pulling trailers with mine. I have air bags without springs in mine.
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Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
08-15-2023, 08:05 PM | #3 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
From experience, I've had trouble hauling with my truck and 5" drop springs from CPP. Those springs always felt a bit on the soft side even just cruising around. Here's my old truck with 5" drop springs completely bottomed out from one scoop of dirt.
On my current truck I went with the 4" HD drop springs from CPP with 2" drop blocks. This combo works much better for hauling stuff. It's still doesn't have the load carrying capacity of stock springs, but it will definitely handle more than the 5" springs.
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08-15-2023, 09:43 PM | #4 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Before I decided to turn my truck into an never ending Lego kit (frame off), I had the same drop values on my '70 (drop spindle/1" & 5"). I regularly hauled my motorcycle/ramp/gear & tools to the track. That totaled aprox. 750lbs. I did trim my axle bumpers. The rear springs I used were Eibach, 1/2 ton rated springs. Can't remember the part #.
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08-16-2023, 10:23 AM | #5 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Thank you for the replies! It’s also nice to hear from a couple of local folks! I’m not sure I’m interested in using blocks, so I’ll have to stew on that a little more. I’m also looking at new tires in either 16” or 18” (undecided on that). Anyway, with a 3.5/5 drop, do you guys think a 28” tire or 29” tire would be best?
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1967 Chevy C-10, 250 L6, Powerglide, 3.73, SWB, Fleetside Upgrades: Power steering, Offset air cleaner, Rear Sport bumper, 3 point safety belts, HEI, -1/-2 springs, 16x5 wheels, McGaughy's disc brake conversion, Sway bar |
08-16-2023, 11:16 AM | #6 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I'm sure happy with the stance on my '68 - 2" springs and 2" spindles in front - 3" springs and 2" blocks in back. But as far as hauling I can't do much - bed is too nice, and supposedly collector plates in my state prohibit hauling (but shouldn't matter - blatant speeders and red light runners are never pulled over that I see - so why a truck with a load?)
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1968 Chevrolet C/10 LWB - 327, TH350 - 4/5 Drop Last edited by OregonNed; 08-16-2023 at 11:17 AM. Reason: misspelled a word |
08-16-2023, 11:16 AM | #7 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I want to haul and the chassis I bought has 4/6 drop. I also like to have the option of a rake sometimes. So, I'm going with auxiliary Air Lifts (1500# added capacity) that also give adjustable ride height by how much air you add, like how air shocks work... but give a better ride than those
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 08-18-2023 at 08:44 AM. |
08-16-2023, 12:21 PM | #8 | |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
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08-16-2023, 04:25 PM | #9 | |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
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1967 Chevy C-10, 250 L6, Powerglide, 3.73, SWB, Fleetside Upgrades: Power steering, Offset air cleaner, Rear Sport bumper, 3 point safety belts, HEI, -1/-2 springs, 16x5 wheels, McGaughy's disc brake conversion, Sway bar |
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08-17-2023, 09:10 PM | #10 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I have had a 3/5 drop . The front was 2.5 drop spindle and 1 in spring. The back was all spring. I wouldn’t do it that way in the rear again. The block /spring combo is better. U can haul a small load but like it was shown, just a simple 1 scoop of dirt and you are bottomed out. But a light load like you mentioned would not hurt anything. Also…you will need an adjustable trac bar. You will want to think about a shock relocate kit for the rear. This will help with the ride quality. You will need to trim the rubber stops down. This will help with the bottoming out part. Best of luck on your decision. Keep us all posted on what you decide .
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08-17-2023, 09:42 PM | #11 | |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Quote:
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1967 Chevy C-10, 250 L6, Powerglide, 3.73, SWB, Fleetside Upgrades: Power steering, Offset air cleaner, Rear Sport bumper, 3 point safety belts, HEI, -1/-2 springs, 16x5 wheels, McGaughy's disc brake conversion, Sway bar |
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08-17-2023, 10:13 PM | #12 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Two different approaches. The Ochre 72 swb , 2.5 drop spindles andI cut 3/4 of a coils off. Gave me 3 - 3 1/2 or so. The rear was a one inch block and 4 inch springs.
The one I have now sits almost exactly like it, Western chassis 3/5 all springs. Truck drives amazing but I have only hauled brush in it. The other truck was usable as a truck. It never bottomed out on me. Here are a couple of pictures for reference. Edit. Tires on both trucks Front....235 70 15 Back.....235 75 15
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:My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=807535 1972 K10 swb/1968 Camaro 350/4spd 1955 210 2 dr sedan/1998 RCSB Z71/1977 Jeep CJ5 |
08-18-2023, 01:00 AM | #13 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I must be missing something… my rear drop is 6” all spring. It rides and drives great. What makes a drop block better?
Honestly I choose the spring route because I was not interested in a drop block. In my mind I didn’t like the idea of the axle being further away from the truck arm. I was worried that could potentially cause a problem with the longer U bolts and additional leverage against the truck arm. I haven’t tried to haul anything yet but before I do I intend to add helper air bags as special-K mentioned. |
08-18-2023, 07:15 AM | #14 | |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
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Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 | Bluey the 72 1500 | Lowly the 70 C10 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread |
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08-18-2023, 08:39 AM | #15 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
What I don't like about blocks is lower scrub line. I believe in Air Lift auxiliary bags as the best way to get everything you could want without anything sacrificed. And for me, sometimes I like level (4/6) and other times I want the rake (4/4) as was popular in these truck's era, which is the theme of my '67
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 08-18-2023 at 08:45 AM. |
08-18-2023, 08:51 AM | #16 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Yes special-K, scrub line is definitely the one drawback to drop blocks. If you are running anything larger than 15" wheels then it doesn't matter. With 15" wheels you are very close, if not over, the scrub line and run the risk of dragging components when you lose a tire. Here's an example on my truck with blocs. The blue line is if you lose one tire. On my setup, my u-bolt will just barely be hitting the ground. The red line is if I lose both tires and in that case I am screwed!
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Builds: Green Gus the 68 C10 | Bluey the 72 1500 | Lowly the 70 C10 - Instagram: @dr.hewitt - C10 Concept/Development Photos: Master Thread |
08-18-2023, 08:42 PM | #17 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Tire size for mine was 255/60/17. 29 in tall.rims are 17x8. Still plenty of room. U will want to spend some time looking tires and their sizes. Some sizes don’t have a lot of choices and are higher n price. The blocks and the u bolts that come with them haven’t had a problem of breaking that I have ever seen or heard of. Most people don’t have that kind of power under the hood to start with .
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08-19-2023, 09:06 AM | #18 | |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Quote:
The overall loss of ground clearance (even with fully aired up tires ) is why I'm not running blocks or drop spindles on my Burban. My S10 Blazer has both and it doesn't take much of a rut in the road before it starts dragging. There's a couple of spots of bad asphalt around town that I have to drive carefully over or I'm scraping a control arm. Or if your driving in 4 inches of snow it starts collecting under the truck just waiting to highcenter you. Some drop spindles don’t work with15" wheels due tie rod interference. Although I believe that is fairly common knowledge I thought I should throw it out just in case.
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Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377 |
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08-19-2023, 12:56 PM | #19 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I've been guilty of violating the scrub line rule, but not on any truck.
Especially one that I might haul with. On the 72 in my above post, I used a one inch block. It still kept me above the "line" by at least 3/4 ". 2/4 drops are common and I had most of the crap laying around to cobble a good drop together. I had to buy a block and two spindles. It was a better stupthan springs for sure. I think I trimmed an inch or so off the u bolts too.
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:My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=807535 1972 K10 swb/1968 Camaro 350/4spd 1955 210 2 dr sedan/1998 RCSB Z71/1977 Jeep CJ5 |
08-20-2023, 01:48 AM | #20 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Helper bags for the win on a dropped truck. Had an 8" drop on the rear of my 94 and hauled lots of fairly heavy loads with the helper bags. Rear was dropped with 2" de-arched leafs and a flip kit. Added bonus is running 10-20 psi in bags unloaded adds dampening to the leafs and makes ride smoother.
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Richard 1972 K10 Custom Deluxe SWB Fleetside My build https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=800746 |
08-27-2023, 09:02 AM | #21 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
Thanks everybody for your thoughtful replies and for sharing your experiences. I’m leaning towards the 2.5/4, but not 100% there yet. I’ve seen a lot of trucks through the years with that stance, which I like. I do like the look of 3.5/5, but it does seem to complicate things a little more.
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1967 Chevy C-10, 250 L6, Powerglide, 3.73, SWB, Fleetside Upgrades: Power steering, Offset air cleaner, Rear Sport bumper, 3 point safety belts, HEI, -1/-2 springs, 16x5 wheels, McGaughy's disc brake conversion, Sway bar |
08-27-2023, 08:39 PM | #22 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I went with 4/6 drop on my 68. 2.5 spindles/2" springs in the front. 4" springs and 2" blocks in the rear. I had a C-notch in the rear. 20" wheels so scrub line was not a problem.
Most weight I ever had in the back was a cooler and a couple of folding chairs. It rode well. It had more ground clearance than any of my Camaro or Firebird hot rods. |
08-28-2023, 07:13 AM | #23 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
4/6 has always been the most common static drop. No issues really, except getting into actual pickup use, meaning a decent load. Guys trim the bump stops to gain better clearance against bottoming. That's why I believe in the auxiliary bags the sit inside the springs. They can both or either raise the rear for a load or just add spring capacity to resist sag with a load. With 4/6 drop I can ride level or add air for the 4/4 rake, same rake as stock. Both for a different stance and for better load capacity. You can also get air bags that fit in place of the coils for a really wide range of stances and load capacity
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
08-28-2023, 07:18 AM | #24 | |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
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Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! |
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08-30-2023, 01:20 PM | #25 |
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Re: 3.5/5 drop questions about usability of truck
I used 2" drop spindles and 4in drop springs in the rear. I ended up having to cut the front springs for a inch more drop because the front was higher than the rear. What I did so I could pull my trailer for some light hauling was installed air shocks. Worked out real well.
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Harley 1969 Chevy C-10 Long Bed, 350cid, 700R4 |
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