3/5 drop kits.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

kballan · 05-06-2004, 04:30 PM

I need some help here guys. I'm looking to buy a 3/5 drop kit for my '86. I'm wondering what kits you guys are using and what kit is the best value for not a whole lot of cash. Also, would I be better off using the drop spindles, or just go with the drop springs - or both. Thanks in advance!

Low87 · 05-06-2004, 04:45 PM

I'd use a combination spindle/coil if you're concerned about ride quality. Just using a coil will make the ride harsher, but is also a lot less expensive. For the rear you can just use a flip kit & c-notch.
For any suspension piece you need to look for quality, if you can't afford it, save up. I bought my stuff 8-9 years ago. I didn't shell out for bell tech or djm, I bought what I could which was ground force. 8 years on a 6/8 drop and no problems, I guess it's passed the test.
For all the parts & labor to have it installed (includes cutting the frame for the c-notch & notching a bed crossmember for the drop shackle) I probably paid close to $1000. Spindles will probably cost you in the $250 ballpark from what I have seen, the other stuff is relatively inexpensive. I bought all my stuff out of Truckin (pre-internet) and had a local 4x4 shop install it.
Shop around, you can find the same part by the same manufacturer for different prices all over the place.

Low87 · 05-06-2004, 04:56 PM

www.p-s-t.com has 2 3/5 drop kits, both are a coil for the front & flip kit for the rear, one is $199, the other comes with the c-notch and is $279. I'd definitely go with the c-notch.

TIMSPEED · 05-06-2004, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Low87

www.p-s-t.com has 2 3/5 drop kits, both are a coil for the front & flip kit for the rear, one is $199, the other comes with the c-notch and is $279. I'd definitely go with the c-notch.

I have a Flip kit out back, with no C-notch, and the axle is about 4" away from the frame...there's PLENTY of clearance. Now, when I go any lower, like Shackle or spring, I'm going to C-Notch just for added clearance.
BTW: I paid $500 for all the parts for my 3/5 (DJM Spindles, Flip Kit, and Doetsch Tech Shocks)

**swervin ervin** · 05-06-2004, 07:43 PM

Personally, I would go ahead with a 4/6 drop now. You will in the end anyway. This will save you some work and money. You will never be satisfied with a 3/5 drop, take my word for it. I went through a 2/4 and 3/5 before ending up with the 4/6.

What I used and highly recommend is:

2.5" spindles and 1.5" coils
Flip kit and shackles in the lower hole
C-notch

All my stuff is Western Chassis bought at http://www.performancesuspension.com/

Doetsch Tech shocks are about the best drop shocks made.

If you don't want to notch the frame, you could get by without it on a 6" drop, but you will only have about 2-3/4" clearance. If you don't hit many bumps you might be OK. If you do hit a bump, it's going to rattle your teeth.

TIMSPEED · 05-06-2004, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swervin ervin

Personally, I would go ahead with a 4/6 drop now. You will in the end anyway. This will save you some work and money. You will never be satisfied with a 3/5 drop, take my word for it.

Ain't that the truth! But imho, forget 4/6, go all the way...5/7

**N2TRUX** · 05-06-2004, 08:43 PM

My opinion is go as low as you can right from the start. Like Mike said, if you don't now you will later. If you just want test the water, start with a 3" spindle. It won't effect your ride like a 2" or 3" spring will. If you want a little more and can't afford a good quality dropped spring, you can cut a little off your stock spring and still have a good ride.

The rear is pretty standard. Do a flip kit and a shackle. You can replace the rear leaves too, but that is going to add to your costs.

What ever method you use, DO NOT buy from AIM. Get a good quality product from a reputable manufacturer....

Low87 · 05-07-2004, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swervin ervin

Personally, I would go ahead with a 4/6 drop now. You will in the end anyway. This will save you some work and money. You will never be satisfied with a 3/5 drop, take my word for it. I went through a 2/4 and 3/5 before ending up with the 4/6.

I second that. I had a 3/4 then went to 6/8. Go ahead and lay it out now. If you want to learn from the experience of the rest of us, just go ahead and bag it now.

Razorback_Fan · 05-07-2004, 11:11 PM

I went with a 3/5 and wished I would have went 4/5. When I had the 15's on it was plenty low for me, however once the 18's were installed I needed another inch in the front to get the stance I was after. Good Luck

BaggedC10 · 05-08-2004, 01:41 AM

Go 5/7" or air ride.

78' Silverado · 05-08-2004, 01:48 AM

I am actually...VERY content w/ my 3/5 drop from Sport Truck Direct

Easy to install everything. Great place to order from. Good quality parts IMO.

05-06-2004, 04:30 PM	#1
kballan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada Posts: 373	3/5 drop kits.... I need some help here guys. I'm looking to buy a 3/5 drop kit for my '86. I'm wondering what kits you guys are using and what kit is the best value for not a whole lot of cash. Also, would I be better off using the drop spindles, or just go with the drop springs - or both. Thanks in advance! __________________ Kent Ballan ANY MAN CAN BUILD A TRUCK, BUT IT TAKES A REAL MAN TO CUT ONE UP!

05-06-2004, 04:45 PM	#2
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	I'd use a combination spindle/coil if you're concerned about ride quality. Just using a coil will make the ride harsher, but is also a lot less expensive. For the rear you can just use a flip kit & c-notch. For any suspension piece you need to look for quality, if you can't afford it, save up. I bought my stuff 8-9 years ago. I didn't shell out for bell tech or djm, I bought what I could which was ground force. 8 years on a 6/8 drop and no problems, I guess it's passed the test. For all the parts & labor to have it installed (includes cutting the frame for the c-notch & notching a bed crossmember for the drop shackle) I probably paid close to $1000. Spindles will probably cost you in the $250 ballpark from what I have seen, the other stuff is relatively inexpensive. I bought all my stuff out of Truckin (pre-internet) and had a local 4x4 shop install it. Shop around, you can find the same part by the same manufacturer for different prices all over the place. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

05-06-2004, 04:56 PM	#3
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	www.p-s-t.com has 2 3/5 drop kits, both are a coil for the front & flip kit for the rear, one is $199, the other comes with the c-notch and is $279. I'd definitely go with the c-notch. __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

05-06-2004, 07:43 PM	#5
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Personally, I would go ahead with a 4/6 drop now. You will in the end anyway. This will save you some work and money. You will never be satisfied with a 3/5 drop, take my word for it. I went through a 2/4 and 3/5 before ending up with the 4/6. What I used and highly recommend is: 2.5" spindles and 1.5" coils Flip kit and shackles in the lower hole C-notch All my stuff is Western Chassis bought at http://www.performancesuspension.com/ Doetsch Tech shocks are about the best drop shocks made. If you don't want to notch the frame, you could get by without it on a 6" drop, but you will only have about 2-3/4" clearance. If you don't hit many bumps you might be OK. If you do hit a bump, it's going to rattle your teeth. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

05-06-2004, 08:43 PM	#7
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	My opinion is go as low as you can right from the start. Like Mike said, if you don't now you will later. If you just want test the water, start with a 3" spindle. It won't effect your ride like a 2" or 3" spring will. If you want a little more and can't afford a good quality dropped spring, you can cut a little off your stock spring and still have a good ride. The rear is pretty standard. Do a flip kit and a shackle. You can replace the rear leaves too, but that is going to add to your costs. What ever method you use, DO NOT buy from AIM. Get a good quality product from a reputable manufacturer.... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

05-07-2004, 11:11 PM	#9
Razorback_Fan Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Katy Tx Posts: 188	Look at as many trucks as possible I went with a 3/5 and wished I would have went 4/5. When I had the 15's on it was plenty low for me, however once the 18's were installed I needed another inch in the front to get the stance I was after. Good Luck __________________ 84 C-10 Want a free xbox 360 elite go here to see how http://geocities.com/razorbackfan90/

05-08-2004, 01:41 AM	#10
BaggedC10 Under construction! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,065	Go 5/7" or air ride. __________________ 2001 Silverado bagged on 22's. Sold

05-08-2004, 01:48 AM	#11
78' Silverado \/ My Loves \/ Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midland,Texas Posts: 462	I am actually...VERY content w/ my 3/5 drop from Sport Truck Direct Easy to install everything. Great place to order from. Good quality parts IMO. __________________ 78' Silverado - Blue - (In a Coma) 04' Silverado -Red- 383 Stroker in progress for the 78'!!!



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