'71 Drop, Part I - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Irishpilot · 12-03-2008, 12:06 PM

Hey all,

I'm just getting around to doing the drop on my '71 longbed, so after a long weekend of tearing the front apart, here is what I've got so far. Next up, getting the bags in the rear and then getting the onboard compressor, tank wires and lines ran. It is slow, but definitely worth it!

Stock Height

The bags

at ride height

Mrwlliam · 12-03-2008, 03:34 PM

Just bags? Or do u have drop spindles too? Love that paint.

Spray-Bomb · 12-03-2008, 03:54 PM

Sweet !!!

And you cant have too many pics

72BlckButy · 12-03-2008, 04:03 PM

Nice work... that thing is going to look sweet!

Do you have any more pics of your truck?

nuke1 · 12-03-2008, 06:03 PM

that is one nnice looking truck you have there, and with the altitude adjustment it makes it that much better.

Irishpilot · 12-03-2008, 07:03 PM

Thanks for the nice words. It has been in the family since new and was used as a work truck until my dad gave it to me for a restoration.

I will post more pics when I get home. And yes, drop spindles, KYB shocks and bags. I will also post a pic of the bags with no air as the truck will sit on the frame up front. I'll start tearing into the rear tonight. Now I'm wishing I got a C-notch for the rear so I could put the whole truck down that low.

eric72 · 12-06-2008, 11:08 PM

looks Sharp and familiar
Good work

Irishpilot · 12-08-2008, 01:47 AM

Here's the stance with all the bags on. The kit came from Eric72...thanks man. It's all starting to come together!

spindle comparison

front aired out

stock rear springs w/ air shocks

out with the old...

Firestone bags in place

Here's the Early Classic shock relocator and bar

after everything is pieced together

shot of the rear...I think I'll drive with it a little higher

Another pic of the truck's new stance

Spray-Bomb · 12-08-2008, 03:08 AM

Wow, those are some really big rear bags !!!
What are they & how do they ride ???

I like the way it looks bro

joe231 · 12-08-2008, 04:29 AM

nice progress
those look like big truck bags........

Irishpilot · 12-08-2008, 10:39 AM

They are firestone bags in back. Not sure what series, though. They look particularly large in those photos because they are fully extended. Those bags look normal when lowered. They are about the same diameter as the stock springs.

Plus, I plan on towing with the truck, so I will put them to work. As far as ride goes, just took it around the block. I will let you guys know when I really start driving it. Still got to hook up the tank, compressor and such.

Thanks for all the positive replies!

liljimsrodragz · 12-08-2008, 11:29 PM

Nice looking truck! How far is your crossmember sit off the ground when there is no air in the bags? Have pics of the cross member in comparison to the ground?

VA72C10 · 12-09-2008, 12:31 AM

Looks really good!

leftcoast66 · 12-09-2008, 12:41 AM

Looks good, I like the setup. Love the truck as low as it is.

eric72 · 12-09-2008, 09:40 AM

looks awesome I really like lowered longbeds.
Sweet truck

Irishpilot · 12-09-2008, 09:03 PM

rodragz, the front crossmember sits on the ground when the front is totally aired out. The rear sits a little higher since there is no C-notch back there. I will get pics of the under tomorrow or the next day.

Anyone have any good pics of where to install the air tank under the bed??

VA72C10 · 12-09-2008, 09:15 PM

Looking forward to more pics...I have the compressors and drop spindles and getting ready to order everything else. Here's two pics of a tank w/ a rear mount gas tank. With the longbed I am told it can fit behind the rear crossmember between that and the bumper or it can go next to the frame between that and the bedsides since you have a fleetside, not a stepside

Irishpilot · 12-10-2008, 08:23 PM

VA72C10,

thanks for the info on the compressor. I didn't think about between the frame and bedside. I will look at both of those spots.

12-03-2008, 12:06 PM	#1
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	'71 Drop, Part I Hey all, I'm just getting around to doing the drop on my '71 longbed, so after a long weekend of tearing the front apart, here is what I've got so far. Next up, getting the bags in the rear and then getting the onboard compressor, tank wires and lines ran. It is slow, but definitely worth it! Stock Height The bags at ride height at ride height __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

12-03-2008, 03:34 PM	#2
Mrwlliam Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Waco, Tx Posts: 70	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Just bags? Or do u have drop spindles too? Love that paint.

12-03-2008, 03:54 PM	#3
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Sweet !!! And you cant have too many pics __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

12-03-2008, 04:03 PM	#4
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Nice work... that thing is going to look sweet! Do you have any more pics of your truck? __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

12-03-2008, 06:03 PM	#5
nuke1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,: Posts: 2,901	Re: '71 Drop, Part I that is one nnice looking truck you have there, and with the altitude adjustment it makes it that much better. __________________ James 1968 GMC "HAVOC" 1986 GMC "Frank" J.J.R.H. Design & Consulting My 68`Rebuild "HAVOC": http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=316300 A 58' chev build thread: http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311238 1969 Camaro Pro Touring http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...61#post3513361 Swiss Cheese: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=384390 Adjustable Trailing Arm How-To: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321100 1968 Ford Farm Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6555587

12-03-2008, 07:03 PM	#6
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Thanks for the nice words. It has been in the family since new and was used as a work truck until my dad gave it to me for a restoration. I will post more pics when I get home. And yes, drop spindles, KYB shocks and bags. I will also post a pic of the bags with no air as the truck will sit on the frame up front. I'll start tearing into the rear tonight. Now I'm wishing I got a C-notch for the rear so I could put the whole truck down that low. __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

12-06-2008, 11:08 PM	#7
eric72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 212	Re: '71 Drop, Part I looks Sharp and familiar Good work

12-08-2008, 01:47 AM	#8
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Here's the stance with all the bags on. The kit came from Eric72...thanks man. It's all starting to come together! spindle comparison front aired out stock rear springs w/ air shocks out with the old... Firestone bags in place Here's the Early Classic shock relocator and bar after everything is pieced together shot of the rear...I think I'll drive with it a little higher Another pic of the truck's new stance __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

12-08-2008, 03:08 AM	#9
Spray-Bomb Texas Big Wig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 5,620	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Wow, those are some really big rear bags !!! What are they & how do they ride ??? I like the way it looks bro __________________ Just not low enough... ----------------------------- Sinister Killer

12-08-2008, 04:29 AM	#10
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: '71 Drop, Part I nice progress those look like big truck bags........ __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

12-08-2008, 10:39 AM	#11
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	Re: '71 Drop, Part I They are firestone bags in back. Not sure what series, though. They look particularly large in those photos because they are fully extended. Those bags look normal when lowered. They are about the same diameter as the stock springs. Plus, I plan on towing with the truck, so I will put them to work. As far as ride goes, just took it around the block. I will let you guys know when I really start driving it. Still got to hook up the tank, compressor and such. Thanks for all the positive replies! __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

12-08-2008, 11:29 PM	#12
liljimsrodragz Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Vancouver Posts: 57	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Nice looking truck! How far is your crossmember sit off the ground when there is no air in the bags? Have pics of the cross member in comparison to the ground? Last edited by liljimsrodragz; 12-08-2008 at 11:31 PM.

12-09-2008, 12:31 AM	#13
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Looks really good! __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

12-09-2008, 12:41 AM	#14
leftcoast66 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 770	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Looks good, I like the setup. Love the truck as low as it is.

12-09-2008, 09:40 AM	#15
eric72 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: georgia Posts: 212	Re: '71 Drop, Part I looks awesome I really like lowered longbeds. Sweet truck



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12-09-2008, 09:03 PM	#16
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	Re: '71 Drop, Part I rodragz, the front crossmember sits on the ground when the front is totally aired out. The rear sits a little higher since there is no C-notch back there. I will get pics of the under tomorrow or the next day. Anyone have any good pics of where to install the air tank under the bed?? __________________ 1971 C-10, 406ci, restoration begun! 406ci sb; zero decked, bored .030, edelbrock aluminum e-tec heads, edelbrock performer RPM intake, comp 268 cam, comp 1.6 pro-magnum roller rockers, MSD street fire HEI, MSD 8.5mm wires, Holley Street demon 770, Hedman LT headers. 10.6:1 compression, Air Ride Tech bags on all 4-corners.

12-09-2008, 09:15 PM	#17
VA72C10 VA72C10 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 25,267	Re: '71 Drop, Part I Looking forward to more pics...I have the compressors and drop spindles and getting ready to order everything else. Here's two pics of a tank w/ a rear mount gas tank. With the longbed I am told it can fit behind the rear crossmember between that and the bumper or it can go next to the frame between that and the bedsides since you have a fleetside, not a stepside Attached Images __________________ Looking for a 67-72 swb or blazer project in or around VA.

12-10-2008, 08:23 PM	#18
Irishpilot Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Kunsan AB, South Korea Posts: 187	Re: '71 Drop, Part I VA72C10, thanks for the info on the compressor. I didn't think about between the frame and bedside. I will look at both of those spots.

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