'86 C10 - what has been modified on this?

[thewr3tched]

I recently picked up an 86 swb c10 after about a month of searching! its got a 400 sbc with some aftermarket goodies and 700r4. typical rust in the cab corners and a bit on one fender, but pretty clean overall. was planning on taking it slow with modding it, but you know how that goes!

its sitting a bit lower than stock now and i'm trying to figure out what's been done. Looks like one coil has been cut on the front springs, but i'm not sure about the rear. how many leafs should be in there? i'd like to get it 3-4" lower than i am now, but would hate to buy all the parts, slap them on and have it sit exactly where it is now. lol.

it also looks like it used to have a front sway bar at one point, did they all come with one or was it optional?

i'm thinking about 3" spindles and a flip kit in the rear with new shocks. may just do the belltech 4/6 kit with c-notch.

here are some pics with my other money pit.

[Keith Seymore]

Welcome -

Here's a link to the free generic information packet from the GM Heritage Center archive:

http://www.gmheritagecenter.com/gm-h...tion-kits.html

Find Chevy trucks and click on the one for 1986. This will show you all the generic options and content that were available for the '86 model year.

There also should be an adhesive service label (called the SPID label) in your glovebox. It will show you your option content.

Depending on how desperate you are, you can also send them $50 and your VIN and they will send you the vehicle invoice specific to your truck, including your original options and pricing.

Invoice: http://www.gmmediaarchive.com/?page=3

Front sway bar was optional, by selecting RPO F59. The 400 cu in engine was not available in '86.

The truck looks mildly lowered; can't tell by looking at the front springs in the photo if they have been cut or not. Looks like they pulled a leaf or two out of the rear spring pack.

K

[Rich84]

I think 3" spindles and a flip kit would be just right...Does look like your missing one leaf.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

To me it looks like he removed 2-3 leaves from the pack. I am currently fixing the same problem on my project F100. One of the previous owners took out all but 3 leaves, and it would get weird turning corners quickly. It did ride great, but turning not so much. I would get a stock leaf pack, and do a simple flip kit. Then you could remove a small leaf or two from the normal pack till its where you want it, but also still safe enough.

Look at the spindles, and see if the center line of the spindle is towards the lower or upper a arm. That way you can see if you have drop spindles. If not he may of cut 2" off the spring.

[Rich84]

It is strange all the different leaf packs that are out there...Mine were 3 and the overload on a 84 1/2 ton. With no sway bar in front. All the holes were there though.

[thewr3tched]

thanks for all the great info! i think i read about running into a problem with a flip kit and removing leaves. something about the shock bolt in the way and needing shock extensions.

according to the sticker in the glove box it came with the 305. i haven't been able to find the identifying numbers on the 400 to see where it came from just out of curiosity. not sure what was put into it, but it does have a bigger cam, edelbrock intake manifold, holley carb, edelbrock valve covers (which are leaking).

[Rich84]

Shock bolt gets in the way of the plate on the ubolts..A little grinding. No big deal.

Nice looking truck..Good luck with it.

[83swb]

Truck looks excellent as is, should look better with a drop though. Are those 275/60r15's?

[thewr3tched]

Originally Posted by 83swb

Truck looks excellent as is, should look better with a drop though. Are those 275/60r15's?

yup, spot on. 235/70r15 on the front.

[Sodell]

My 87 came with four leafs, one was removed by the PO. Looks like you have 8" rallies on front, you may have to modify the drop spindles because the backspacing may cause the rim to rub. I found some 7" rallies for the front and used them. If you are going to use a c-notch I would leave the leaf springs for now and see how it rides and looks when you do the flip kit.

[thewr3tched]

thanks for the tips everyone. going to be a couple months before i start working on the drop. for now i'm just fixing some bits to make it a bit more comfortable to drive regularly.

i ordered the dash and door panel kit from rock auto - fingers crossed that it will be half way decent. new speedo housing/gear/cable and redoing the valve cover seals should take care of the oil leaks and i can finally stop throwing cardboard underneath it in the driveway. then i guess door hinges and new rubber and the list never ends.