Another C20 Suspension Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Nima · 06-06-2016, 03:41 PM

Hello All:

I am looking for ways to make my 67 C20 ride better while I am keeping my 8 lug wheels. For some reasons I like them 8 lugs! I have already converted to all around disc brakes and put on the 2005 8 lugs wheels from my 2005 2500 Duramax. I know this is a 67 3/4 ton trucks and I don't expect to get a modern sedan ride but I am looking for some improvements. These are what I am hoping to accomplish:

- Stock heights
- Level the front and back
- Improve the ride since this is not going to be a work truck anymore
- Keep my 8 lung wheels and disc breaks.

Is there any upgrades for springs and shocks (can I just use softer 1/2 ton ones)? I have never installed bags but would that help?

The truck has rear traction bar, coil springs, half leaf and shocks.

Thanks

earl84 · 06-10-2016, 05:16 PM

I have a 66 C20, and while I wouldn't say it rode great, it is definitely better than I started. I put in 2" CPP drop springs up front and D2600 bags in the rear with Schrader valves. It still has a bit of a rake to it, so it isn't level, but not as much rake as stock. I run 40-45 psi in the bags, and I have a 454 for an engine, so the springs are probably compressed a little more than usual. Had to remove the front bump stops, and shaved the readers about 1-1/2". Oh, and I have about 1" spring cups on the back, which made it a bit easier to mount on the frame rail.
I know this isn't exactly what you asked for, but thought it might be useful.

ranger danger · 06-11-2016, 09:43 AM

I have a 69' Suburban. I put new OEM Moog springs all around as well as a disc brake conversion with all new AC Delco Pro series ball joints and tie rod ends. The best single thing I did to help the ride quality was to install 4 KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks. It helped the ride tremendously!!! If that's not good enough, there is a spring shop in Dixon Ca called Valley Springs. He told me he could make progressive rate springs in any progression I wanted. The way he explained it was that he could make the spring nice and soft through the first 25% of the load. Then get more and more rigid as load is applied. As I recall, they were more than the Moog's but not all that pricey.

06-06-2016, 03:41 PM	#1
Nima Blue 67 Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Western WA Posts: 1,179	Another C20 Suspension Question Hello All: I am looking for ways to make my 67 C20 ride better while I am keeping my 8 lug wheels. For some reasons I like them 8 lugs! I have already converted to all around disc brakes and put on the 2005 8 lugs wheels from my 2005 2500 Duramax. I know this is a 67 3/4 ton trucks and I don't expect to get a modern sedan ride but I am looking for some improvements. These are what I am hoping to accomplish: - Stock heights - Level the front and back - Improve the ride since this is not going to be a work truck anymore - Keep my 8 lung wheels and disc breaks. Is there any upgrades for springs and shocks (can I just use softer 1/2 ton ones)? I have never installed bags but would that help? The truck has rear traction bar, coil springs, half leaf and shocks. Thanks __________________ 1953 GMC 3/4 ton: current project 1967 C20: 5.3 voretc with T5 conversion, 4 wheel 8 lug disc brake 1972 Nova: my 4 door sport sedan! 5.3 voretc + T5 conversion. drivable project, FUN!! 1979 Camaro Z28: 5.3 vortec conversion with build TH350: drivable project, Fun to drive 1992 Camaro RS convertible (Z28 clone): 5.3 conversion with build T5: on going project 2005 Silverado 2500, 4x4 Duramax, original owner

06-10-2016, 05:16 PM	#2
earl84 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montrose, CO Posts: 972	Re: Another C20 Suspension Question I have a 66 C20, and while I wouldn't say it rode great, it is definitely better than I started. I put in 2" CPP drop springs up front and D2600 bags in the rear with Schrader valves. It still has a bit of a rake to it, so it isn't level, but not as much rake as stock. I run 40-45 psi in the bags, and I have a 454 for an engine, so the springs are probably compressed a little more than usual. Had to remove the front bump stops, and shaved the readers about 1-1/2". Oh, and I have about 1" spring cups on the back, which made it a bit easier to mount on the frame rail. I know this isn't exactly what you asked for, but thought it might be useful.

06-11-2016, 09:43 AM	#3
ranger danger Registered User Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Vacaville CA Posts: 896	Re: Another C20 Suspension Question I have a 69' Suburban. I put new OEM Moog springs all around as well as a disc brake conversion with all new AC Delco Pro series ball joints and tie rod ends. The best single thing I did to help the ride quality was to install 4 KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks. It helped the ride tremendously!!! If that's not good enough, there is a spring shop in Dixon Ca called Valley Springs. He told me he could make progressive rate springs in any progression I wanted. The way he explained it was that he could make the spring nice and soft through the first 25% of the load. Then get more and more rigid as load is applied. As I recall, they were more than the Moog's but not all that pricey. Attached Images __________________ 1969 C20 Suburban "Rez Dog" Rebuild America one testicle at a time. US Army 1977-1979 12B Combat Engineer US Navy 1979-1983 Gunners Mate Guns (GMG) NRA Life Member Unrestrained Children in back seats cause Accidents. Unrestrained Accidents in back seats cause Children.



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