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01-23-2022, 11:52 PM | #1 |
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Dropping a C30 flatbed
My latest project is going to be a dropped '71 C30. I am having trouble locating the lowering spindles and springs. Anybody know a supplier? I want to keep it a super stout C30, not trying to lay frame just want a static 5/6 drop to give it a drivable ride.
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
01-24-2022, 01:04 AM | #2 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Why don't you check this place in Santee. Tell them what you want and what your end goal is. But don't know what to tell you about spindles.
National Spring on Magnolia Ave in Santee, CA - 619-258-2724 Had them reverse the eyes and make some leaf springs for a '59 1/2 ton years ago and they did a great job. They may even be able to direct you toward someone who knows about spindles.
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Smitty '71 Short Fleetside Spring Valley, Ca. |
01-24-2022, 10:42 AM | #3 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
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You might see if there is anything available in spindles for the '73 up 1 tons. I'm not sure if there is but they should interchange. LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
01-24-2022, 10:42 PM | #4 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
I am building my own upper and lower A arms as well as a custom drop member so even if is off I can make the arms to work with it. I was able to get 2.5" drop spindles for my '69 C20, I am not sure if there is a difference between a C20 and a C30 spindle. They are both eight lug so I may be able to get C20 spindles to work.
I purchased them through Early Classics so I guess I will have to find another place.
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
01-24-2022, 11:53 PM | #5 | |
The Older Generation
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Quote:
I just put complete '73 C30 spindle assemblies on a '72 GMC C20 frame and everything bolted right in. LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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01-25-2022, 12:22 AM | #6 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Did you pick that up off of CL? My son just showed that to me this afternoon and wanted to go look at it and then I saw you post this. Looks like the same truck. Nice grab!
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01-25-2022, 01:04 AM | #7 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
You it was a C list find. The body is in great shape but everything else is pretty rough. Not too much of a problem for my build though, since I plan on changing most everything on the truck.
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
01-25-2022, 05:44 PM | #8 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
As mentioned.... 73-up spindles can be used. They're not a direct swap but can be used w/the right supporting parts.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
01-25-2022, 06:35 PM | #9 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Found this pretty quickly on a google search.
https://switchsuspension.com/chevrol...p-spindle-set/ https://westernchassis.com/1971-91-C...SABEgLF9PD_BwE
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My Trucks: 1967 Chevrolet Short Wide Box 327 TH350 9" w/3.90 gears paint will be White - Current Project 1967 Chevrolet Custom LWB 283 TH400 3.73 Posi, no-AC, no-PS, no-PB, bench-seat, small-window - mostly orig driver 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB originally a 327 TH400 3.73 Posi AC PS PB, had Buddy Buckets, Small Window - parts truck 1967 Chevrolet CST LWB, 283 MT 3.73 had Buddy Buckets, Panoramic Window - parts truck 2001 Chevrolet 3500 2WD Crew Cab Dually 8.1L Allison White |
01-25-2022, 10:23 PM | #10 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Excited to see this take shape. Nice grab!
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1972 C30 2WD 157” WB |
01-27-2022, 12:08 PM | #11 |
BlahBlahBlah
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wa.
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Do you still have the Callahan Auto Parts truck?
In my 20 years here that truck is in my top five from all areas of the board.
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… … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … … |
01-27-2022, 11:42 PM | #12 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Yup still got it, still drive it all of the time. Thanks for the props. It was a fun build and I am looking forward to the C30 build.
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
01-27-2022, 11:47 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Quote:
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
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01-28-2022, 08:50 AM | #14 | |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Quote:
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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01-28-2022, 10:59 AM | #15 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Scoti that is interesting because until that link was posted I had only seen up to 2.5". Western Chassis and POL are all in the same building with the same sales reps just answering different phones. I like the 3" but the control arms Western Chassis makes are designed to couple with the 2.5" and correct any geometry issues caused by marrying drop spindles with stock A arms. Since I am building my own cross member I can make what ever adjustments I need to to get the ride height I want.
Here is the Western 2.5" drop spindle: https://westernchassis.com/1971-91-C...t-on-Calipers/
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
01-28-2022, 12:37 PM | #16 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Interesting. Only had 3" when I was looking circa 2010. I don't believe my C30 uses D52 calipers though so maybe there's a difference.
Wouldn't be the first time internet ad descripts were inaccurate.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
01-30-2022, 01:24 AM | #17 | |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Quote:
If Bags, is it still rated at a one ton? Flip kit for the rear?
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
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01-30-2022, 12:02 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Quote:
My 89 dually is dropped about 7/9 for driving & can plant the frame rails + front raised x-member when it's air'd out. It has 3" spindles, 1.5" x-member notch, & C30 rated/spec'd bags on Porterbuilt 1" forward front lower control arms. It uses a tweaked/home-built/used Ridetech four bar set-up w/C30 rated/spec'd rolling-sleeve bags in the back. My '99 OBS 3/4 ton CC uses 3" drop spindles + 1-coil trimmed from the original HD springs & a Bell Tech flip-kit w/1.5" lift shackles in the rear. The lift shackles only raised the rear back up about .750" so the total drop is about 5/7.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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01-30-2022, 06:17 PM | #19 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Yeah I have really thought about ditching the leaf springs altogether and going with the rolling sleeve bags in the rear.
Are the front bags sleeves or convoluted? Do you have a build thread for your '89? I have always leaned toward static but I am trying to think outside my usual process on this build and the more beta I can get the better the end result.
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
01-30-2022, 06:43 PM | #20 | |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Quote:
https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=640843
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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01-31-2022, 03:24 AM | #21 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
I just read through your build thread, The rear bags are just what I was looking for. I may do a triangulated four link to eliminate the pan hard bar but the bag design you made is perfect for my application.
I did have a question about welding to the axle tubes, When I built my C10 truck arms and welded the brackets to the Lincoln 9" I had the axle straightened before I powder coated it just in case it the welding warped it at all. How much welding did you have to do for the Bag brackets on your axle?
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 Last edited by Mike Bradbury; 01-31-2022 at 03:33 AM. |
01-31-2022, 09:16 AM | #22 | |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Quote:
For my Panhard bar, I bought some DOM 4"ID tube. I cut a rectangular piece out of the tube that was used as the base for the bracket itself. I built & welded the bracket to that first w/rosette & corner-joint welds. Once cooled & cleaned up, I positioned it on the pass side axle tube & tacked it in place. I then wrapped towels soaked in cold water @ each end of the bracket to help w/keeping the heat zone minimized. Welded small lengths & re-soaked the towels as I progressed. I did not have it professionally checked for straightness after nor have I experienced any issues. Axle tube thickness is @ least .250" & the bracket base DOM material was similar @ .250". If you go through the trouble of modding/changing the rear suspension, I would do parallel 4-bar. The triangulated stuff was a compromised set-up from OE's. I'd opt for a true 4-bar & Panhard bar for simplicity or get fancy w/a Watts link set-up. Mine has spherical joints @ one end & poly bushings @ the other for all four bars. Panhard is heim joints.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. Last edited by SCOTI; 01-31-2022 at 09:26 AM. |
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01-31-2022, 09:55 PM | #23 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Same with mine. My truck arms on the C10 use the spherical joints as well as the pan hard bar. I do not like the Watts link at it clutters up the simplicity.
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
01-31-2022, 11:30 PM | #24 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Yeppers.... I like your C10's set-up & followed the build.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
02-01-2022, 12:47 AM | #25 |
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Re: Dropping a C30 flatbed
Do the brackets that bolt to the axle for the 4 bars have the perch for the bags? Still trying figure out how you mounted the bags behind the axle with out welding brackets to the tubes.
I am going to do a complete cab back custom frame so if I need to tweak anything I can in the design phase. The bags look close to the wheels in your pics, Do you find any clearance issues when the axle is twisting left and right over uneven road surfaces?
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I'd rather attempt something great and fail.. than try something ordinary and succeed. Norman Vincent Peale Project: Barn Raising http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414961 Project: 30 Be Low https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=830583 |
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