Lowering springs/shocks
 

I'm going to be putting a set of Lowered Springs/Shocks on my 72 GMC Shortbed Fleetside.
I'm going 3" Lower Springs in Front and 4" in the Rear along with shortened shocks.
As you can see from the attached pictures, the previous owner cut/Torched the Springs in Front.
My Truck rides like a Cement Truck.
Way too Low in Front and way too High in the Rear!

I wanted to see if anyone else installed Lowering Springs and how they liked the look/Ride Quality.

What Kit did you use ect?
Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

i got mine from LMC, they're not to bouncy, a little on the stiff side. but i never have a problem bottoming out.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Thanks ZWD!

I bottom out on almost every dip, Rut, Pothole, Bump on the road.
Theres a sucession of small bumps (about 6 of em') in a 30' space on the road into town. If I don't slow down to AT LEAST 15 MPH, its like an Earthquake that gets progessivly worse.
Damn near loos control of the Truck every time.
Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

i usually slow down for railroad tracks, but only for the bad ones here in michigan. i dont even want to talk about the pot holes...

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

But your ride quality was much improved?
Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

alot less bouncy, but every car slows down or goes around the massive pot holes in michigan.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Ive used Early Classic Enterprises on my SWB 69 Chevy (very nice)

I used Air Ride Technologies on my 72 2wd Jimmy... excellent as well.

Both these companies have Excellent products which are Proven. They have excellent and honest costomer service as well.

You also might call Wes at Classicheartbeat.com ... he is VERY knowledgable and a standup guy (and a site supporter/vendor)

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Actually I've been dealing with Jeff" at CCP (Classic Performance).
He's been really informative and answered all my questions and also gave me a Discount for being a Forum Member here! :metal:

I was thinking of going with Early Classics but they only had a 2"-4" Kit for my Truck.
I really wanted to go with at least a 3" Drop in front and like a 6" Drop in back.
At least this way (with a 3"-4" Kit), I will come back as money permits and go with Drop Spindles in Front, and maybe a lowering block in the Rear.
I really wont be able to tell until I see it on MY Truck.


Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I just purchased a 4/6 drop kit from ECE for my 67 SWB. Thet should have one for your 72 as well. I worked with Stan at ECE. Very nice, very knowledgeable.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Have you found a place where you can buy just the brackets to weld on the rear-end to flip the axle above the rear end?

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

JPTTAYLOR,
Do you have a link?
Did you buy the Shock AND Springs?
What kinda $$ are we talking about?
I was quopted $349.00 for all (4) Springs and Shocks.
I'd REALLY like to see the "Stance" on your Truck.
Can you post a picture HERE or send me one privatley at: WWOTR@MCHSI.COM

THANKS!
Roger
=======================================================

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I was also told that if I went lower than a 2" Spring in Front, (without a Drop Spindle) then I would be unable to Align the Front end.
I have "other companies" telling me that is NOT the case.
So now I'm confused.
I'd REALLY like to get that rear end down but ten I also hear that anything lower than 4" in the Rear, you need to get a "Parbar" (sp) something like that because it throws off the Rear End and it wants to thrust towards the Drivers side.

Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I have lowered a bunch of trucks with 3 inch springs in the front. They always align just fine.

To save some cash, order Sum-G727 part number springs from Summit. This is a front 3 inch drop spring. They run about 80 dollars per pair. They are Ground Force springs. I posted some pictures on here recently of them when I ordered a set a month or so ago.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Thanks TX Firefighter.
I know that you are versed when it comes to Lowering and your input is appreciated.

So the story about Lowering the Rear more than 4" making the Rear Shocks lay almost flat, is nothing to worry abpout either?
Roger
=========================================================

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I have lowered them 6 in the back without shock extenders and driven zillions of miles. They ride okay I guess.

But, the first time I went all the way and got shock extenders for a truck, I noticed a huge improvement in ride quality compared to previous 6 inch lowered trucks. Now, I always spring the extra scratch to get the extender kit. It's worth it once you have felt the difference in ride.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

OK!

I'm ****ING STOKED!!!

UPS conformation that my 3"Front/4"Rear Lowering Springs and (4) Nitrogen Charged Custom Shocks are arriving TOMORROW at my Front door. :metal:

I can SO hardly wait. :uhmk:
Everyone here and at CPP have said it will "practically" be a Night-n-Day difference in Ride quality.
This couldn't come at a better time.

Yesterday my Wife was Teaching at the Firing Range. She Texted me and asked me to bring out a couple of folding chairs. On the drive over the road wasn't bad (remember I'm driving on Torched Springs cut 5" in Front), but I was doing 40-45 MPH (that's the speed limit) and had a total of 5 Vehicles pass me in the passing lanes or over the Double Yellow Line.
The last guy that did that, gently blew his Horn a FLIPPED ME OFF!
Then there was Grandpa, that passed me over the Double Yellow in his Tacoma!
P.S. I guess this would also be a good time to replace the "Bump Stops" while my Mechanic is down there too....correct?

P.S. Does anyone know what the Heigth is for a Stock OEM Bump Stop?
I plan on keeping my Inner Fenders and after the 3"/4" Springs I may go Drop Spindles (Later this year) but I'm not bagging it.

Roger
(On Cloud 9)!

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

In six months time you will wish you had, I know I did after my 4/6!:lol:

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

This is the stance I'm trying to achieve.............

BEFORE you say it, I Know I wont be acheiving this with a #/4 Drop, but my future plans call for Drop Spindles too.
I believe this goy is running 20's.


Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

That`s about a 4/6.
ECE`s kit is spindles+1" springs(3 1/2") in front and 6" springs in rear.That is the max you want w/o a c-notch.I think you`ll still want an adjustable track bar.At over 4" you want the super track bar that relocates the outer mounting location.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Why do you say that?

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I'll start with my drop. I started with a stock ride height, that is no sag and measurements the same as LMC "stock. I used 2 1/2 inch spindles up front and 4 inch springs at the rear.
I started up front with the spindles and then put the springs in the back. The rear came down just a little over 5 inches, so to achieve the stance I was after I removed the front springs and cut I think 1/2 coil off looking for about an inch.
So I ended up with 3 1/2 and 5. Not a bad stance, and pretty close to what I had envisioned.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...0/DCFC0056.jpg
The only problem now is when I'm not wishing is was 2 inches lower, I wish I had more weight capacity or my rear bumper(trailer ball) was 6 inches higher.
Had I spent a couple hun more for bags all would be right in my little world.
Well, almost anyway!

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I always thought that with a 5/6" drop in the rear you need to notch...is that not the case??

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

One of the issues with 3" drop springs is that they tend to fall over in the spring pocket once you've jacked the front wheels up high enough to completely unload the lower control arms (wheels off the ground). You'll also want to trim your bumpstops otherwise you're still going to bottom out. Your ball joints will also be at less then ideal angles with 3" drop coils.

I'm not disputing TX. He's owned a lot of these trucks and he knows what he's doing. However a 3" drop coil isn't going to ride like a 2.5" drop spindle combined with a 1" drop coil would.

Out back you can take the lower shock brackets and swap em left to right (drivers side to passenger side) and flip em upside down. This will get your shocks at a better angle without buying the relocator kit. The angle won't be as good as if you used the relocator kit but it'll be better then if you still had em in the stock location.

This truck is lowered 3.5"/6"

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...n/100_4783.jpg

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Here's the write up I did when we lowered my brothers C10 a few weeks ago. It mentions the use of a C-notch and the things that we've heard about them.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ight=worthless

Once you've installed your 3" drop coils in the front you won't be able to seperate your ball joints like we did in this video either. (Due to there not being any pressure on the lower control arm while it hangs free.)

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Now that we have officially hijacked this thread I was always under the impression that a bagged setup rode smoother. I am in New England and the potholes are a plenty. My current 06 with a ground force 1" drop rides pretty stiff.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

No, a c-notch is not required if running a 5" or 6" rear drop. If you are going to use your truck as a truck, then it might be nice to install one, but it is not necessary.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I know that theres a "Right Way" to do this.
Money is very tight (for me) right now.
I just wanted to do things the correct way.
Anotherwords intead of driving on these cut springs, I would put in a 3"/4" Lowering Springs/Shocks.
That way I can "add" to it in the future. Theres a settlment coming through that will allow me a $12K "Fund" for this truck, and thats when I'll add to these Springs/Shocks by doing the Drop Spindles and maybe even a Disc Conversiuon in the Rear.
Driving my Truck should be fun and when I combine these......
"Shade-Tree Cut Springs" and a seat that the Springs are shot, I hesitate to take it ANYWHERE!

I wanna do simple things like:
1) GO THE SPEED LIMIT!
2) STOP PULLING OVER FOR PEOPLE BECAUSE I CAN'T NEGOTIATE THE
BUMPS/RUTS ECT!:metal::metal::metal::metal:

I've attached a picture of my GMC as it sits today (6/3/09).
After the Spring Install I will take ANOTHER PICTURE in the same place/Position and give you feedback on the Stance/Ride.


Roger
:gmc2:

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Can't wait to see how this turns out with the new pieces... be sure to document the install. :D

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I know that theres a "Right Way" to do this.
Money is very tight (for me) right now.
I just wanted to do things the correct way.
Anotherwords intead of driving on these cut springs, I would put in a 3"/4" Lowering Springs/Shocks.
That way I can "add" to it in the future. Theres a settlment coming through that will allow me a $12K "Fund" for this truck, and thats when I'll add to these Springs/Shocks by doing the Drop Spindles and maybe even a Disc Conversiuon in the Rear.
Driving my Truck should be fun and when I combine these......
"Shade-Tree Cut Springs" and a seat that the Springs are shot, I hesitate to take it ANYWHERE!

I wanna do simple things like:
1) GO THE SPEED LIMIT!
2) STOP PULLING OVER FOR PEOPLE BECAUSE I CAN'T NEGOTIATE THE
BUMPS/RUTS ECT!:metal::metal::metal::metal:

I've attached a picture of my GMC as it sits today (6/3/09).
After the Spring Install I will take ANOTHER PICTURE in the same place/Position and give you feedback on the Stance/Ride.


Roger
:gmc2:

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

If you go to the Webite (linked in my Sig), and then you'll find a button on the "Enter Page" that says something like Mods/Accessories.
Just click on that button, and it'll take you to the page were I dicument everything from Spring changes to Rear View Mirror installs.
I try to design Picture Galleries so that you can click on the Thumbnails for a Bigger/Detailed picture.

Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Guys ....
Need your help on a related question.
I've been told that my "Bump Stops" are probably shot because the Front Springs were cut so much.
When replacing with my NEW Springs/Shocks, should I replace the Bump Stops too?
If I read correctly they come in different heights.
So with a 3"/4" Drop, what "size" should I replace them with?
I wanna get the right size on order so my Mechanic can install them while he's replacing my Springs/Shocks.

Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

As promised.......
I picked up my Truck today after having them install CPP's 3"/4" Lowering Springs/Shocks. I have attached "Before and After" pictures here in this post and you can see more comparisons on my "Mods Page" at:
http://home.pon.net/wwotr/towing.htm

First off I will testify that the Handling/Ride quality is a........
NIGHT & DAY DIFFERENCE! :metal:

I can palm the steering wheel with one hand and can do 45-50 MPH, where I couldn't go over 30 MPH before!
There was not one single Bump, Rut, Pot Hole that I had to avoid.
I deliberatly went over them to see how it handled.
It was Beautiful!
I was almost in Tears when I got home from the Drive!!!

My Mechanic told me that BOTH Rear Shocks were "Blown" and that when they cut/Torched the Front Springs, they welded back on some of the Front Spring because the took off too much!

I am happier than a Hog in ****!

Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

It looks like the truck came down about an 1" overall, looks nice!

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Looking into some Lowering Blocks for the Rear now!

;+)

Thanks for the Compliment!

Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

In fact I had mentioned "Rear drop blocks" to my Mechanic when I picked it up yesterday. I'm happy with the Front, but would like about 2" MORE in the back.
My guy (Jeff) at CPP says this is the way to go (as I don't want a C notch).
Says its a 30 Min installation and a guaranteed 2" Drop! :metal::metal::metal:

Anyone ever install these rear drop blocks?
Details/Opinions/Stories?

Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

You can see the 1" blocks (maybe 1.5", can't remember) on my 68. I originally bought 3" springs and wanted more, so I put the blocks on it and it put it right where I liked it.

I've seen some really big blocks before (3-4"+), but wouldn't personally go that big. Going too big might put the u-bolts and/or shock mount below the bottom edge of the rim. If you have a flat or a blow-out, that could lead to some unexpected fun. But like I said, it's a personal thing.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

I have 3in drop springs in the front and dropped spindles. I went from 2in springs to 3 and the alignment shop said the couldn't get it back to spec. I bought some upper A Arms from Brothers (I'm sure there are others) that was made for lowered trucks... it has less camber and more castor so you can get it back into spec. Rides great.
The back is 6in springs with 1 inch blocks.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Thanks Mondo.
Thats good info.
Your Truck is just about the stance I'm looking for (right now anyway), because when my Settlement comes through, I'll be switching to probaly 20's in the Rear and 18's in the Front.
I'll be buying the 2" Drop Blocks from CPP and hope it'll get me close.
Ultimatley the picture below is what I'm trying to acheive, but at this point, the "Drive" of my Truck is sSO MUCH BETTER with the Spring/Shock Combo!

Roger

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

3in drop springs give you some bump steer, but all in all with a good tech it should align and drive just fine. Camber being the biggest pain.

CP 3" springs all around with Doetsch shocks. Rides GREAT for a lowered truck, and even more so for a classic truck. Bump stops may need to be trimmed up front, but in rear it's fine.

Re: Lowering springs/shocks
 

Recently installed a 3/4 drop kit (springs and shocks) from CPP. Did not buy rear relocators and adjustable tracking bar initially. Problem is, truck now sets 1-1/2 inches lower on the driver's side both front and rear. Put in new upper and lower ball joints at the same time. What am I doing wrong???

Also, do I have the shocks in upside down? Housing is to the top and shaft to the bottom. Read somewhere above that 3" springs can fall over in the spring pocket. Any advice or comments appreciated...

Learning as I go,

COOTERUSN