Swapped and Need a Drop...

[legendary]

Hello everyone,

I know there are many options for running lowered suspension on these rigs, but I have some specific questions.

I have the 5.9L 12 V Cummins Diesel in my 1970 C/10 with the ST50 turbo. With this motor being a heavier motor stock, what are my options for springs and shocks, spring rates, etc. to properly lower it without bottoming out or basically being non-driveable? I am thinking I will run a 22" wheel and tire, and something along these lines of this drop is what I am interested in:


I am not ruling out airbags, I have seen the dropmember setup, and that is quite impressive...but my challenge is that I still want to be able to use this as a truck if the time is needed (whether it is to tow a car, or a couple of motorcycles). Can you help? Thanks!

[jimmydean]

I know you can run bags and a dropmember witha big block, how much heavier is the cummins compared to a 454?

<edit> Just read the 5.9l is 1100lbs, is that right? Damn, that is a big *****.

[robnolimit]

First thing to do is get it weighed. then springs and spring rates are easy.

[draggin86]

whats wheels are those i really like them??

[legendary]

Thanks robnolimit!
Your truck is amazing! I've seen your work and seen what you do in Auto-X. Big kudos!
I will get that info ASAP.

As for the wheels, I'm not sure what model they are, but that's the stance/look I'm going for. I want the truck functional as well as aethetically pleasing.
Posted via Mobile Device

[N2TRUX]

For reference, that truck shows the following-

Forza Forged 3-piece wheels... 22*8.5 and 22*11. www.forzaforgedwheels.com

7/9 on 22
CCP 2" spindle, belltech 2" spring, 3" DJM A-arms
flip kit, 2" belltech shackle, relocated hangar

[legendary]

Originally Posted by jimmydean

I know you can run bags and a dropmember witha big block, how much heavier is the cummins compared to a 454?

<edit> Just read the 5.9l is 1100lbs, is that right? Damn, that is a big *****.

Jimmy, that is exactly my point. It's a big boy, so I want to make sure that I use something that will work. I was seriously considering the airbags, but I want something I can drive hard...will the bags be affected or effective by this type of motor setup? I think a dressed BBC is around ~800lbs, right?

Thank you N2Trux - great information!

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

For reference, that truck shows the following-

Forza Forged 3-piece wheels... 22*8.5 and 22*11. www.forzaforgedwheels.com

7/9 on 22
CCP 2" spindle, belltech 2" spring, 3" DJM A-arms flip kit, 2" belltech shackle, relocated hangar

Those two shouldn't ever be installed together,.... in my opinion.

[legendary]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Those two shouldn't ever be installed together,.... in my opinion.

Can you explain? Is it because they are redundant, or because they do not work well together?

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by legendary

Can you explain? Is it because they are redundant, or because they do not work well together?

Maybe you can get away with it with the height and diameter of the 22's,... but normally there are scrubline issues with the "drop pocket" style a-arm combined with a drop spindle.
(the a-arm pocket is really close to the ground)
In the event of a tire failure,... you would be sliding down the road on the a-arm,... make the brakes useless on that side.

[tech@scottshotrods]

we build our cross member to your specs with coil over or air bag hit me up via email or PM and We can get you dialed complete from hub to hub at a killer price!
jonm@scottshotrods.com

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by legendary

Jimmy, that is exactly my point. It's a big boy, so I want to make sure that I use something that will work. I was seriously considering the airbags, but I want something I can drive hard...will the bags be affected or effective by this type of motor setup? I think a dressed BBC is around ~800lbs, right?

Thank you N2Trux - great information!

I think you could do bags as long as you run the correct bag to support the weight and that might be a fit issue due to the size of the bag required. Springs or coil overs should be able to support that beast of a motor if sprung properly.

I know I was able to support over a half ton (about 1200lbs I think) in the bed of my '69. I put about 65lbs of air in my rear bags and had it sitting like there was nothing in the bed. Of course I only drove it a few miles and didn't take any high speed corners, but I was running RE6 bags in the rear and they held.

[legendary]

Thanks guys. All great information. I will shoot you an email, Jon.

[muthstryker]

Whos truck is that you posted?

[legendary]

Originally Posted by muthstryker

Whos truck is that you posted?

That truck belongs to a forum member on the c/10 forums named Ctrl-Alt-Elite

[muthstryker]

Cool, Thanks