Some Lowering Questions

[GMC65Guy]

If I get 3" lowering springs in front and 2" lowering drop schackles in rear, will I need anything else for my suspension?

Should I upgrade the shocks as well??


Also, When you buy dropped shackles do you usually get a set for both leafs, drvrs/psngr side? or just on side only.


Is going with a dropped spindle better than lowering with coil springs, or is the only difference that by using lower springs the ride can be a little stiffer?

[joe231]

too much lowering with springs causes problems with front end geometry, spindles don't change the geometry.
your current shocks might bottom out, not sure
you should get shackles in pairs

[GMC65Guy]

Originally Posted by joe231

too much lowering with springs causes problems with front end geometry, spindles don't change the geometry.
your current shocks might bottom out, not sure
you should get shackles in pairs

Shackles in pairs as in both sides? or two for one side, because the leaf is connected by two...

How hard is it to install spindles?

[joe231]

shackles are just at the rear of the spring, so there is one per side, you get 2 and it does both sides.

spindles are just remove the brakes (depends on which you have, drums or discs) take the tie rod loose and disconnect the ball joints, pretty easy

[GMC65Guy]

Originally Posted by joe231

shackles are just at the rear of the spring, so there is one per side, you get 2 and it does both sides.

spindles are just remove the brakes (depends on which you have, drums or discs) take the tie rod loose and disconnect the ball joints, pretty easy

ah... ok thanks!

[Fred T]

Using the drop spindles is the way to go. It is also a good time to put on some disc brakes.

[GMC65Guy]

Originally Posted by Fred T

Using the drop spindles is the way to go. It is also a good time to put on some disc brakes.

The only problem with that is... I can go with spindles.. get 5lug disk brakes up front..then i need 5 lugs in rear conversion..then ill need a different booster so Ill go power... and thats wayyyy to much money for me now. I just want a quick easy lowering job.

[joe231]

I cut my coils on the front for a quick, dirty, and cheap(free) lowering, it isn't any harder than changing spindles, then later on when you get more money for the project, you can get all the goodies

you can also get 6 lug discs to fit your lowering spindles, and not have to change the rear.
oh and also you can run discs with out power brakes, just food for thought

[GMC65Guy]

Originally Posted by joe231

oh and also you can run discs with out power brakes, just food for thought

Hm.. that part I didnt know. I wont be cutting my coils but i guess i'll be going with rear shackles,front spindles & disk brakes... do I need to do any modifying with the brake lines with the disk brakes or anything or do they just bolt right up??


Will I have to buy a new booster/get a porportioning valve? Or can I use my stock single line mastercylinder?

[kdrodworks316]

I would upgrade to at least stock power brakes and a 2 chamber master. You will need a prop valve because the disc brakes only need like 2lbs and the drums need 10lbs. My discs were not quite a bolt in, but very close. I had to replumb the front brakes for the 2 chamber master cylinder and change the hoses to a banjo style fitting for the calipers.

[joe231]

definitely swap to a dual master, but you can run one with out power, I do not know which one you would need, but as KD said you will need new lines. go check out a salvage, I'm sure you could find a master booster combo that could be adapted fairly easy

[billydonn]

Originally Posted by joe231

definitely swap to a dual master, but you can run one with out power, I do not know which one you would need, but as KD said you will need new lines. go check out a salvage, I'm sure you could find a master booster combo that could be adapted fairly easy

Booster? We don't need no stinkin' booster!

[joe231]