The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1973 - 1987 Chevrolet & GMC Squarebody Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-29-2009, 10:40 AM   #1
bigarmzz
Registered User
 
bigarmzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Elkins, West Virginia
Posts: 2,542
is it ok to run 3" springs?

i've been reading through some old threads, and it seems like most dont recommend using the 3" springs with lowering the truck

i already ordered 2.5" WC spindles, and was wanting to use 3" springs in the front for a total of 5.5" front, and rear a 5" DJM flip kit, with a 2" drop shackle for a total of 5.5/7

should i go with 2.5" springs instead? or will my front end "geometry" be ok? thanks
__________________
1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7

Last edited by bigarmzz; 03-29-2009 at 10:40 AM.
bigarmzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 11:23 AM   #2
boatpuller
Registered User
 
boatpuller's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Sun City West, Az
Posts: 3,822
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

like most things people have done it.and other's don't reccomend it.i remember reading where it gave some guy's problem's. a 3 inch drop spindle with a 2 inch coil is a better way to get 5, in my opinion.
__________________
" Never look up a dead dogs butt."
boatpuller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 12:13 PM   #3
Slammed '87
Registered User
 
Slammed '87's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Calgary Canada
Posts: 556
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

I bought a set of DJM 3" drop springs years ago. They were just right for a few months but after that they sagged and ended up dropping the front about 4". This was fine with me tho. I removed the bumpstops (as you would with air bags) and had it realigned. I didn't have drop spindles so there was no clearance concern. Alot of people have problems with lowering coils but the way i see it it's no different than have air bags (just no adjustability). If you want low i'd say go for the 3". Just make sure it's realigned right after or your tires will be trash.
__________________
If you can't rock the roads with your bumpers 1/2" off the ground, you're nowhere near low enough!
Slammed '87 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 12:30 PM   #4
bigarmzz
Registered User
 
bigarmzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Elkins, West Virginia
Posts: 2,542
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

i guess looking back at it, i should have got 3" spindles and 2 or 2.5" springs...you know what they say about that

you guys know if western chassis springs sag much over time? maybe if i just go 2.5" spindles with there 2.5" springs, i should be fine

my 20" coys should be here this week, so i'm just trying to get my "ducks in a row"
__________________
1987 350 TBI lowered 5/7
bigarmzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-30-2009, 12:18 AM   #5
Square84
I don't think these pills work
 
Square84's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: burkburnett,Tx
Posts: 626
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bigarmzz View Post
i guess looking back at it, i should have got 3" spindles and 2 or 2.5" springs...you know what they say about that

you guys know if western chassis springs sag much over time? maybe if i just go 2.5" spindles with there 2.5" springs, i should be fine

my 20" coys should be here this week, so i'm just trying to get my "ducks in a row"
iv'e been running western chassis 3 inch springs for 4 years now and they ride great but i did put belltech drop shocks on it and cut the bumpstop and perch off. i recently put new balljoints in to replace the originals and had it realigned and the guy said it was fine just off a hair, so i dont know if it was the 4 year old spings or replacing the 25 year old ball joints? either way i'm satisfied with the spring but i didn't like westerns' tech line guys or there managers.
__________________
SQUARE84
90 SUBURBAN
Square84 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 12:00 PM   #6
N2TRUX
Happy to be here
 
N2TRUX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

I never recommend a 3" spring. It's just too much drop to achieve correctly from a spring. It will be prone to a harsh ride and bottoming out. Yes there are those that have them and are happy. I just don't think they are aware of what a 1-2" spring feels like.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com

Articles-

"Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab

"Elwood" the77_Remix

85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

"Refining Sierra"
N2TRUX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 01:41 PM   #7
flamingbig10
6.0 powered square
 
flamingbig10's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mesquite texas
Posts: 3,459
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

I have 3" spindles and springs, its ride's ok for a truck, but the lower control arms scrape on about every dip in the road and pothole, but its really bother me that bad
__________________
Aaron
1980 c-10 short bed lowered, cammed 6.0, 4l80e 3600 stall, smp tune, wilwoods, and flames best time so far best et 7.86 @87 on motor 7.57 90 on a 75 shot
Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=283326
flamingbig10 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 02:40 PM   #8
N2TRUX
Happy to be here
 
N2TRUX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

Yes, you should have gone with 3" spindles. Unless you want to reorder and sell those its a bit late. If I were you I would cut one coil off the stock spring and see where it sets. If that's not enough get the 2.5 or 3" spring.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com

Articles-

"Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab

"Elwood" the77_Remix

85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

"Refining Sierra"
N2TRUX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 04:27 PM   #9
JohnC
Registered User
 
JohnC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 7,461
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

This answers a few questions for me as well. Looking at doing something similar down the road. Let us know when you get it all installed. What Coy wheels are you going with?
JohnC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 06:10 PM   #10
1984 swb chevy
Registered User
 
1984 swb chevy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 466
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

if you are running 20's up front your lower control arms wont scrape as much as someone with 15's or 17's. You will have more ground clearance. My lowere were very close to the ground with the 15's up front.
__________________
2010 Tahoe
1984 C10
2005 Harley FLH

1941 Willys Pickup (will never get it done) not for sale
1984 swb chevy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-29-2009, 10:52 PM   #11
slugish
Slugish
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Earlysville, Va.
Posts: 1,024
Re: is it ok to run 3" springs?

Have had 2.5 spindles & 3 in Eibach springs on my 84 for about 3 yr,s now . dosent ride great but it works . Unless you go into money airbagging , its a trade off between ride comfort & looks . Dont buy the cheapest coils if you get 2.5 or 3,s
slugish is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:17 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com