Question about Ride Height - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

67Step · 05-08-2011, 07:31 PM

When I went to buy this truck the guy had 20 inch rims on it and I didnt like them. So he pulled them off. I put these wheels and tires on it this past week. I am wondering if someone raised the front of this truck. It has a small block in it but the front end sits higher than the back. How would you all suggest I lower it? Springs or drop spindles? Thanks in advance. I am attaching a picture so you can see what I mean.
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*87 chevy silverado* · 05-08-2011, 07:38 PM

it is raised in the front

Pop's C-10 · 05-08-2011, 07:41 PM

If tha springs are stock in tha front..pull em..chop a coil off & call it done..

lilpoindexter · 05-08-2011, 07:43 PM

Take a look in the lower A arm, maybe there's a spacer in there or something.

67Step · 05-14-2011, 04:03 PM

No spacer in them.

67Step · 05-14-2011, 04:04 PM

Hey Pop's tell me the easiest way to cut that coil spring please. Thanks.

bluex · 05-14-2011, 04:28 PM

I would check the rear to see if something has been changed there. If you measure from the body line to the fender lip you will see the rear is longer. GM did that to keep the gap between the tire and fender looking the same even though the rear was higher (I guess). Either way a popular mod for these trucks is to lower the front fender so its the same as the rear.

My guess is you have weak rear springs or something has been done there. As far as the drop, I did spindles. Rides better (IMO) and lets you keep stock shocks. I did a shackle/hanger combo in the rear, but I'm about to replace it with a flip kit.

As far as cutting a coil, I believe the best way to do it is with an angle grinder. Do not use a torch...

85gmcguy · 05-14-2011, 04:40 PM

I did spindles then went back later and cut one coil. If I did it over I'd do both at the same time. Just be careful on wheel clearance with spindles, trimming lower control arm may be required. On the rear a flip kit is the only way to go IMHO. "C" notch may be optional, depending on how you plan to use the truck. And +1 on the angle grinder (or cut-off wheel). Torch is a no-no.

05-08-2011, 07:31 PM	#1
67Step Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Anna, IL Posts: 127	Question about Ride Height When I went to buy this truck the guy had 20 inch rims on it and I didnt like them. So he pulled them off. I put these wheels and tires on it this past week. I am wondering if someone raised the front of this truck. It has a small block in it but the front end sits higher than the back. How would you all suggest I lower it? Springs or drop spindles? Thanks in advance. I am attaching a picture so you can see what I mean. [IMG][/IMG] __________________ 1967 Chevy Shortbed, 454 CI, 700R4, currently work in progress. Check out the build up at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2933497/1. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=264458 1956 Chevy 3100 4x4 Stepside Truck. Sitting on Tahoe frame with LS motor.

05-08-2011, 07:38 PM	#2
87 chevy silverado Account Suspended Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: lexington South Carolina Posts: 2,124	Re: Question about Ride Height it is raised in the front

05-08-2011, 07:41 PM	#3
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: Question about Ride Height If tha springs are stock in tha front..pull em..chop a coil off & call it done.. __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

05-08-2011, 07:43 PM	#4
lilpoindexter Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: los angeles Posts: 1,136	Re: Question about Ride Height Take a look in the lower A arm, maybe there's a spacer in there or something.

05-14-2011, 04:03 PM	#5
67Step Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Anna, IL Posts: 127	Re: Question about Ride Height No spacer in them. __________________ 1967 Chevy Shortbed, 454 CI, 700R4, currently work in progress. Check out the build up at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2933497/1. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=264458 1956 Chevy 3100 4x4 Stepside Truck. Sitting on Tahoe frame with LS motor.

05-14-2011, 04:04 PM	#6
67Step Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Anna, IL Posts: 127	Re: Question about Ride Height Hey Pop's tell me the easiest way to cut that coil spring please. Thanks. __________________ 1967 Chevy Shortbed, 454 CI, 700R4, currently work in progress. Check out the build up at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2933497/1. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=264458 1956 Chevy 3100 4x4 Stepside Truck. Sitting on Tahoe frame with LS motor.

05-14-2011, 04:28 PM	#7
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: Question about Ride Height I would check the rear to see if something has been changed there. If you measure from the body line to the fender lip you will see the rear is longer. GM did that to keep the gap between the tire and fender looking the same even though the rear was higher (I guess). Either way a popular mod for these trucks is to lower the front fender so its the same as the rear. My guess is you have weak rear springs or something has been done there. As far as the drop, I did spindles. Rides better (IMO) and lets you keep stock shocks. I did a shackle/hanger combo in the rear, but I'm about to replace it with a flip kit. As far as cutting a coil, I believe the best way to do it is with an angle grinder. Do not use a torch... __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Last edited by bluex; 05-14-2011 at 04:29 PM.

05-14-2011, 04:40 PM	#8
85gmcguy Plays with trucks Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 433	Re: Question about Ride Height I did spindles then went back later and cut one coil. If I did it over I'd do both at the same time. Just be careful on wheel clearance with spindles, trimming lower control arm may be required. On the rear a flip kit is the only way to go IMHO. "C" notch may be optional, depending on how you plan to use the truck. And +1 on the angle grinder (or cut-off wheel). Torch is a no-no. __________________ Gary My Dad's Old Truck 1985 Last edited by 85gmcguy; 05-14-2011 at 04:41 PM.

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