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#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Looking at the nolimit and porterbuilt wideride/dropmembers.
I'm running the original 6cyl three-on-the-tree right now and down the road will go for an LS/tremec swap. I want the truck to handle. I don't want to do a lot of fabbing and messing around right now because I like keeping the truck on the road and running. NOLIMIT From what I've heard the nolimit wide ride will give me 3" more ground clearance and raises the motor 1". I'm wondering if the Z-bar clutch linkage will still work or what mods will be necessary.? Also wondering if 6cyl mounts can stay where they are so I don't have to shorten another driveshaft and mess with bellhousing crossmember and clutch linkage.? Does anyone have any direct experience with this.? PORTERBUILT I'd like to know if level 1 or level 2 porterbuilt dropmember would be equivalent to 5" front drop.? I've been told that level 1 dropmember only gains 1" of ground clearance so it does not seem worth it..? It also moves engine back 1" (or so I have been told) so again may have clutch linkage/bellhousing crossmember issues. Couple pics of the engine mounts and linkage here. Any answers of experience with this would be appreciated...
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
I should say also I'm running 15" steelies.
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: alvin, texas
Posts: 622
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
both of those will give you more ground clearance over stock, cant say on the clutch linkage though. both manufactures are board vendors.
I would pm both of them or start a thread in the suspension section and see what they say
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1967 C10 lwb two tone, 305 & rat fink style floor shifted 700r4, 20" steelies 2004 2500HD utility bed aka Brutus |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Evanston
Posts: 304
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Or go with a ride tech air setup. Mine is all ride tech and its a handling monster! With my 292 I couldn't out drive the suspension at all and I'm not running sway bars. Now it's a mild 5.3 ls with a tremec tko so I could out drive the suspension but it handles surprisingly well even at 130. I know you might be worried about and air suspension reliability but they are wonderful only problems that happen are when it's not installed properly. And if you only want a static drop install bags with Schrader valves on them then it stays at the hight you want with no maintenance or on board air system. And raising the cross member I don't recommend it puts the center of gravity higher and you risk hitting the oil pan before the cross member.
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My Patinia'd 69 69-http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=517537 My RHD 68 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=594928 |
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#5 | ||
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,963
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Quote:
You should verify that the oil pan doesn't hang below the crossmember w/any combination (factory or aftermarket). Sometimes certain pans hang below OE crossmembers too (LS truck engine pans being the latest popular culprit). Quote:
All can be air adjustable or static (coil over) based. The aftermarket units will most likely alter engine location which will change the clutch linkage set-up. That being said, there are lots of guys running around w/3" spindle + 2" coil spring drops w/o constant issue despite the 5" drop amount. But, since all roads are different, there's always a possibility. If you drive your truck alot/daily & want it low w/o worrying, raising the front suspension in relation to the rails (aftermarket crossmembers, sectioning an OE crossmember, or the frame 'Z' for the more serious fabricators) is a good way to minimize the a-arm to ground clearance issue.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#6 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Quote:
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Evanston
Posts: 304
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Yeah my build threads all broke down. You're welcome to look me up on Facebook. My name is Broc Easton from Evanston wy there's pictures of everything on there
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My Patinia'd 69 69-http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=517537 My RHD 68 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=594928 |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Evansville, IN
Posts: 1,774
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Nolimitrob told me the other day that once you get past a 4/6 drop you get in the "danger zone" with the stock truck geometry. Plus theres a truck on here running RideTech's coilover setup where the crossmember looks awfully close to the ground.
While I'm going to be on air I about exhausted this subject and decided on a mild dropmember. Figured the ground clearance would be beneficial, better geometry, and everything comes in an entire kit rather than piece mealing the front end together. Of course that comes with a price. ![]() Unsure about the clutch linkage as I'm running auto. That would be a good question for Nate. Dave Porter is a great source of info as I probably sent 50 emails asking questions and he still kept replying.
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Ryan 1967 Red Stepside..."Laymond" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...40#post6441840 1972 Medium Olive SWB-Chester http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=759628 1967/71 Blue SWB C10..SOLD 1977 SWB K10..my grandpa's.....never should have sold |
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#9 | ||
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Quote:
Quote:
Looks to me so far that the wideride fits my needs best because it offers 3" more clearance. I just don't know how much fabwork would be involved to make the 6cyl motor mounts. And I'm not a welder/fabricator type of guy so I'd have to draw it up good for someone.
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
I notice nolimit sells these "trim to fit" motor mounts for small blocks (first pic). They might make it easier for me, although the 6cyl is in a further back position than the normal V8 position.
And my current mounts are the older style (see second pic) so I'm not sure if I could convert to the newer kind to fit the nolimit stands.?
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Here is a shot from the nolimit website of the nolimit engine stands going in. Maybe it wouldn't be too hard to make up a set of 6cyl mounts.?
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#12 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Here's a little shot of my other lowrider...
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#13 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Anyone got any pics of the engine mount towers in an installed nolimit wideride.?
Also pictures showing the difference between the stock 6cyl and V8 tower mounting locations.?
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 1,523
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
I 2nd the air bags and LS/6-speed. Going on 15,000 miles and two years with no problems. 6.0 and Tremec T56. Lays frame, Z'd front, carry load (engine, front clip, etc. plus one passenger for 120 miles with no problem)
I am sure you will do fine on either one. PS - I was able to use my stock driveshaft with my swap
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Best Regards, Leon M. Instagram: @TheDirtyDianah
Bagged | 6.0L LS | T-56 (6-Speed Manual) | Turbo Burnout/Rolling Video: Chevy C10 Stepside 6.0L LSx & 6-Speed Manual |
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
ANOTHER PROBLEM
Seems like both the nolimit and the porterbuilt dropmembers recommend a 30" steering column. But I have three-on-the-tree right now so I don't think I can keep that and run a dropmember. Any members running a dropmember with three on the tree..??
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" Last edited by kitsbeach; 02-07-2015 at 07:10 PM. |
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#16 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
My intended plan was/is like this:
1. Keep 6cyl/tot for time being and drive it. 2. Lower it and make it handle (this is a priority) 3. Maybe do a T5 conversion so I have overdrive 4. Short bed conversion 5. Next year or year after do an LS/Tremec conversion I'm dying to get this thing closer to the ground. So either I forget about the dropmember and go with regular drop parts, or I do the T5 swap right away and then do a dropmember.
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,963
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Regular drop parts (4/6 ~ 5/7) to get it on the road & the Tremec since you'll be out using it.
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67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol. |
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#18 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
yeah ok the 6cyl and a magnum 6speed..!!
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Shingle Springs, CA
Posts: 869
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Any updates? Which kit did you use?
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#20 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
I went with regular drop parts, rather than a dropmember, because I am using the truck as a driver and didn't want to lose the three-on-the-tree just yet.
Up front I'm using porterbuilt control arms, cpp sway bar and cpp modular 2" drop spindles. Out back its a nolimit shock relocate, panhard and sway bar. I haven't had much time to work on the old truck but, after many hours of grinding and drilling and cold chiselling, I have all the rear suspension removed and I'm ready to cut the c-notches and put the rear together.
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#21 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Newhall CA
Posts: 1,195
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Done yet?
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69 SWB 780hp Hellcat powered, manual 6 speed, currie 9 |
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#22 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2014
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 510
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
haha thanks for checking in blackfish. That is a sweet truck up on the hoist.
No I'm not done. A hoist and a torch would have sped things up. I didn't get started until summer and was away for a lot of it and busy. And all those rivets took me a long time to grind, drill and chisel. I've got the truck arms cleaned up and installed, with flipped crossmember mounts. And I've got he driver's side C-notch in. I just cut the passenger side notch tonight. It should go faster. There are less rivets and my grinder skills have improved. I'v got to grind my frame cut to size and bolt the notch in. After that it is on to the front suspension, which will probably take me until Christmas the way its going (couple hours a week maybe four).
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Kitsbeach (Ken) 1967 C10 LWB (now SWB) Fleetside 6cyl Saginaw three-on-the-tree "No Frills" 1980 C20 Long to short & static drop "Square One" |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Auburn NY
Posts: 1,470
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
wish I saw this earlier. you can use a 3ott column with a dropmember. I had to modify the linkage some to work(added some length to the arms).
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My build thread!! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=474018 |
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#24 | |
Registered User
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Location: Shingle Springs, CA
Posts: 869
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Re: Is a dropmember worth it for a 5/8 static drop.?
Quote:
Last edited by SierraMtns; 10-08-2015 at 01:53 PM. |
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