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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Towson, MD
Posts: 197
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Allright folks. All the threads about lowering the 73-87 truck have goeetn me more confused than ever. The confusion is mainly about picking the right parts. Here's a rundown of the criteria I'd like to stick to: I have a 1981 GMC Sierra Grande 1/2 ton shortbed 2wd with a 250 6 cylinder. I want to slam my truck without air, and using my $600 from Uncle Sam. I do not want to c-notch the rear, cause someday I'll be backhalfing it anyway, and I really don't haul anything. The notch would be a waste of my precious money. So is lowering coil springs. The front will sit on air someday too, so why spend the coin on springs you'll end up ditching anyway?
What I'm looking for is a nice, level slammed stance. Up front I'd like lowering spindles, but I've read here that there are multiple size spindles, that some will interfere with your turning radius, and that there are different sized brake rotors on these trucks. All this being said, I don't know what kind of parts for the front to buy so I don't screw anything up. I want the rear to sit level with the front, but I don't know what combination of parts to use. For pictoral purposes, I like the stance of Mr79C10, gunshotwoundshurt, and Malo83's trucks for example. All you dudes and gals out there who have static dropped trucks; any advice you could give me would be a blessing. Sorry for the long email, but I'm just a tad frustrated, confused, and nervous.
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G to the M to the C......fool! RIP Jerry Reed "The Snowman" |
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#2 |
yeller
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Twin Cities
Posts: 13,826
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
I would run drop spindles in front, with or without drop springs. Drop spindles come in 2.5" and 3" depending on mfr. If you run 3" units, you will have to do some slight trimming on your LCA to clear the rims..UNLESS you have larger than 15" rims or rims with less BS than stock. You don't need to worry about any of this with 2.5" spindles.
For the rear, you can run a flip kit (5-6" depending on what rear leafs you have) without having to notch (but you might bottom out at times), or you can also install a shackle/hanger combo that will give you a 4" drop. If you just want a mild drop, I would do spindles and shackles/hangers giving you about a 3/4 drop.
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Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale Last edited by bigblock73; 05-10-2008 at 06:51 PM. |
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#3 |
Cruzzzn' Vet
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Porterville,Ca.
Posts: 1,918
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Fr= Spindles and Springs
Rr= Flip Kit ![]() |
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#4 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Clearwater FL
Posts: 271
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
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JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it. |
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#5 | ||
Account Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Hesperia, Ca
Posts: 1,332
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
Secondly, “someday” is a long way off. For some folks, “someday” never comes. If it were me, I’d buck up and buy the right parts the first time, drop it and be happy with it. Or, just leave it alone until you do put it on bags. Don’t half ass it. You’ll never be happy if you do. Just remember, you could always sell the unneeded parts later to recoup some of the cost. Plus, your springs are only gonna run you, what, 80 bucks? If your gonna sweat 80 bucks, I’ll bet that “someday” for a full bag job and back half is a lot further off than you know. Quote:
Just trying to help. |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Pensacola, FL
Posts: 1,461
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Im running 2.5" spindles, 2" springs and a flip kit. I did NOT use a cnotch kit in the rear and have never bottomed out as of yet and I have taken some dips in the road at speed. Sitting still and unloaded ive got about 4" of room between the axle tube and red rubber bumpstops that came with my kit. You can cut your coils instead of buying 2" coils but you are going to sacrifice some ride quality. I rode around like that for a month while I saved up for spindles and springs.
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1986 C10 - LWB, 305/700r4, posi, vortec heads |
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#7 |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
3" spindles and cut 1 coil in the front. Also removed the bump stop on the LCA. Still planning on moving the upper shock mount.
The rear was flipped without a kit. I used a new spring pad and added 1" lowering blocks. Flipping and adding a block required me to shorten my driveshaft. The shaft was cut roughly 3/4". Adding the block changed things just enough to make shaft length an issue. Note: The block was added a couple weeks after the flip was completed. Also, I built new shock extender brackets for the rear but they haven't been installed yet. My rear shocks look to be original and were shot. A note to those that say you don't need the extenders, yes you do. Both rear shocks are now leaking fluid, busted. Anyway, I didn't measure the truck before lowering. My best guess would be 5-6" on both ends
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
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#8 |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
BTW, I'll try and get a better picture tomorrow. I went out an hour ago to take a picture since the truck was parked on the street in front of my house. Found my drivers door caved in, neighbors kid backed into it and didn't see the need in letting me know. Another neighbor witnessed it, said she had trouble backing while talking on the &^%(*&!! phone!
Moved the truck to a safe spot next to the garage.
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
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#9 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Clearwater FL
Posts: 271
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
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JG If you can't find it at the junk yard you don't need it. |
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#10 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Hesperia, Ca
Posts: 1,332
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
![]() I'm old school like that. ![]() Thats something else you could do to save $$$...build your own flip kit. Just get some leaf spring perches. Only thing is, you have to set your pinion angle. Once you've done that, burn 'em on to the axle tubes. I reused my stock u-bolts and bottom plate. The perches cost me $25 from a local speed shop. |
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#11 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,967
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
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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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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: northridge
Posts: 534
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
just burn, cut, or grind off the rivets and mount the og hanger inversely. you have to put the spring and bolt in and then make sure the hanger is lever and then mark holes, drill, and use grade 8 hardware. my uncle did it once. get her done.com
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""A bagged vehicle is only as good as it's wheel/tire combo!" -getlowness! my build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=223747:metal: I'M SO SO CAL! ![]() |
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#13 |
>130dB Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 2,130
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
You know you can get them for hit-and-run right...?
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Living Life @ 130dB LED Tail Light Conversion; How-to Friend. Father. Brother. RIP El Jay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLICK HERE and for less than $0.07 a day, you too can help support and build a better forum. |
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#14 |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Sure do, but that action/charge would be a waste of my time. I'm going to talk to her dad tomorrow. He (the dad) will make it right. Checked prices of new (aftermarket) door shells this afternoon, I can get one for 135.00 out the door. One good thing about all of this. My soon to be driving 15 year old witnessed first hand how much a PIA driving distracted can be for the innocent. To quote her, "Dad, you really have to pay attention every second your driving don't you?" Amen!
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
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#15 |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
If it had been this one, well, I'd be in jail.
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
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#16 |
Smok'em Roast'em Shift'em
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Massapequa, NY
Posts: 110
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
If you do a flip kit and flip the origianl leaf spring hangers how much will that drop?
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 1,224
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Definately enough to need a C-notch!
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- Greg |
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: northridge
Posts: 534
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
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""A bagged vehicle is only as good as it's wheel/tire combo!" -getlowness! my build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=223747:metal: I'M SO SO CAL! ![]() |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SE PDX,OR
Posts: 25
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
my two bits.
I did my truck the cheap way cut coils on the front for about a year. Cool for a little while but 2.5 spindles 2inch or 3inch lowering springs the way to go. I still cut of 1 coil on the 2" springs to be crazy. But I like my stuff slammed. The rear end for me, I use my truck daily and my work is welding. I need to haul weight if its engine or metal. I would C-notch for sure. I custom made mine. It was easy. I want the rear lower to level it out but Ill live with it. 6/6 drop. ![]() Last edited by EN*PN78; 05-14-2008 at 08:12 AM. |
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#20 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Hesperia, Ca
Posts: 1,332
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
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#21 |
I don't think these pills work
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: burkburnett,Tx
Posts: 626
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
on the front use the 2.5 spindles then put a level on the core support and heat the springs stop when it get as low as you want it. on the back if you flip and cut off the bumpstop and mount you dont need to notch but anything else is kinda cuttin it close.
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SQUARE84 ![]() 90 SUBURBAN |
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#22 | |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
While it can be done that way, it is well known that heating springs can destroy the tempering and will lead to sagging or possibly collapse.
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Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" |
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#23 | |
Old Heap Driver
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,640
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
Lowered the front of a 69 C-10 that way (many years ago), right front spring broke while going about 70 MPH. I didn't wreck but I have no idea why, I'm thinking support from above.
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_____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver. |
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#24 |
I don't think these pills work
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: burkburnett,Tx
Posts: 626
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
my 82 s10 has heated springs been there since 1998 and has a small block in it since 02' still rides great no sagging.
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SQUARE84 ![]() 90 SUBURBAN |
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#25 | |
Happy to be here
![]() Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,023
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Re: Static drop lowering-totally lost!
Quote:
Trust me, I completely understand being young (or old) and broke yet still wanting to customize. I have been there, done that, and have the scars to prove it. If you really must do it on a budget, it is much better to remove the stock springs and cut a coil off. Even this method can cause problems if you use excessive heat, but works much better than heating the springs until they collapse... ![]()
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