Drop BLock Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69C10@16 · 12-05-2007, 06:34 PM

Ok. I want to drop my truck either 2/2, 2/3, or 2/4. I havent decided yet. But, I have found 2" drop blocks for sale in various places. Would it be safe to say that 2" is as big as you want to go with blocks?? I thought about getting some kind of I-Beam set up or taking some thick flat-stock and cutting it to make shims. Like the drawing below. I figured if i welded the shims together it would be MORE than strong enough. Im trying to keep from replacing the coils because before i realized i wanted to drop it i replaced them with 3/4 ton springs. Stupid me right? the old ones were in BAD shape anyways. So do you think if i get some really good u bolts I could pull it off. that is, pull it off SAFELY? Any info and opinions would be GREAT. THANKS!

cdowns · 12-05-2007, 06:58 PM

measure from the bottom of your trailing arm to the gronnd subtract the number of inches you want to drop to see what your ground clearance will be

action · 12-05-2007, 06:59 PM

I don't see why not. I think some go 3" but I wouldn't unless you have 20" + wheels. 2" shouldn't be a problem, But I would look for some 2x2-.250 tubing or something.
Jack

71swb4x4 · 12-05-2007, 07:02 PM

Remember that the nuts on the trailing arm get closer to the ground the more blocks you use. Make sure you don't go so far that if you get a flat the U-bolts/nuts are dragging on the ground.

Tx Firefighter · 12-05-2007, 07:03 PM

I wrote an FAQ article about building drop blocks if you are interested in reading it. Lots of pics too.

69C10@16 · 12-05-2007, 07:05 PM

Extremely good point about ground clearance. I'll check that out in the daylight tomorrow. Do you think my "welded together" shims would work? I dont need to find some sort of biga$$ square tubing or anything? TX, i did read your FAQ and thats what made me realize drop blocks even existed. lol. But you used 2" as well and all i've found for sale was 2" thats y i was wondering. Good FAQ btw.

71swb4x4 · 12-05-2007, 07:16 PM

On the shims you show above I would make them longer so the U-bolts go through them, to hold them there.

Tx Firefighter · 12-05-2007, 07:22 PM

I limit my drop blocks to 2 inches max because I'm poor and my wheels are always just 15 inchers. Any more than 2 inches of blocks would get way too far below the scrub line for safety.

69C10@16 · 12-05-2007, 07:42 PM

Putting the bolts throught the shims is an amazing idea that i hadnt thought of. THANKS!

Tx, what is the "Scrubline"? I have 15's so this sounds like something I need to hear. Thanks.

68 P.O.S. · 12-05-2007, 07:50 PM

I have 3" blocks w/ 15's as well, and although the clearance does look too low, I have never had any problems scrapping or dragging the u-bolts. I do agree that a 3" block is probably a bit too much though. I would only go up to 2" or 2.5" blocks.

**Boog** · 12-05-2007, 10:39 PM

The scrubline is basicly the rim lip at the bottom of the wheel where it would touch the ground if the tire went flat. You do not want anything extending down below the rim lip, as in u-bolt nuts, etc. I'm glad you are thinking about these things.

69C10@16 · 12-05-2007, 11:34 PM

OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH. Ok. Totally get that now. It sounded hard and confusing but its easy. lol. Yeah yeah i get it. That is a VERY good point. Hmmm. I'll get out there tomorrow and see wut my clearance is on the lower point of the trailing arms and check out the difference in it and the bottom of the rim. This is great advice guys. I really appreciate it. So til tomorrow, nuthing else can happen. THANKS.

SCOTI · 12-06-2007, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69C10@16

OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH. Ok. Totally get that now. It sounded hard and confusing but its easy. lol. Yeah yeah i get it. That is a VERY good point. Hmmm. I'll get out there tomorrow and see wut my clearance is on the lower point of the trailing arms and check out the difference in it and the bottom of the rim. This is great advice guys. I really appreciate it. So til tomorrow, nuthing else can happen. THANKS.

The lowest part won't be the trailing-arm; it will be the end of the u-bolt threads. Anything more than 2" will be below the scrub-line w/a 15" wheel. You might get away w/it, but if you have a flat & the truck continues rolling down the road (blow-out), it could be dangerous to say the least.

69C10@16 · 12-06-2007, 06:23 PM

Ok i measure from the ground to the bottom of the u-bolts and I have 7.75". If i did a 2" drop that would be 5.75" which is really close to the scrubline. Im thinking about fashoning some sort ot skidplate for the ubolt bottoms. Something like the attached pic. Im about to give up and buy 4" drop springs to do it if I do anything more than 2/2.

SCOTI · 12-06-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69C10@16

Ok i measure from the ground to the bottom of the u-bolts and I have 7.75". If i did a 2" drop that would be 5.75" which is really close to the scrubline. Im thinking about fashoning some sort ot skidplate for the ubolt bottoms. Something like the attached pic. Im about to give up and buy 4" drop springs to do it if I do anything more than 2/2.

Get some drop springs & do a 1.5 ~ 2" lowering block.

I used 1.5's w/my 15's to be safe. Now that my wheel diameter will increase to 17" wheels (minimum), I upgraded to 2" blocks.

69C10@16 · 12-06-2007, 10:15 PM

well wut sux is i plan to put 17's on it later. the cragar ss series 61's. They're BEAUTIFUL RIMS. But thats a LONG ways off. I will most likely end up buying drop springs and selling the 3/4 ton springs. LMC sells them as 3/4 ton springs but their part number for HD 1/2 ton springs is identical. lol. go figure. I really appreciate all of the info guys. Thanks a LOT. I may do a 2/2 drop first and then later get the springs and go 2/4. Sounds like a plan. Thanks again.

Edit**
I had to add the pic of the cragars. theyre just so awesome. lol

67_C-30 · 12-06-2007, 11:17 PM

I do be likin' those 17" Cragers!!

70c10 · 12-07-2007, 07:17 AM

68c10@16- go directly to your idea of a 2/4 drop. Trust me, the 2/2 will not be low enough for you!,lol.

69C10@16 · 12-08-2007, 07:52 PM

Yeah the cragars are really sweet. Of course I have to switch everything from 6 to 5 bolt to do it.

70C10 - I was thinking the exact same thing as I was walking through the school today and glanced out to see how much Ice I was going to have to scrape off to leave school. I looked again and thought, forget 2/2. I want a 2/4. Now I gotta get the stuff to do it.

Anyone ever found drop spidnles that DONT require you to switch to disks at the same time?????

71swb4x4 · 12-08-2007, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69C10@16

Anyone ever found drop spidnles that DONT require you to switch to disks at the same time?????

Sort of. I call it a sawzall. Lop one coil off your front springs. Should give you close to 2", and all it costs is time.

70c10 · 12-08-2007, 08:23 PM

On my last pair of springs I cut 1.25 coils and got almost 3" drop. On my current springs I recently cut 90% of one coil and got about 2.25" drop. FREE

Since you don't have the wheels yet, I highly recommend going 5 lug for better rim choices.

12-05-2007, 06:34 PM	#1
69C10@16 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greenfield, MO Posts: 215	Drop BLock Question Ok. I want to drop my truck either 2/2, 2/3, or 2/4. I havent decided yet. But, I have found 2" drop blocks for sale in various places. Would it be safe to say that 2" is as big as you want to go with blocks?? I thought about getting some kind of I-Beam set up or taking some thick flat-stock and cutting it to make shims. Like the drawing below. I figured if i welded the shims together it would be MORE than strong enough. Im trying to keep from replacing the coils because before i realized i wanted to drop it i replaced them with 3/4 ton springs. Stupid me right? the old ones were in BAD shape anyways. So do you think if i get some really good u bolts I could pull it off. that is, pull it off SAFELY? Any info and opinions would be GREAT. THANKS! Attached Images Last edited by 69C10@16; 12-05-2007 at 06:36 PM. Reason: 4got the pic

12-05-2007, 06:58 PM	#2
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Drop BLock Question measure from the bottom of your trailing arm to the gronnd subtract the number of inches you want to drop to see what your ground clearance will be __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

12-05-2007, 06:59 PM	#3
action Active Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Valley Springs, Ca. Posts: 266	Re: Drop BLock Question I don't see why not. I think some go 3" but I wouldn't unless you have 20" + wheels. 2" shouldn't be a problem, But I would look for some 2x2-.250 tubing or something. Jack __________________ 68 Chevy Long utility bed. Now swb/Bagged Soon to be 468 (Maybe 496) BB/Turbo 400

12-05-2007, 07:02 PM	#4
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Drop BLock Question Remember that the nuts on the trailing arm get closer to the ground the more blocks you use. Make sure you don't go so far that if you get a flat the U-bolts/nuts are dragging on the ground. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-05-2007, 07:03 PM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Drop BLock Question I wrote an FAQ article about building drop blocks if you are interested in reading it. Lots of pics too. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-05-2007, 07:05 PM	#6
69C10@16 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greenfield, MO Posts: 215	Re: Drop BLock Question Extremely good point about ground clearance. I'll check that out in the daylight tomorrow. Do you think my "welded together" shims would work? I dont need to find some sort of biga$$ square tubing or anything? TX, i did read your FAQ and thats what made me realize drop blocks even existed. lol. But you used 2" as well and all i've found for sale was 2" thats y i was wondering. Good FAQ btw. Last edited by 69C10@16; 12-05-2007 at 07:08 PM. Reason: added 2 it

12-05-2007, 07:16 PM	#7
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Re: Drop BLock Question On the shims you show above I would make them longer so the U-bolts go through them, to hold them there. __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

12-05-2007, 07:22 PM	#8
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Drop BLock Question I limit my drop blocks to 2 inches max because I'm poor and my wheels are always just 15 inchers. Any more than 2 inches of blocks would get way too far below the scrub line for safety. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

12-05-2007, 07:42 PM	#9
69C10@16 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greenfield, MO Posts: 215	Re: Drop BLock Question Putting the bolts throught the shims is an amazing idea that i hadnt thought of. THANKS! Tx, what is the "Scrubline"? I have 15's so this sounds like something I need to hear. Thanks.

12-05-2007, 07:50 PM	#10
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,662	Re: Drop BLock Question I have 3" blocks w/ 15's as well, and although the clearance does look too low, I have never had any problems scrapping or dragging the u-bolts. I do agree that a 3" block is probably a bit too much though. I would only go up to 2" or 2.5" blocks. __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo

12-05-2007, 10:39 PM	#11
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,140	Re: Drop BLock Question The scrubline is basicly the rim lip at the bottom of the wheel where it would touch the ground if the tire went flat. You do not want anything extending down below the rim lip, as in u-bolt nuts, etc. I'm glad you are thinking about these things. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

12-05-2007, 11:34 PM	#12
69C10@16 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greenfield, MO Posts: 215	Re: Drop BLock Question OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH. Ok. Totally get that now. It sounded hard and confusing but its easy. lol. Yeah yeah i get it. That is a VERY good point. Hmmm. I'll get out there tomorrow and see wut my clearance is on the lower point of the trailing arms and check out the difference in it and the bottom of the rim. This is great advice guys. I really appreciate it. So til tomorrow, nuthing else can happen. THANKS.

12-06-2007, 06:23 PM	#14
69C10@16 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greenfield, MO Posts: 215	Re: Drop BLock Question Ok i measure from the ground to the bottom of the u-bolts and I have 7.75". If i did a 2" drop that would be 5.75" which is really close to the scrubline. Im thinking about fashoning some sort ot skidplate for the ubolt bottoms. Something like the attached pic. Im about to give up and buy 4" drop springs to do it if I do anything more than 2/2. Attached Images

12-06-2007, 10:15 PM	#16
69C10@16 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greenfield, MO Posts: 215	Re: Drop BLock Question well wut sux is i plan to put 17's on it later. the cragar ss series 61's. They're BEAUTIFUL RIMS. But thats a LONG ways off. I will most likely end up buying drop springs and selling the 3/4 ton springs. LMC sells them as 3/4 ton springs but their part number for HD 1/2 ton springs is identical. lol. go figure. I really appreciate all of the info guys. Thanks a LOT. I may do a 2/2 drop first and then later get the springs and go 2/4. Sounds like a plan. Thanks again. Edit** I had to add the pic of the cragars. theyre just so awesome. lol Attached Images Last edited by 69C10@16; 12-06-2007 at 10:17 PM.

12-06-2007, 11:17 PM	#17
67_C-30 I have a radical idea! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sweet Home Alabama! Posts: 6,513	Re: Drop BLock Question I do be likin' those 17" Cragers!! __________________ '67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435 ‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350 '69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT '69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435 '84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer 67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096 My trucks http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all Member of the 1-Ton Club!



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12-07-2007, 07:17 AM	#18
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Drop BLock Question 68c10@16- go directly to your idea of a 2/4 drop. Trust me, the 2/2 will not be low enough for you!,lol. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

12-08-2007, 07:52 PM	#19
69C10@16 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Greenfield, MO Posts: 215	Re: Drop BLock Question Yeah the cragars are really sweet. Of course I have to switch everything from 6 to 5 bolt to do it. 70C10 - I was thinking the exact same thing as I was walking through the school today and glanced out to see how much Ice I was going to have to scrape off to leave school. I looked again and thought, forget 2/2. I want a 2/4. Now I gotta get the stuff to do it. Anyone ever found drop spidnles that DONT require you to switch to disks at the same time????? Last edited by 69C10@16; 12-08-2007 at 07:52 PM.

12-08-2007, 08:23 PM	#21
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Drop BLock Question On my last pair of springs I cut 1.25 coils and got almost 3" drop. On my current springs I recently cut 90% of one coil and got about 2.25" drop. FREE Since you don't have the wheels yet, I highly recommend going 5 lug for better rim choices. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads Last edited by 70c10; 12-08-2007 at 08:24 PM.

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