Looking for opinions - drop/tires/wheels

[kcjones]

I have a 67 C20 that I want to drop (pictures below), convert to 5 lug, and add power disc front brakes. I'm looking for some opinions here:

I'm thinking 3.5"/5" drop, using rear 295/50/16 on 16x10x5bs, and 255/50/16 on 16x8x4bs on front.

-Will my rear tires stick out beyond the bedside fender lip?
-Will my front tires be "too short" (I don't want anymore than about 1.5" between tire and fender lip).
-In measuring my axle [Eaton HO52] to frame clearance on stock springs, it looks like I only have about 5.5" the HO52 is being replaced by 73-87 12bolt 3.42/Posi- I hope this is spring lag, but is it possible that 3/4 tons are different frame-wise, and I'll need to c-notch to go 5" lower?
-While I have everything out, should I go to a 1 piece driveshaft?
-Can I use a 2" drop spring (to get 4.5" drop in front) without negatively affecting caster too much?

I know it's a lot of questions (sorry), but I also know the collective knowledge on this site is exceptional.

PICS:

[68Stepbed]

That's a nice looking 3/4 ton. I don't think I could answer too many of your questions. I will tell you though that giving ECE a call may answer some of your questions. These guys know their stuff. They specialize in 63-72 suspension, so they should be able to help you out.

Also, are you wanting to go 16" wheels for a particular reason? There are many more choices of wheel and tire combinations if you were to go 17". I personally think the wheel/tire combo you have picked out will look a bit strange, especially on a 3/4 ton pickup. Do you plan to leave it 3/4 ton or are you changing to 1/2 ton suspension components?

[chevguy7]

Nice looking truck! Definately give ECE a call. They are a great bunch of guys there with a lot of knowledge. That is who I went with my my 3.5/5" drop for my truck. I did not have to do a C notch on my 1/2 ton. 295 is a wide tire but you might be able to tuck that with the right backspacing, I am going to run a 275 in the rear.

[kcjones]

Thanks, Chevguy7, I appreciate the note on the 5" no c-notch required. I've decided to go with a 275/55/17 on 17x9x4.5bs on the rear and a 255/50/17 on 17x8x4bs on the front. That changes somethings, but I'm still hoping to get some opinions on the 1 piece driveshaft and "can I go 2 inch drop spring without the horrible caster problem?".

Thanks
Kris

[68Stepbed]

I think your wheel/tire combo you have picked will look better. You can change to a one-peice drivshaft, but you might have to have one made. I think all long beds had two peice.

On the 2" drop spring question, again call ECE. Most folks with 1/2 tons are running 2" springs with little or no problems. I'm not sure if the 3/4 ton suspension is different or not.

[coggonobrien]

3/4 ton hardware is interchangeable but spring rate wise nobody seems to have a 3/4 drop spring, all drops will be for 1/2 tons

[kcjones]

I guess I'm hoping that even though I only have about 5.5" of clearance right now, if I go with a 1/2 ton 5" drop spring, it won't actually drop 5" from where it's at now. Hopefully it'll drop about 4-4.5" from where it's at now so I still have 1" clearance frame to axle tube.

[michael bustamante]

great lookin truck, Ive been thinkin of going just that same color. ECE website is very easy to navigate thru

[kcjones]

Thank you, gentlemen, I appreciate the answers.