Lowering the rear (how much) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stevewhitmore · 12-22-2009, 05:37 PM

Looking at this pic, how much do you think I need to lower the rear to level it out, someone else said 4 inches, does that sound right?

I will be using coil springs and I am not lowering the front

Then there is the other question, how do I replace the springs without killing myself! and is there anything else I need to do other than lowering springs?

Thanks

PanelDeland · 12-22-2009, 06:02 PM

Park it on the level and measure to the top of the wheelwells.The difference will be a set amount.Then you need to determine if the fronts have sagged(No way to tell or really know how much).If the difference is 2 in I would maybe think a 3 in drop would level it.It's going to be really hard since the sag could be any amount after 40 years.
Most who lower their truck with a static drop use a 2 1/2-4 drop to level.I did 2 1/2 -4 with spindles in front and new springs all the way around.This is what I got.

BIG69GMC · 12-22-2009, 06:04 PM

to make it easier on you why dont you just measure from the top tip of the rim edge to the edge of the fender? you can measure what you have on the front and then just do the same on the rear and then you will know for sure

brothers69c-10 · 12-22-2009, 11:15 PM

Rear springs are easy to change. All you have to do is jack up on the frame or body instead of the axle to take the wieght off the springs and then unbolt them.

pat 70/71 · 12-23-2009, 12:56 AM

my truck is 3 1/2 @ the front 5"@ the rear. still has a little rake to it witch looks cool to me . i think if you dropped the rear 3" that would be a good start anyhoo, truck looks great have fun !! ...Pat

BluTrukker · 12-23-2009, 09:01 AM

measure from the ground to the fender lip. Then jack it up remove the rear springs and lower it with the jack until it looks the way you want it, then re-measure.

BluTrukker · 12-23-2009, 09:03 AM

Oh I forgot to say use two jacks and put them on the frame when you lower it.

71tahoe · 12-23-2009, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BluTrukker

measure from the ground to the fender lip. Then jack it up remove the rear springs and lower it with the jack until it looks the way you want it, then re-measure.

Best advice by far. The rear fenders are lower on the body than the fronts and matching the front gap will not be level.

68_chop_top · 12-23-2009, 10:01 AM

Why replace the rear coil spring? Just use a side grinder and remove one coil from the spring. That should give you a 2" drop in the rear. Nice truck!

BIG69GMC · 12-23-2009, 10:54 AM

nice truck, i like it

oldblue1968chevy · 12-23-2009, 12:38 PM

you cant cut rear springs only fronts

12-22-2009, 05:37 PM	#1
stevewhitmore Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Harpers Ferry, W VA Posts: 144	Lowering the rear (how much) Looking at this pic, how much do you think I need to lower the rear to level it out, someone else said 4 inches, does that sound right? I will be using coil springs and I am not lowering the front Then there is the other question, how do I replace the springs without killing myself! and is there anything else I need to do other than lowering springs? Thanks Attached Images

12-22-2009, 06:02 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Lowering the rear (how much) Park it on the level and measure to the top of the wheelwells.The difference will be a set amount.Then you need to determine if the fronts have sagged(No way to tell or really know how much).If the difference is 2 in I would maybe think a 3 in drop would level it.It's going to be really hard since the sag could be any amount after 40 years. Most who lower their truck with a static drop use a 2 1/2-4 drop to level.I did 2 1/2 -4 with spindles in front and new springs all the way around.This is what I got. Attached Images __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

12-22-2009, 06:04 PM	#3
BIG69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 101	have you measured...???... to make it easier on you why dont you just measure from the top tip of the rim edge to the edge of the fender? you can measure what you have on the front and then just do the same on the rear and then you will know for sure

12-22-2009, 11:15 PM	#4
brothers69c-10 Suburban Hick Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Altoona, IA Posts: 810	Re: Lowering the rear (how much) Rear springs are easy to change. All you have to do is jack up on the frame or body instead of the axle to take the wieght off the springs and then unbolt them. __________________ Mathew 1947 Chevy 3600 1951 GMC 100 1969 Chevy C-10 396/500hp TH400 lowered 4" 1968 Imapla Custom 396/325hp TH400 "Grandmas Car" 1976 Crew Cab 4x4 diesel http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=488505 1978 Chevy K-10 454 1983 S10 4x4 "Bumblb" (Grandpa's truck) 1993 Chevy S10 V8 conversion 1990 Ford Probe Gt 1992 Dodge W-150 "Old Man's Truck" 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix SE 1992 Mercury Grand Marquis-Mercruiser 2000 Ford F150 (Currently my mother drives this) 1946 Farmall H with Stan Hoist loader 1965 John Deere 110 1961 Wheel Horse " Rat Tractor"

12-23-2009, 12:56 AM	#5
pat 70/71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: newbury park california Posts: 1,038	Re: Lowering the rear (how much) my truck is 3 1/2 @ the front 5"@ the rear. still has a little rake to it witch looks cool to me . i think if you dropped the rear 3" that would be a good start anyhoo, truck looks great have fun !! ...Pat

12-23-2009, 09:01 AM	#6
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: Lowering the rear (how much) measure from the ground to the fender lip. Then jack it up remove the rear springs and lower it with the jack until it looks the way you want it, then re-measure. __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

12-23-2009, 09:03 AM	#7
BluTrukker BOHICA Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Stewartville, MN Posts: 440	Re: Lowering the rear (how much) Oh I forgot to say use two jacks and put them on the frame when you lower it. __________________ Trying to save someone from their own stupidity is like teaching a pig to dance. It is a waste of your time, and it annoys the pig!

12-23-2009, 10:01 AM	#9
68_chop_top Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Granbury, TEXAS Posts: 250	Re: Lowering the rear (how much) Why replace the rear coil spring? Just use a side grinder and remove one coil from the spring. That should give you a 2" drop in the rear. Nice truck! __________________ Mine is chopped, has a clutch, and a big block.

12-23-2009, 10:54 AM	#10
BIG69GMC Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 101	68 chop top, nice truck, got any more pics to share?? nice truck, i like it

12-23-2009, 12:38 PM	#11
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: Lowering the rear (how much) you cant cut rear springs only fronts __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4



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