Front spring question

[Orange71shorty]

I lowered the front of my 71 shortbed 2.5" using spindles and 4" in back.The front seems to sit higher than the back. My spid says I have heavy duty front springs.How much difference is there between the standard front springs and the heavy duty? Are they a taller spring or just a stiffer rate?
Thanks

[gonzo6869]

I am not sure, because I have not lowered mine yet, but I believe the rear only sits about two or three inches higher then the front. Since you went with a four inche drop in the back, you might want to lower the front some more inorder to level it out.

[oldblue1968chevy]

Cant help but LEAVE THE RAKE!

[culp7]

i don't know if this is right or not. but i heard somewhere that on a halfton that is equipped w/ hd springs that the springs are the same as springs off a 3/4 ton???

someone correct me if i'm wrong. i'm not forsure

[Orange71shorty]

I want to end up with a slight rake. The rear sits at 30" from floor to center of wheel well but front is about 31". Anyone?

[gonzo6869]

Like I said, you lowered your rear to much. With the 2.5" spindles and a 4" drop in the back the front will be a little higher. I don't believe the heavy duty springs are any higher, but if I am wrong, someone please correct me.

[KMACD71]

I have that same drop, 2.5 with spindles and 4 with springs and it's not higher in the front. I kept the original springs on the front, which were also optioned as heavy duty. The original springs probably have a little sag after almost 40 years so it could be even 3" lower than stock from new in the front. Here's a pic:

[dieselarmy13]

Just cut a coil off your front springs. It will get you about a 2'' drop. I had the same problem as you, so I cut mine and ended up with a perfect stance. Still rides nice, too. There is pics in my build thread down below in my sig.

[OARNGESI]

Cpp told me this drop will leave it nose high im going down another 3 in front and 2 in more in the back or you could just get bigger rear tires

[cdowns]

i lowered that same amt but used new springs in front had a nice rake to mine due to big little tire combination

[Orange71shorty]

It seem every truck tends to sit differently.I love how it sits in back. I guess I will just tinker with front springs.I have 275/60/15 rear and 255/60/15 front so I thought that might give me a little rake but it does not seem to

[capev86]

HD coil springs are not taller, but because they are stiffer will probably make the vehicle sit a bit higher.

the stock spring rates (per side) are:

1/2 ton front: 1450, 1550
1/2 ton rear: 1400, 2000

3/4 ton front: 1750, 1900
3/4 ton rear: 2000, 2750

these numbers are out of my 72 burb brochure. my opinion is that unless you have a short bed that doesn't haul any load, the 3/4 ton (optional 1/2 ton) rear springs are the only logical route. and yes, keeping a little rake is sooo much better looking. a leveled truck always looks saggy to me. they make 3/4 ton grade lowering springs and you could always have something custom made by a spring manufacturer. you need to keep the front/rear drop closer. i personally would keep the factory pitch and lower the front and rear equally for that mean old hot rod look.

my dad replaced the worn rear springs on his 72 burb 1/2 ton with 3/4 ton units. i almost think he may have gotten the HD units 'cause i remember it being very firm and there was like no dip even with the trailer hitched up. on my 72 burb 3/4 ton i'm planning to install a set of 3/4 ton HD option rear coils 'cause i don't like ANY rear sag and that's where all the weight goes. i'm a trailer hauling guy and i like anything that is "camper special" friendly

[gonzo6869]

You might want to get a 1" drop spring for the front (non heavy duty, unless you need it) that should give you the stance your looking for.

[Orange71shorty]

Thanks everybody. That's what makes this site so great.
No bad attitudes-just people with a love for these trucks helping others!