87 SWB lowering advice - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JAG66 · 02-20-2011, 02:32 PM

Just picked up a one owner, low mile, garage kept, stock 87 black Silverado SWB. It sits like an old farmers truck. I'm researching lowering options. This will be a daily driver. The most I've ever lowered a square body is 2/4 with spindles, shackles/hangers/leaf spring removal. Want lower than 2/4 this time. Truck will remain stock body, mouldings, emblems, interior, etc.
Here's my want's:
To run stock tires and wheels (with option to run 18's? in the future) if 18's offer good tire selection.
No notching frame or bed supports. Don't want to compromise trucks originality.
Want to close up wheel well opening, but keep nice ride since daily driver.
I like drop spindles/drop coils/flip kit idea.
Noticed spindles come in 2", 2.5", 3" drops. Advice?
Thinking 3/5, 4/6, 5/6.
How low is feasible for DD?
Best place to purchase turn-key kit?
Opinions on shorter shocks or shock extenders?
One concern I have is driveline vibration due to pinion angles. I chased this with my 2/4 drop.
Any advice on kits and pics welcome to help me decide.
Jeff

Restrorob · 02-20-2011, 02:51 PM

Welcome Aboard !

May as well get this over with.....

JAG66 · 02-20-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Restrorob

Welcome Aboard !

May as well get this over with.....

Thanks for the welcome, and you're right..... pictures required.

JAG66 · 02-20-2011, 03:52 PM

Here's a pic of my stock 78 454 SWB I lowered 2/4 with spindles/shackles/hangers. I want the same stock look on this 87, but a little lower. Maybe 3/5 or 4/6.

baclay9 · 02-20-2011, 03:41 PM

Your definately going to get alot of different opinions. Definately start with at least a 3/5. You could go with 3" spindles up front and a flip kit out back. Some people apparently have problems with 8" rallies rubbing the lower control arms though and have to do some trimming on them. You wouldn't have to worry about an alignment then. If you wanted to go lower after that you could always add lowering springs in the front and a drop shackle out back.

I went 5/7 on the project I am working on and I am afraid I might have went too low but time will tell. (It is just a rolling chassis now)

87oldie · 02-20-2011, 04:25 PM

I THINK the lowest you can go in back without a notch is 5'" but im not 100% sure.

JAG66 · 02-20-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87oldie

I THINK the lowest you can go in back without a notch is 5'" but im not 100% sure.

Others? Is 5" my max rear drop without a frame notch? I don't mind removing the bump stop, but will not cut the frame.
Any pictures of stock trucks with a 3/5? How would 4/5 look? Too "raked?"
I only want to go into the front once. I can tweak the rear to taste.

mooseknuckles · 02-20-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG66

Others? Is 5" my max rear drop without a frame notch? I don't mind removing the bump stop, but will not cut the frame.
Any pictures of stock trucks with a 3/5? How would 4/5 look? Too "raked?"
I only want to go into the front once. I can tweak the rear to taste.

I fliped mine dropped it 5-6", no notch, just removed bump stop, no probs!

**N2TRUX** · 02-20-2011, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG66

Others? Is 5" my max rear drop without a frame notch? I don't mind removing the bump stop, but will not cut the frame.
Any pictures of stock trucks with a 3/5? How would 4/5 look? Too "raked?"
I only want to go into the front once. I can tweak the rear to taste.

Do a 3/5 now and go 5/7 when you get the 18's. Don't be afraid to notch the frame. It's only metal.

thebabybrahma · 02-20-2011, 04:26 PM

hey JAG66, what size tires are on the '78? are you running 8" ralleys all the way around?

jasonroman · 02-20-2011, 04:52 PM

i went with a 5-7 kit. on my my 85.
no issues thus far with lca. runs good. no issues going over bumps or tracks etc. i personally think if you do a 2-3 2-4 3-5 etc, you might end up wanting more. so i went ahead a got a 5-7 kit. to not have to do the same thing a couple times. i have 8 inch ralleys. and so far no issues.
trucks look good stock. and great lowered in my opinion.

good luck with truck either way.

mooseknuckles · 02-20-2011, 05:18 PM

I agree ^^ nice truck btw.

JAG66 · 02-20-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebabybrahma

hey JAG66, what size tires are on the '78? are you running 8" ralleys all the way around?

BFG's 255/70/15 on stock 8" ralleys on both trucks.

Gordonr1973 · 02-20-2011, 05:32 PM

Your truck looks like it just rolled out of the showroom!!! Great find!

3r!c84 · 02-20-2011, 05:59 PM

gotta ditch the spare tire holder under the bed too. and do a 4/5 drop 3inch spindle half a coil cut in the stock spring (1inch) 5inch flip kit out back

chevymotocross · 02-20-2011, 07:49 PM

4/6 on my 87 and I love it!

monte0185 · 02-20-2011, 08:02 PM

I did 3/5 on mine with spindles and flip kit. I am still going to cut half a coil and see how that looks. Might go a whole coil and make it a 5/5 drop. Rear 5" drop definatley has to loose the bump stop but no notch needed.

JAG66 · 02-20-2011, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monte0185

I did 3/5 on mine with spindles and flip kit. I am still going to cut half a coil and see how that looks. Might go a whole coil and make it a 5/5 drop. Rear 5" drop definatley has to loose the bump stop but no notch needed.

What kit did you use? DJM, Bell Tech?

monte0185 · 02-20-2011, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG66

What kit did you use? DJM, Bell Tech?

I used DJM. I also have 18's on the front and 20's on the back so thats another reason for the gap difference. I was looking more for the slightly raked look than a leveled look which is what i have now.

boatpuller · 02-20-2011, 07:58 PM

nice truck....a 4,6 is a good all around choice without too many clearance worries.

chevymotocross · 02-20-2011, 08:12 PM

That's what I was worrying about with a 3/5.... dragging butt nose high. Even with my 4/6, you can see the front has more gap than the rear but that may be because of the small 235/60 on the front.

Awesome truck either way and cutting the coils should put it where it should be.

Chlsnk · 02-20-2011, 09:58 PM

Amazing truck!

JAG66 · 02-20-2011, 10:58 PM

I guess if I go with a 4" front drop, I obtain 3" spindles and 1" coils?

superwade57 · 02-21-2011, 12:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAG66

I guess if I go with a 4" front drop, I obtain 3" spindles and 1" coils?

correct me if im wrong but i believe that 3 in drop spindles will rub 15" rally wheels? there is a 2.5in spindle available tho

3r!c84 · 02-20-2011, 10:59 PM

right cut half of the stock coil = 1inch of drop

02-20-2011, 02:32 PM	#1
JAG66 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 179	87 SWB lowering advice Just picked up a one owner, low mile, garage kept, stock 87 black Silverado SWB. It sits like an old farmers truck. I'm researching lowering options. This will be a daily driver. The most I've ever lowered a square body is 2/4 with spindles, shackles/hangers/leaf spring removal. Want lower than 2/4 this time. Truck will remain stock body, mouldings, emblems, interior, etc. Here's my want's: To run stock tires and wheels (with option to run 18's? in the future) if 18's offer good tire selection. No notching frame or bed supports. Don't want to compromise trucks originality. Want to close up wheel well opening, but keep nice ride since daily driver. I like drop spindles/drop coils/flip kit idea. Noticed spindles come in 2", 2.5", 3" drops. Advice? Thinking 3/5, 4/6, 5/6. How low is feasible for DD? Best place to purchase turn-key kit? Opinions on shorter shocks or shock extenders? One concern I have is driveline vibration due to pinion angles. I chased this with my 2/4 drop. Any advice on kits and pics welcome to help me decide. Jeff Last edited by JAG66; 02-20-2011 at 03:38 PM.

02-20-2011, 02:51 PM	#2
Restrorob The One And Only !!! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hole in the woods Florida Posts: 4,567	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice Welcome Aboard ! May as well get this over with..... __________________ 93 Jeep XJ 88 Buick La Sabra Toys; 88 TA-GTA in the works.... 97 GMC Ext. Cab 502 Crate 5 Spd......Sucks Gas But Haulz Azz ! The primary function of an Engineer is to make it difficult for the Fabricator and impossible for the Mechanic. *"Why go out preserved when you can go out beat up, worn out, sliding in sideways screaming, Holy Sh!t What A Ride" !!!*

02-20-2011, 03:52 PM	#4
JAG66 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 179	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice Here's a pic of my stock 78 454 SWB I lowered 2/4 with spindles/shackles/hangers. I want the same stock look on this 87, but a little lower. Maybe 3/5 or 4/6. Last edited by JAG66; 02-20-2011 at 03:55 PM.

02-20-2011, 03:41 PM	#5
baclay9 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Newcastle, OK Posts: 1,344	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice Your definately going to get alot of different opinions. Definately start with at least a 3/5. You could go with 3" spindles up front and a flip kit out back. Some people apparently have problems with 8" rallies rubbing the lower control arms though and have to do some trimming on them. You wouldn't have to worry about an alignment then. If you wanted to go lower after that you could always add lowering springs in the front and a drop shackle out back. I went 5/7 on the project I am working on and I am afraid I might have went too low but time will tell. (It is just a rolling chassis now)

02-20-2011, 04:25 PM	#6
87oldie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 44	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice I THINK the lowest you can go in back without a notch is 5'" but im not 100% sure.

02-20-2011, 04:26 PM	#10
thebabybrahma Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Gray,Tennessee Posts: 182	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice hey JAG66, what size tires are on the '78? are you running 8" ralleys all the way around? __________________ '85 C-10, with 93 LT-1 & 4L60 1985 GMC, lookin' for its big block motor - SOLD '72 Chevy C-10 Cheyenne-SOLD

02-20-2011, 04:52 PM	#11
jasonroman Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sayreville nj Posts: 1,072	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice i went with a 5-7 kit. on my my 85. no issues thus far with lca. runs good. no issues going over bumps or tracks etc. i personally think if you do a 2-3 2-4 3-5 etc, you might end up wanting more. so i went ahead a got a 5-7 kit. to not have to do the same thing a couple times. i have 8 inch ralleys. and so far no issues. trucks look good stock. and great lowered in my opinion. good luck with truck either way.

02-20-2011, 05:18 PM	#12
mooseknuckles Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: ottawa,canada Posts: 4,550	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice I agree ^^ nice truck btw. __________________ my build threads '86 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=415628 '67 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=635078 '63 GMC http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=674682

02-20-2011, 05:32 PM	#14
Gordonr1973 Home Built '87 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary, Alberta Canada Posts: 1,829	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice Your truck looks like it just rolled out of the showroom!!! Great find! __________________ Gordon 1998 White Chev ext cab 2WD (Summer Project) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=408424 1987 Chev Silverado SWB (Winter Project Rebuild) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=424833 Truck Club http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=466969

02-20-2011, 05:59 PM	#15
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice gotta ditch the spare tire holder under the bed too. and do a 4/5 drop 3inch spindle half a coil cut in the stock spring (1inch) 5inch flip kit out back __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90

02-20-2011, 07:49 PM	#16
chevymotocross Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 882	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice 4/6 on my 87 and I love it! __________________ 87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch

02-20-2011, 08:02 PM	#17
monte0185 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Brighton, TN Posts: 1,267	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice I did 3/5 on mine with spindles and flip kit. I am still going to cut half a coil and see how that looks. Might go a whole coil and make it a 5/5 drop. Rear 5" drop definatley has to loose the bump stop but no notch needed. __________________ A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing. Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the world together.

02-20-2011, 07:58 PM	#20
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice nice truck....a 4,6 is a good all around choice without too many clearance worries. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

02-20-2011, 08:12 PM	#21
chevymotocross Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 882	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice That's what I was worrying about with a 3/5.... dragging butt nose high. Even with my 4/6, you can see the front has more gap than the rear but that may be because of the small 235/60 on the front. Awesome truck either way and cutting the coils should put it where it should be. __________________ 87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch

02-20-2011, 09:58 PM	#22
Chlsnk Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kansas city Posts: 756	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice Amazing truck! __________________ *My 84 short bed build up*** http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...68#post3481968



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02-20-2011, 10:58 PM	#23
JAG66 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 179	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice I guess if I go with a 4" front drop, I obtain 3" spindles and 1" coils?

02-20-2011, 10:59 PM	#25
3r!c84 Badass Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: lox. fl Posts: 4,586	Re: 87 SWB lowering advice right cut half of the stock coil = 1inch of drop __________________ Think outside the box? -84c10 (1stcar)→My Build← -00 Saturn 5spd drop a gear and disappear! 1/4:13:90 Last edited by 3r!c84; 02-20-2011 at 11:02 PM.

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