How low can I go?

[brian's 77]

I have a 77 gmc swb 1/2 ton rwd and I need to know what suspension options I have for getting my truck as low as possible. Cost wise, id like to avoid air suspension because I have a lot of other things to do right now.

Any suggestions?


Thanks!

[Malo83]

Check here for the best answers

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=25

[N2TRUX]

Welcome to the forum brian's 77. How low you can go will depend on your budget, and what limitations you put on retaining your trucks ability to function as a truck. If you don't mind a huge hole in your bed floor a step notch will lay your bed on the ground.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can start with a simple lowering shackle and work your way down from there.

[muthstryker]

Cost wise, A static drop is going to be your best bet. Start with 3" drop spindles, A flip kit in the rear. You can trim your front spring to get more drop (1/2 coil = 1" Drop - 1 coil = 2" Drop) trimming the stock spring the truck will actually ride better. And you can always add 2" Drop shackles in the rear to bring it down some.

You can do a 5/7 Drop for relatively cheap. But here in Washington I would recommend a 4/6 drop for daily driving, mine was to low I had problems in Seattle when driving to work and all over I5 now im going to air.

[brian's 77]

1000 as a budget, i dont mind holes in my bed to drop it. Im in vancouver wa so roads arent bad for lowering. Maybe a 5/8??
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[OSE_NERO]

I'm not too familiar with stock ride height, but I doubt the back is 3" higher than the front. I'm just not a fan of trucks that drive around looking like they have worms. I'd at least try a 5/7, which in my mind sounds like a level ride height, but I may be wrong.

[muthstryker]

If you do a 5/8 just make sure you have a taller rear tire so it sits level. 1000$ Is more then enough for a drop kit and great shocks. I have 850$ into my set up.

[brian's 77]

I could be wrong about the 5/8. I thought i saw a kit that said that some time ago. Im completely lost on the lowering aspect of my truck. My cars are simple, just slap on some coilovers and its done. So i need a rear flip kit, drop spindles and lowering springs for the front?
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[muthstryker]

You dont really need lowering springs, the stock ones cut ride better. However if you do go with lowering springs DO NOT get anything more then a 2" drop spring, It will ride like crap. Get 3" Spindles right away, you get the most amount of drop without changing your geometry. However if you a running the stock wheels you will run into problems with the lower control arm contacting the wheel.

Before you go and start ordering stuff, you need to find out which brakes you have they came in Light duty 1" Rotors and Heavy duty 1 1/4" Rotors. You need to measure your rotor to see the thickness so you can get the correct drop spindle.

[mooseknuckles]

agreed! IMO lowering springs are a waste of money...cut your stockers!

[menace121978]

^^ well put

[OSE_NERO]

That's the thing I love about this forum. I'm not entirely a gear head, but I still have a vision of where I'll end up. And if I can't figure it out, you all hop on it. So kudos to each and every one of you.

Thanks for helping guys like me, and guys like brians 77 out.

[brian's 77]

So it looks like i need to get my frame c notched. How much should i pay to get this done?
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[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by brian's 77

So it looks like i need to get my frame c notched. How much should i pay to get this done?

You don't have to run a notch, and many don't. Personally I prefer to have mine notched and be done with it.

You have a couple of options if you do notch it. You can buy a pre-fabbed "Bolt in" style notch. They can be purchased from several of our Forum Vendors. Another option would be to have one fabricated from a section of large diameter pipe. You should have the frame boxed in the process.

[brian's 77]

i need to get my truck c notched. How much does that cost?
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[nbpro]

Frame Notch Based On Strength nice write up!

[Pop's C-10]

For a grand..you could be able to go with a heavy static drop in tha back & bag tha front..

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

For a grand..you could be able to go with a heavy static drop in tha back & bag tha front..

Why the recommendation for static/back & bags/front?

Unless you're removing the front fenderwells, the only thing bags will net you is an extra inch of drop when parked (although the extra lift would make it easier putting a floor-jack under it ).

Trimming 1-coil of the stock springs & 3" spindles will get it to to the point of buzzing the tops of the fenderwells w/a 27" tall front tire on moderate dips in the road. A good set of shocks, decent alignment, & it's done w/o the cost for air.

Now, just cutting coils or all the drop from just shorter aftermarket coils & not using spindles would ride much worse vs the shorter air bag.

[muthstryker]

There are a few members here running a 7inch drop with out c notching the rear. You just have to take off the stock bump stop and bump stop mount, wouldnt plan on hauling anything heavy with out the notch though. But as N2TRUX suggested, its best to just do it and be done with it.

[brian's 77]

Thanks for all the help and input everyone i really appreciate it! Ive never been on a forum where people responded so quick!
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