3" drop all around and not sitting even - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

NC_John · 11-02-2013, 05:43 PM

I finished the 3" drop on the hind end of the truck and its level but not sitting even. Before or after.... I was hoping it was a bad coil making the truck sit crooked but with new springs all around, its still not even.

Before the drop (measured from top of wheelwell)

Right Front - 32.75"
Left Front - 32.25"
Right Rear - 33.25"
Left Rear - 33.00"

After the drop (3" front, 3" rear, springs....)

Right Front - 30.5" (-2.25")
Left Front - 29" (-3.25")
Right Rear - 31.75" (-1.5"
Left Rear - 30.75" (-2.25")

Not sure why its not sitting level but its starting to piss me off.

Any ideas on what I can check??

**leddzepp** · 11-02-2013, 05:55 PM

Frame is probably tweaked. Very common issue with these 40 year old trucks.

*Mister-B* · 11-02-2013, 06:05 PM

I'm probably oversimplifying this, but sometimes that's the first thing to check. How's your tire pressure? Is it correct on all tires? Are all tires the same size, make, and brand?

Sicklajoie · 11-02-2013, 06:18 PM

Are the springs sitting in the pockets ok?

cdowns · 11-02-2013, 06:36 PM

i've had close to 25 of these trucks over the years almost all had tweaked frames it is a very very very common issue with chevy trucks

Tinkermc · 11-02-2013, 08:58 PM

Not an uncommon problem, but was it even be4?

ksshane · 11-02-2013, 09:18 PM

maybe drive it for a couple of days and see if one side settles... it may just need to seat into the pocket.

NC_John · 11-02-2013, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Frame is probably tweaked. Very common issue with these 40 year old trucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

i've had close to 25 of these trucks over the years almost all had tweaked frames it is a very very very common issue with chevy trucks

Well sh*t.... I didn't want to hear that. Does it need to go on a rack and get untweaked? Is that what you guys did?

NC_John · 11-02-2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister-B

I'm probably oversimplifying this, but sometimes that's the first thing to check. How's your tire pressure? Is it correct on all tires? Are all tires the same size, make, and brand?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sicklajoie

Are the springs sitting in the pockets ok?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinkermc

Not an uncommon problem, but was it even be4?

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksshane

maybe drive it for a couple of days and see if one side settles... it may just need to seat into the pocket.

I did check the tires out and make sure my guy gave me 4 of the same size. For this kind of height difference a tire would about have to be flat!

All the springs seem to be seated properly.....

It was crooked before- the pics I took at the meet we had a few weeks ago, before I did any lowering, had it sitting funny then.

I've got a buddy with a decent sized body shop. I might see what he wants to put it on the rack to see what's up.

Always something.....

Sklptrljay · 11-02-2013, 11:15 PM

I had a tweaked frame. I found the lowest spot on the rail, jacked it up and put a jackstand in that spot and left it overnight. It took an 1.5"*out and got all 4 corners to within a .25".

Hope it's as simple to fix for you.

NC_John · 11-03-2013, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sklptrljay

I had a tweaked frame. I found the lowest spot on the rail, jacked it up and put a jackstand in that spot and left it overnight. It took an 1.5"*out and got all 4 corners to within a .25".

Hope it's as simple to fix for you.

That sounds like its worth a try. Boy, that'd be awesome if it worked. I don't like this truck sitting crooked.

72BlckButy · 11-03-2013, 08:15 AM

Here's the measurements from my 69 before and after drop (4.5/6") and after a wheel change (15" to 20"). You can see that even my truck isn't 100% "level".

Was your measuring surface level?

Before the drop:
Driver's Side Front: 33 1/2"
Driver's Side Rear: 33"
Passenger Side Front: 33 1/4"
Passenger Side Rear: 32 7/8"

After the drop:
Driver's Side Front: 28"
Driver's Side Rear: 29"
Passenger Side Front: 28 1/4"
Passenger Side Rear: 28 3/4"

After the new wheels (4/3/10):
Driver's Side Front: 28 7/16""
Driver's Side Rear: 29 5/16"
Passenger Side Front: 28 1/2"
Passenger Side Rear: 29 5/16"

NC_John · 11-03-2013, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Here's the measurements from my 69 before and after drop (4.5/6") and after a wheel change (15" to 20"). You can see that even my truck isn't 100% "level".

Was your measuring surface level?

The issue isn't so much that the truck isn't sitting 100% level- the issue is it is really noticeable and is driving me nuts. That left front corner sagging is the first thing I see now when I look at the truck.

I am doing all my measurements on a finished concrete floor in my garage so its pretty level.

PanelDeland · 11-03-2013, 09:28 AM

Don't put a level on your house.

NC_John · 11-03-2013, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Don't put a level on your house.

LOL- this house is good..... the last one, not so much. I found that out when I was working on some finishing trim.

gvw5400 · 11-03-2013, 11:24 AM

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Don't put a level on your house

OR a square!

jhwkns · 11-03-2013, 11:36 AM

It cost $250 to have my frame straightened. One of the horns was tweaked pretty bad. It was money well spent.

NC_John · 11-03-2013, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhwkns

It cost $250 to have my frame straightened. One of the horns was tweaked pretty bad. It was money well spent.

I might try the overnight on an stand first, failing that, its off to see my man at his shop. If these frames are so jakey, how are guys not twisting them into pretzels with built engines?

**leddzepp** · 11-03-2013, 05:22 PM

The frames arent jakey, that's just what 40 years of use does to a truck, lol.

NC_John · 11-03-2013, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

The frames arent jakey, that's just what 40 years of use does to a truck, lol.

Yeah, but I want another 40!

robozride · 11-05-2013, 07:44 PM

I wouldn't think it is a frame issue, your measurements were very close before you dropped it so I would check that the springs are in the pocket completely.

NC_John · 11-05-2013, 08:22 PM

Here is a before shot- this is before any lowering, which to me, takes out mis-seated springs as the issue-

Funny how the truck beside mine (the 66) is in a sympathetic lean on the passenger side....

And here is after the front drop- I haven't got one of it with the rear done yet but it still sits the same.

long'n low · 11-06-2013, 03:55 PM

Mine leaned like yours, i added 1/2" block to the high side between trailing arm and axel. Evened out my lean quite well.

Also you can try and swaping the springs from side to side, this might help.

67ChevyRedneck · 11-06-2013, 03:59 PM

Maybe a very large fella drove it for a long time?

Could be a lot of things. Might not even be the frame. How do your cab and core support mounts look?

NC_John · 11-06-2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by long'n low

Mine leaned like yours, i added 1/2" block to the high side between trailing arm and axel. Evened out my lean quite well.

Also you can try and swaping the springs from side to side, this might help.

I thought about shimming the rear axle.... I want to lower it some more back there anyway. The springs are brand new in all four corners (zero miles) and since the old ones did it, I'd say that is not the culprit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

Maybe a very large fella drove it for a long time?

Could be a lot of things. Might not even be the frame. How do your cab and core support mounts look?

Seat feels pretty good,

And replacing the coils would have fixed tired parts I'd think.

The cab and core mounts look pretty solid but I can check them again. I'd think if one was bad enough to cause that lean, I'd feel or hear it when riding (and I've not).

Thanks guys.

11-02-2013, 05:43 PM	#1
NC_John Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 1,639	3" drop all around and not sitting even I finished the 3" drop on the hind end of the truck and its level but not sitting even. Before or after.... I was hoping it was a bad coil making the truck sit crooked but with new springs all around, its still not even. Before the drop (measured from top of wheelwell) Right Front - 32.75" Left Front - 32.25" Right Rear - 33.25" Left Rear - 33.00" After the drop (3" front, 3" rear, springs....) Right Front - 30.5" (-2.25") Left Front - 29" (-3.25") Right Rear - 31.75" (-1.5" Left Rear - 30.75" (-2.25") Not sure why its not sitting level but its starting to piss me off. Any ideas on what I can check?? __________________ 1970 C-10 LWB "Blu" Instagram (current build pictures) 70_nc_c10

11-02-2013, 05:55 PM	#2
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Frame is probably tweaked. Very common issue with these 40 year old trucks. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

11-02-2013, 06:05 PM	#3
Mister-B Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 3,331	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even I'm probably oversimplifying this, but sometimes that's the first thing to check. How's your tire pressure? Is it correct on all tires? Are all tires the same size, make, and brand?

11-02-2013, 06:18 PM	#4
Sicklajoie The Niner Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Broad Brook, CT Posts: 2,493	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Are the springs sitting in the pockets ok? __________________ "A good racer is one whose head is in communication with his balls." - Richie Evans 1970 C/20 - 402/TH400/3.54s - 74K miles 2003 GMC Sierra 2500 - Wheatland Yellow Niner Progression Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=697183 Classic Trucks article: https://www.motortrend.com/features/...et-c20-driven/

11-02-2013, 06:36 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even i've had close to 25 of these trucks over the years almost all had tweaked frames it is a very very very common issue with chevy trucks __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

11-02-2013, 08:58 PM	#6
Tinkermc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, Va Posts: 3,026	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Not an uncommon problem, but was it even be4?

11-02-2013, 09:18 PM	#7
ksshane Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Wichita Ks Posts: 495	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even maybe drive it for a couple of days and see if one side settles... it may just need to seat into the pocket. __________________ 71 swb 350/4sp manual 5/7 static drop

11-02-2013, 11:15 PM	#10
Sklptrljay Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma Posts: 874	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even I had a tweaked frame. I found the lowest spot on the rail, jacked it up and put a jackstand in that spot and left it overnight. It took an 1.5"*out and got all 4 corners to within a .25". Hope it's as simple to fix for you.

11-03-2013, 08:15 AM	#12
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Here's the measurements from my 69 before and after drop (4.5/6") and after a wheel change (15" to 20"). You can see that even my truck isn't 100% "level". Was your measuring surface level? Before the drop: Driver's Side Front: 33 1/2" Driver's Side Rear: 33" Passenger Side Front: 33 1/4" Passenger Side Rear: 32 7/8" After the drop: Driver's Side Front: 28" Driver's Side Rear: 29" Passenger Side Front: 28 1/4" Passenger Side Rear: 28 3/4" After the new wheels (4/3/10): Driver's Side Front: 28 7/16"" Driver's Side Rear: 29 5/16" Passenger Side Front: 28 1/2" Passenger Side Rear: 29 5/16" __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-03-2013, 09:28 AM	#14
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Don't put a level on your house. __________________ 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"

11-03-2013, 11:24 AM	#16
gvw5400 Registered User Join Date: May 2013 Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains Posts: 263	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Originally Posted by PanelDeland Don't put a level on your house OR a square!

11-03-2013, 11:36 AM	#17
jhwkns Registered Cruiser Join Date: May 2002 Location: Las Vegas NV Posts: 2,230	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even It cost $250 to have my frame straightened. One of the horns was tweaked pretty bad. It was money well spent. __________________ I intend to live forever. So far, so good.

11-03-2013, 05:22 PM	#19
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,996	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even The frames arent jakey, that's just what 40 years of use does to a truck, lol. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

11-05-2013, 07:44 PM	#21
robozride Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Trumansburg ny Posts: 230	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even I wouldn't think it is a frame issue, your measurements were very close before you dropped it so I would check that the springs are in the pocket completely.

11-05-2013, 08:22 PM	#22
NC_John Registered User Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Rockwell, NC Posts: 1,639	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Here is a before shot- this is before any lowering, which to me, takes out mis-seated springs as the issue- Funny how the truck beside mine (the 66) is in a sympathetic lean on the passenger side.... And here is after the front drop- I haven't got one of it with the rear done yet but it still sits the same. __________________ 1970 C-10 LWB "Blu" Instagram (current build pictures) 70_nc_c10



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11-06-2013, 03:55 PM	#23
long'n low Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 51	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Mine leaned like yours, i added 1/2" block to the high side between trailing arm and axel. Evened out my lean quite well. Also you can try and swaping the springs from side to side, this might help.

11-06-2013, 03:59 PM	#24
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	Re: 3" drop all around and not sitting even Maybe a very large fella drove it for a long time? Could be a lot of things. Might not even be the frame. How do your cab and core support mounts look? __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!

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