Need opinions: 64 GMC LWB slight drop air suspension

[GMCMG]

Here it is: I have read as much as I can in the forums, and still don't know how best to do this. Information overload, maybe?

I have a 64 GMC LWB I am building on a 66 C20 frame (for the trailing arms), and have recently purchased a '82 1/2 ton chassis for the rear axle, front crossmember/disc/5 lugs. My project budget is now shot all to heck, as my wife is pregnant with our first child. I had planned on 'whatever it needs', as this is my first build and I have been saving for it for a while (thus all the donor parts). I had also originally planned on a (mostly) stock stance. The '66 I bought for the frame had been STATIC dropped by the PO - he removed all the springs and let it sit on the bump stops - what a rough ride (what was he thinking?).

Long story short, I fell in love with the stance of a lowered truck. I live in a rural area, so super lowered/layin frame is not ideal - I wouldn't be able to drive anywhere.

I would like to maintain roughly the stance the '66 had when sitting on the bump stops; a little higher would be acceptable. I am now definitely on a budget, but I figure I can do it pretty cheap at ***************** or similar. I am even willing to do my setup with shrader valves for now, but would love to go ahead and set up with a compressor/tank.

I am after a very comfortable ride, and that 'on the bumps' stance. I will be installing a 6.2 diesel in this, so my engine will be a couple hundred pounds heavier. What I want to know:

1) can I do this drop with bags, and acheive a comfortable ride at this stance without drop spindles?

2) what is the best brand to go with for air ride? I have read many comments both ways on lots of brands; I don't mind spending a little more for quality, even if I have to save up a while to do it.

3) what kit/components do I need to attach my '82 leaf spring axle to my '66 trailing arm frame?

4) what height air bags/components do I need? There are so many options out there, and I really don't know what's best.

5) what should I replace on the '82 front crossmember? It has only 130k miles, but 28 years.

6) best places to go for price/quality for everything?

7) what other questions should I be asking?

If anyone has done exactly this setup before and was very happy with what they did, I would appreciate a point in the right direction to include part numbers/vendors/install tips. I have the '66 frame bare right now, ready for paint, and would like to be ready to do any fabbing/welding soon.

Also, if anyone sees any problems with my planned course of action, now is the time to put in your two cents! I haven't spent any money on this suspension yet, and it is open to change. The biggest reasons I love this board is the access to opinions, knowledge from others experience, and discussions from every angle. I have only just begun my project, and have already learned a lot - this board rocks!

Thanks!

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by GMCMG

Here it is: I have read as much as I can in the forums, and still don't know how best to do this. Information overload, maybe?

I have a 64 GMC LWB I am building on a 66 C20 frame (for the trailing arms), and have recently purchased a '82 1/2 ton chassis for the rear axle, front crossmember/disc/5 lugs. My project budget is now shot all to heck, as my wife is pregnant with our first child. I had planned on 'whatever it needs', as this is my first build and I have been saving for it for a while (thus all the donor parts). I had also originally planned on a (mostly) stock stance. The '66 I bought for the frame had been STATIC dropped by the PO - he removed all the springs and let it sit on the bump stops - what a rough ride (what was he thinking?).

Long story short, I fell in love with the stance of a lowered truck. I live in a rural area, so super lowered/layin frame is not ideal - I wouldn't be able to drive anywhere.

I would like to maintain roughly the stance the '66 had when sitting on the bump stops; a little higher would be acceptable. I am now definitely on a budget, but I figure I can do it pretty cheap at ***************** or similar. I am even willing to do my setup with shrader valves for now, but would love to go ahead and set up with a compressor/tank.

I am after a very comfortable ride, and that 'on the bumps' stance. I will be installing a 6.2 diesel in this, so my engine will be a couple hundred pounds heavier. What I want to know:

1) can I do this drop with bags, and acheive a comfortable ride at this stance without drop spindles?
Yes. Use a 2600# bag front and rear.
The stance might not be that low without spindles, which require a disc brake conversion.

2) what is the best brand to go with for air ride? I have read many comments both ways on lots of brands; I don't mind spending a little more for quality, even if I have to save up a while to do it.
Look at SuicideDoors, AVS, RideTech and others and see what your budget will allow.

3) what kit/components do I need to attach my '82 leaf spring axle to my '66 trailing arm frame?
ECE (Early Classic Enterprises) sells a weld on axle saddle that will convert your leaf spring rear to coil springs. But You will need a way to keep the rearend centered. Check out ECE's or CPP's adjustable track bars that attach to the passenger side trailing arm.

4) what height air bags/components do I need? There are so many options out there, and I really don't know what's best.
Height? You will need the same as an extreme static drop, including drop shocks

5) what should I replace on the '82 front crossmember? It has only 130k miles, but 28 years.
Everything.
Bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, idler arm, and all brake components.

6) best places to go for price/quality for everything?
Look at SuicideDoors or AVS.

7) what other questions should I be asking?
Budget??? How much can you afford?
Maybe a static drop would get you on the road until you can afford a bag set-up.

If anyone has done exactly this setup before and was very happy with what they did, I would appreciate a point in the right direction to include part numbers/vendors/install tips. I have the '66 frame bare right now, ready for paint, and would like to be ready to do any fabbing/welding soon.
(a bolt in c-notch would be a good idea, unless you are going lower)

Also, if anyone sees any problems with my planned course of action, now is the time to put in your two cents! I haven't spent any money on this suspension yet, and it is open to change. The biggest reasons I love this board is the access to opinions, knowledge from others experience, and discussions from every angle. I have only just begun my project, and have already learned a lot - this board rocks!

Thanks!

Also check out the "static dropped" stance photos from ECE:
http://www.earlyclassic.com/Tech.asp...=Stance+Photos.

Look at all the money EVERYTHING costs.
Get the front end fresh. Use drop shocks and a front sway bar. Rebuilding brakes takes cash too. .
Disc brake conversions require a different master cylinder and porportioning valve. All this adds up.
Get the basics covered, then drop, then bags