Will my truck be lower with PB stage 1 front/2 rear

[Cole Trickle]

Hey guys...

getting close to pulling the trigger on the Porterbuilt stage 1 front/2 rear

I currently have the 4.5/6.5 ECE drop on my 69.

I know the rear will be a couple inches lower with the new set up but I'm having a hard time figuring out how low the front will go?

I have a 2.5" drop spindles and will keep the inner fenders

Will I be lower or am I doing this just for the sake of having a new toy to play with? (I don't really want or need a new toy to play with...lol)

[Cole Trickle]

truck

[CC69Rat]

What size tire and offset do you have up front?

Good looking truck!

[Cole Trickle]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

What size tire and offset do you have up front?

Good looking truck!

I forget the offset offthe top of my head

20x8.5 255/40/20 toyos

[72BlckButy]

You'll be running bags right?

Look at big Al's truck and I doubt you'll be any lower than that. Depending in your BS on the wheels you might not "tuck" as much wheel as big al but you'll be just as close.
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[CC69Rat]

Just an idea.. leave this one as is and pick up another swb chassis and put your drop members on it. I love this yellow truck just like it is.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little concerned about your front wheels. To really lay it out I think you might need a little more bs than what you have now ( just concerned about turning). You could always do narrowed uca s, .. and I think the DM pulls the wheels in a little too so you may be OK??

That yellow one is amazing just like it is bro. I think its time to start the next one. just my opinion.
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[lolife99]

Stage 1 front is just bags and cups.
Not going to lay out or be installing a dropmember.
Your inner fenders will be your limiting factor.

The Stage 2 rear,... your rearends center section hitting the bed floor will be your limiting factor.

You will need bumpstops to prevent this unless you just don't care about setting the body on the chassis/tires.

Look at your wheel tire combo and see if there s room to move the tires up in the bedsides and front fenders.
Just remember,... the rearend will shift slightly to the passenger side and it moves up.
It will move less with the Porterbuilt set up, than ECE's version,... due to the different panhard bar design.

Pulling the front and rear springs completely out and cycling the suspension will tell you for sure.

If you do use Porterbuilt a-arms with your stock front crossmember,... buy the Forward Series a-arms.
(unless a Dropmember is in your future,... then get the stock PB a-arms)

Just my opinion.

[lolife99]

Don't be surprised if the end results of air bags equal a slightly higher ride height than your current static drop.
The air bags require a certain amount of air to make them ride good.
2" lowering blocks will help keep the rear ride height in check,... but the front will be all air pressure.

[CC69Rat]

I mis-read it.. I thought you were trying to decide between stage 1 vs. stage 2..

My bad. But still. I'd just leave it. Pick up another SWB roller frame and start from scratch. IMO, the yellow truck is dripping with cool, why change it. I think it's perfect.

On the other frame you can plan for aftermarket front wheel tubs, raised bed floor, etc. and really lay it on the ground. For example, I'm sure the headers, and/or exhaust on the yellow truck is currently setup for the 4.5/6 drop and if you get it lower you might have to tuck it inside the cross member, stuff like that.. all much easier if you're doing a rolling frame.

Just sayin.. It's one of my favorite trucks on the board just like it is now. I wouldn't touch it, he11, I'd sleep in it if it was mine.

[Cole Trickle]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

You'll be running bags right?

Look at big Al's truck and I doubt you'll be any lower than that. Depending in your BS on the wheels you might not "tuck" as much wheel as big al but you'll be just as close.
Posted via Mobile Device

I think Al's truck would be lower in the front due to his lower arms. (ridetech?)

I think we could go a little lower with our wheel package before we have fender issues but not a ton.

[Cole Trickle]

Thanks for all the info guys....

I think i'm just looking to make changes as I get bored and like a project. In this case I'm not sure I will bne satisfied with the results aftre the $$$ and work are invested.

maybe I should buy a new gun or a bigger motor....haha

[72BlckButy]

Personally.... I don't think you will gain satisfaction without spending a ton (DM, exhaust work, possibly wheels replacements with different BS, etc.).

[72BlckButy]

Personally... a simple bag installation, bolt in cnotch and you'd be set for less than $2k using quality products. Might not ride low but it would sit lowwer than you are currently when aired out.

[Cole Trickle]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Personally.... I don't think you will gain satisfaction without spending a ton (DM, exhaust work, possibly wheels replacements with different BS, etc.).

no desire to lay frame or go drop member....

I know the rear will be a solid 3"+ lower

not sure the front will go that far down with just bags/plates and cups using stock arms.

The PB stuff will run me $1700 with manual valves/gauges/etc

I think I can sell the ece stuff for $300+

[Cole Trickle]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Personally... a simple bag installation, bolt in cnotch and you'd be set for less than $2k using quality products. Might not ride low but it would sit lowwer than you are currently when aired out.

you first....I know you have looked into it

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Cole Trickle

I know the rear will be a solid 3"+ lower

not sure the front will go that far down with just bags/plates and cups using stock arms.The PB stuff will run me $1700 with manual valves/gauges/etc

Measure from the top of the front tires to the inner fender.
That's how much lower you will be able to drop the front.
With your 20" wheels,... you should be able to lay the front crossmember on the ground, if,... you remove the inner fenders.

[Cole Trickle]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Measure from the top of the front tires to the inner fender.
That's how much lower you will be able to drop the front.
With your 20" wheels,... you should be able to lay the front crossmember on the ground, if,... you remove the inner fenders.

with factory arms,cross member and just the stage 1 front?

[lolife99]

I had it in my head you were switching to PB a-arms.
It will all depend on your overall front tire height and you removing your inner fenders.
Which compounds issues.
Remove your inner fenders,... then the tire gets close to the hood hinge.
Forward series PB a-arms help with that a little.