Best way to drop a C20?

[Jerry Jones]

I am looking ahead. I want to drop my '71 C20. I am not looking for slammed, but a good mild drop is what I am thinking. I have an idea on how to do this with coils, but what do you do with the leafs. Thanx in advance.

[roj2323]

your options: note this doesn't include extreem mods, just the basics

i've been researching this myself the past few days. here's what i came up with.


-drop shackles $50-60 max 2in drop
-remove leafs or get dearched leafs $cost of u bolts probably max 1.5 drop
-axle flip <-you should probably notch the frame if you do this. $50 saddles +ubolts and other odds and ends +c-notch $110.

hope this helps,
ondrew

[rage'nrat638]

6" drop let the air out of the tires...LOL no need for drive shaft mods..
j/k

hi ondrew

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by rage'nrat638

6" drop let the air out of the tires...LOL no need for drive shaft mods..
j/k

hi ondrew

Dang, I wish I thought of that before all the driveline mods.....lettin the air out would be cheaper! a flip on the rear will be a pretty heathy drop(about 5 1/2- 6 "). If you are just going mild, the shackels & /or dearch would be the ticket on the rear. Up front, your very best(altho more pricey), would be dropped spindles. Best of luck..... L

[Jerry Jones]

Best is good, what is pricey? Just trying to get my ducks in a row b-4 I start getting into it!

[special-K]

The front you can go 3" with coils.It may sit more than 3" lower since the 3/4t springs are stiffer/higher.Doing an axle-flip would bring it down about the same in the back.I don`t see where you`d need to c-notch the frame for that.You won`t get as much out of shackles or springs.Those two methods I`d save for if I wanted more drop,yet.

[crazy longhorn]

Originally Posted by Jerry Jones

Best is good, what is pricey? Just trying to get my ducks in a row b-4 I start getting into it!

I guess the 1st ? that we all should ask, is....How much drop do you want? Next ? would be , are you using this as a hauler, or just a cruiser?

[Jerry Jones]

Originally Posted by crazy longhorn

I guess the 1st ? that we all should ask, is....How much drop do you want? Next ? would be , are you using this as a hauler, or just a cruiser?

Once it is done it wont see any hauling except a$$

Not too sure on how much to go yet, I am not a big fan of slammed trucks. I guess I need to look at others, and see what they are dropped.

Here is how it stands now.

[roj2323]

I think you could get away with a 4in drop in the back and a 1.5 in the front. This would level it out a little bit and center the rear wheels in the opening a little better. Of coarse you could slam it too but it cost too much to do that and your truck is already nice as is.


Personally I would use de-arched springs and drop shackles in the back and spindles up front. Total investment should be under $600 for the drop. If you change out the front springs to 1/2-ton springs in front add $100 but it's well worth it for the smoother ride. Now you could forget the spindles and just get 1.5in drop springs for the front but I’ve always been told, "spindles before springs".

Nice rims BTW.
Ondrew