Poor mans drop

[tommypic]

you can buy a new set of frt drop springs from here http://www.gmcpauls.com/SALE_SPECIALS.htm for 95$ to me thats cheap for a good ride

[bird7263]

I agree with Tommy.. Buy the front drop springs.. they will ride much smother.. So here is what I am thinking.

Rear Jeep Springs- Free or cheap
Front Springs- $100
Rear Blocks- Cheap

(if you wanna use blocks)

I did my whole kit for around $100 (again this was before I did my cnotch and 5 inch springs in the rear)

It will ride nice.. trust me..

I could get you some blocks made for around $10 and the u-bolts are around $50

Pm and I will send you some pics and info

[kizer]

Being I am a Jeep guy I've looked at the Jeep springs since my old factory coils are sitting up in the rafters and they are not as thick in the coils so they will sag more than the factory truck springs.

The problem I have in my Jeep is there isn't enough weight in the rear so my Jeep hops around a lot so I'd imagine with the longer bed it would ride pretty smooth. I'm just not sure how much weight it could handle before the coils would start to sag and over compress.

I haven't tried the swap myself since most of the front of my truck is now sitting in the back of my truck due to a tear down.

The comment about getting the rear coils is pretty true. Most guys that upgrade their Jeeps want taller coils so they are literally throwing them away or selling them for nearly nothing. I only have mine because I have the garage space and thought might as well keep em just incase I need them for something else.

[allen123]

could i get the u bolts cheaper anywhere else?

And can i get 3 in blocks?

[Shane]

3" blocks are NOT recommended for these model trucks due to scrub line issues. That is the reason that folks such as CPP do NOT offer blocks of that size.

A 2" block is pretty much the tallest block that can be used safely.

A 2" block with Chevelle rear springs would be about perfect in the rear with 1 full round cut off the fronts.

[allen123]

Do you have any pics with the chevelle springs with blocks and cut springs so i can get a idea of how low it will look

[project 67 sub]

you can make your own 3" blocks like i did.
i used 2 pieces of 3x3 .250" wall square tube and had a local spring shop make me longer u bolts. havent had any problems with the blocks or u bolts at all and they've been on my burb for at least 8 months.
i also had 2" rear lowering springs on it that i just recently cut when i got my notch finished to give it about a 9" static rear drop

[Shane]

Originally Posted by allen123

Do you have any pics with the chevelle springs with blocks and cut springs so i can get a idea of how low it will look

I don't, sorry.

[allen123]

Ok thanks anyways
If anybody does post em if you got em

So would i need to get differant shocks if i got 6 in. drop springs?

[project 67 sub]

if you just use 6" rear drop springs you should be able to run front stock length shocks in the back with no problem. and if i remember right, thats what i did when i lowered the back of mine the first time with the cut stock rear springs

Originally Posted by allen123

Ok thanks anyways
If anybody does post em if you got em

So would i need to get differant shocks if i got 6 in. drop springs?

[project 67 sub]

oh! and with that much drop in the back, it is most likely push your diff. th the passanger side. if i remember correctly, i ended up bending mine(didn't have any problems with it either) to make it an 1"-1 1/2" shorter to center the diff. cuz i didnt have the money for an adjustable one and still dont. so im going to make a longer one and move it from the pumpkin to the trailling arm.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by project 67 sub

thats what i did when i lowered the back of mine the first time with the cut stock rear springs

you CUT the rear springs?

[OrangeAnimal]

Reading all this about lowering the 67-72 trucks makes me jealous. I have leafs on the 82 and wish it was that easy to lower mine instead. I bought a flip kit and shackles and cut off bump stops and more to get it right.

[bird7263]

Originally Posted by Shane

3" blocks are NOT recommended for these model trucks due to scrub line issues. That is the reason that folks such as CPP do NOT offer blocks of that size.

A 2" block is pretty much the tallest block that can be used safely.

A 2" block with Chevelle rear springs would be about perfect in the rear with 1 full round cut off the fronts.

I am not expert.. but.. The Drop Shop here in Portland has been using 3 inch block on these trucks for over 30 years..(Charlie, the retired owner started lowering these trucks in the late 70's and early 80's) I have perfect ride. I have used these in several 60-72 truck that I have owned over the years and all have worked well. In my 66 I run about 330hp with a posi and muncie and I lay rubber every time I drive it (tires are getting expensive..) I do have a shortened new drive line casue its dropped about 9 inches in the rear.. but that is only really mod I had to do besides my cnotch. I get no problems out of it..

I guess to each is own..

[oldblue1968chevy]

where yall gettin your ubolts at, and i need a 24" u bolt for 2" drop block correct?

thats 12" on 1/2 the U and nother 12" on the other 1/2 of the U

[bird7263]

Top pic is with the jeep springs and 3 inch block.. Bottom picture is 9 inch static drop. Sorry I forgot to add those on my last posting..

[bird7263]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

where yall gettin your ubolts at, and i need a 24" u bolt for 2" drop block correct?

thats 12" on 1/2 the U and nother 12" on the other 1/2 of the U

That is what mine are for my 3 inch blocks.. And I have about an inch of threads hanging after all tightened up.. Drop Shop here in Portland has uses Oregon Spring in Portland to make the u bolts.. they run about $50 for the pair

[Skirkpat]

Originally Posted by bird7263

That is what mine are for my 3 inch blocks.. And I have about an inch of threads hanging after all tightened up.. Drop Shop here in Portland has uses Oregon Spring in Portland to make the u bolts.. they run about $50 for the pair

I had a set made for my 69 3/4 ton ( bigger diameter ) and I think it was considerably cheaper than 50.00, I would think you could find a better deal on the smaller u bolts, if you want I can stop by and ask what a set would cost, shipping might kill any savings though? Then again it has been a year or two, and I might be wrong? lemme know?

[project 67 sub]

hahaha yah i know not the best idea but it worked. i cut the bottom side that sits bolts to the trailing arm.

Originally Posted by Shane

you CUT the rear springs?

[386kustoms]

there are no shops around here that will make a longer u bolt for my 1/2 ton if anyone can direct me to a shop that will make them and ship them i would be happy. or if someone on here will tell me how much fo ra pair shipped to fl i will pay pal them directly i will mot likely be using 3 inch bocks

[bird7263]

This is the company that makes for everybody in the Portland Metro area.. I would call them or email them.. hope this helps..

http://www.spring-man.com/

[Shane]

Lol ... because someone has been doing something for 30 years does not make it a good idea.

3" blocks are too tall for a trailing arm-type setup.

[bird7263]

Again.. Not saying that because of the 30 years it makes it right.. But when you go to shop that is been in business for over 30 years and has been building custom rod and customs that long.. I have a hard time believing that he would send a car out on the road that would be unsafe.. or be wrong for that matter..

I know of dozens of other guys both here in the northwest and on this website that run 3" blocks and have never had an issue.. Just because a company does not make a 3" block does not mean its not ok to run.. food for thought..

Again just my opinion.

[Shane]

Opinion has nothing to do with it. It's now useless to further this discussion because it is very apparent that you do not understand scrub-line & interference issues a block of this size has on a trailing arm set up.

I only hope & pray you do not have a flat on the rear of that truck with the 3" blocks when me, my family or someone I know is on the same road as you. I also hope you are not injured when, not if, this occurs.

Good luck.

[Skirkpat]

Originally Posted by 386kustoms

there are no shops around here that will make a longer u bolt for my 1/2 ton if anyone can direct me to a shop that will make them and ship them i would be happy. or if someone on here will tell me how much fo ra pair shipped to fl i will pay pal them directly i will mot likely be using 3 inch bocks

I have a source that quoted me 28.00/pr. ball park....if a couple of guys want them let me know, I will pick them up and ship them, it is close to where I work.