81 chevy c10 lowering question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tonyscustomrides · 09-27-2009, 08:47 PM

Hello, my name is Tony, i just recently found this site and realized what i have been missing out! i had a question as far as my newest purchase, 81 silverado 2wd short box. I want to do a 2.5/4 drop on it, and as far as the rear, my understanding is that its a longer shackle and a longer (lower) hanger? Now, by the look of it, will i have to modify the brace just above the shackle on the box or will it clear? Thank you

**N2TRUX** · 09-27-2009, 08:51 PM

Welcome to the forum Tony. We are always glad to have new members here.

It sounds like you have a good plan, just need some clarification. Yes, your probably going to have to notch the bed brace to clear your shackle. A cut off wheel ina high speed grinder works great.

Post some pics when you can...

bigblock73 · 09-27-2009, 09:16 PM

If you have the longer springs (8 leafs usually, 56" overall length) you will NOT have to notch the crossmember. If you have the shorter light duty springs (52"), you will have to.

A word of advice from someone who has done a 4" rear drop...just do a flip kit and be done with it. It is HIGHLY likely you will want to go lower in the rear in the future, and with a 4" shackle/hanger kit...you really can't.

Welcome to the board!

f.monroe · 09-27-2009, 09:19 PM

Welcome from Texas ! You will find the answer to all your questions here . Main thing to remember here is that we love pictures . Post some when you get time .
Frank

tonyscustomrides · 09-27-2009, 11:54 PM

Thanks guys for the quick response. I was looking at the shackle position earlier and the bed brace is rite in the way, but i never thought of doing a flip instead. i really dont like the way those new hangers and shackles look.

Here is a pic of my truck, i just bought it in june. complete, stock pickup. ac, cruise, factory tint, hd brakes. It had a canopy on it, the inside of the box is like new. O ya, $800. Also, the red truck is my first truck, and the first thing i ever restored. 77 k10 Bonanza i would like to re do it again soon Name: IMG_1927.jpg
Views: 32114
Size: 67.6 KB

Name: IMG_1927.jpg
Views: 32114
Size: 67.6 KB

Name: 194051920_l.jpg
Views: 43379
Size: 51.6 KB

Keith Seymore · 09-28-2009, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigblock73

If you have the longer springs (8 leafs usually, 56" overall length) you will NOT have to notch the crossmember. If you have the shorter light duty springs (52"), you will have to.

A word of advice from someone who has done a 4" rear drop...just do a flip kit and be done with it. It is HIGHLY likely you will want to go lower in the rear in the future, and with a 4" shackle/hanger kit...you really can't.

Welcome to the board!

Does anybody make a 4" flip kit? Any that I have seen are 5" or more.

Thanks,

K

olblue81 · 09-28-2009, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Does anybody make a 4" flip kit? Any that I have seen are 5" or more.

Thanks,

K

I don't think so because the diameter of the axle tube plus the spring mount in the kit equal 5". Unless you do the flip and shorten the shackle (or move the shackle mount down) then you can't get 4" from a flip.

bigblock73 · 09-28-2009, 09:00 AM

All flips are 5" or more...depending on the spring pack. My flip was about 6"...I have HD springs.

I did a 4" shackle/hanger flip...never again...wasn't happy with the drop after a few months....then had to purchase a flip kit to make myself happy.

JohnC · 09-28-2009, 09:05 AM

Welcome to the boards! Nice looking truck Tony, and especially for the price. I agree with the others on the flip kit. That is the way I am going when I lower mine. Because it is true once you lower one, you usually want to go a little more.

Your old red truck looks pretty sharp too.

Tony_SS · 09-28-2009, 04:30 PM

Welcome - those are a couple nice trucks there!

tonyscustomrides · 09-28-2009, 08:54 PM

Thanks guys for the compliments. I did some research on flip kits, and they are 6". I saw some pics on another thread of a 4/6 drop, and i think ill go with that instead, i really like the look. I will probably just sandblast/repaint the rallys and polish the beauty rings and center caps for now.

Anyone have a preferance as far as lowering kits? mcgaughys, djm?

**lolife99** · 09-28-2009, 09:17 PM

Belltech has good products also.
Look at Summit Racing or Jegs as a supplier.

bigblock73 · 09-28-2009, 09:44 PM

I prefer Bell Tech, then Western Chassis. BT is a little more expensive, but I think they have a slightly better product over WC.

tonyscustomrides · 09-29-2009, 01:26 AM

as far as the frame notch that comes in the flip kit, is it "absolutely" necessary? i really hate to cut the frame on truck

**lolife99** · 09-29-2009, 05:56 AM

No.
I've done several flip kits without the notch.

Mr.Scary · 09-29-2009, 09:59 AM

lolife99 u seem to be pretty knowledgable when it comes to lowering trucks, I had a quick for you or anyone else that has an opinion about this. I read that you have done several flip kits w/o tha c-notch....does it still ride ok?bottom out on tha frame? would u recommed a c-notch with a flip kit? just woundering cause i've never lowered anything thing b4 and just thought i should ask to b on tha safe side. Thanks

**nlped** · 09-29-2009, 10:11 AM

I did a flip on '87 without the c notch and it rides great. It will hit the frame if I really nail a bump at highway speeds, but otherwise it dose really well. I have even pulled my ski boat and it does hit more frequently, but still is only minimal.
My flip bracket ended up making my drop only 5", and I love the way it sits now. As far as the front suspension, I used McGaughy front spindles, Bell Tech springs and BT Nitro drop shocks, and everything bolted up perfectly. I managed to do the whole thing for about $350, not including some additional steering pieces that I replaced while I was "in" there.

Cheers, and nice lookin' trucks!!!

Ed

Mr.Scary · 09-29-2009, 10:17 AM

wow thanks nlped!!! so do you think that this is the way to go then?? sounds like yours turned out ok.
thanks for tha onfo!!!!!

**nlped** · 09-29-2009, 10:20 AM

^^^Absolutely. My truck rides better than it did before the drop and I love the look of it now.

Ed

Mr.Scary · 09-29-2009, 10:37 AM

yea it does look better cause im lookin at your build thread right now and it look 10x better and if it rides better than thats just a plus. SWEEEEEET ride btw I love your build thread!!!! wut a insperation!!

**nlped** · 09-29-2009, 10:45 AM

Thanks, Mr. Scary

Mr.Scary · 09-29-2009, 10:51 AM

No prob, ima bout half way through ur build thread and my eyes are guled!!!! I bet ur truck looks awesome now with evrything that you have done 2 it so far. Man I cant wait 2 get 2 tha end of tha buils so I can c tha finished product!!

**nlped** · 09-29-2009, 12:05 PM

^^^Their never finished

Mr.Scary · 09-29-2009, 12:10 PM

ain't that tha truth!!!!!

BigE77' · 10-05-2009, 03:32 PM

Just out of curiosity, how much of a difference is there between a c10 and c20 lowering kit. It seems hard to find anything designated for a c20.

09-27-2009, 08:47 PM	#1
tonyscustomrides Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ferndale, WA Posts: 36	81 chevy c10 lowering question Hello, my name is Tony, i just recently found this site and realized what i have been missing out! i had a question as far as my newest purchase, 81 silverado 2wd short box. I want to do a 2.5/4 drop on it, and as far as the rear, my understanding is that its a longer shackle and a longer (lower) hanger? Now, by the look of it, will i have to modify the brace just above the shackle on the box or will it clear? Thank you __________________ 77 chevy k10 Bonanza-Restored when i was 17 76 chevy c10 short box-scrapped 81 chevy c10 silverado short box-project 64 impala 2 dr hard top-project waiting to get started

09-27-2009, 08:51 PM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Welcome to the forum Tony. We are always glad to have new members here. It sounds like you have a good plan, just need some clarification. Yes, your probably going to have to notch the bed brace to clear your shackle. A cut off wheel ina high speed grinder works great. Post some pics when you can... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

09-27-2009, 09:16 PM	#3
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question If you have the longer springs (8 leafs usually, 56" overall length) you will NOT have to notch the crossmember. If you have the shorter light duty springs (52"), you will have to. A word of advice from someone who has done a 4" rear drop...just do a flip kit and be done with it. It is HIGHLY likely you will want to go lower in the rear in the future, and with a 4" shackle/hanger kit...you really can't. Welcome to the board! __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

09-27-2009, 09:19 PM	#4
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Welcome from Texas ! You will find the answer to all your questions here . Main thing to remember here is that we love pictures . Post some when you get time . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

09-27-2009, 11:54 PM	#5
tonyscustomrides Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ferndale, WA Posts: 36	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Thanks guys for the quick response. I was looking at the shackle position earlier and the bed brace is rite in the way, but i never thought of doing a flip instead. i really dont like the way those new hangers and shackles look. Here is a pic of my truck, i just bought it in june. complete, stock pickup. ac, cruise, factory tint, hd brakes. It had a canopy on it, the inside of the box is like new. O ya, $800. Also, the red truck is my first truck, and the first thing i ever restored. 77 k10 Bonanza i would like to re do it again soon __________________ 77 chevy k10 Bonanza-Restored when i was 17 76 chevy c10 short box-scrapped 81 chevy c10 silverado short box-project 64 impala 2 dr hard top-project waiting to get started

09-28-2009, 09:00 AM	#8
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question All flips are 5" or more...depending on the spring pack. My flip was about 6"...I have HD springs. I did a 4" shackle/hanger flip...never again...wasn't happy with the drop after a few months....then had to purchase a flip kit to make myself happy. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

09-28-2009, 09:05 AM	#9
JohnC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 7,461	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Welcome to the boards! Nice looking truck Tony, and especially for the price. I agree with the others on the flip kit. That is the way I am going when I lower mine. Because it is true once you lower one, you usually want to go a little more. Your old red truck looks pretty sharp too.

09-28-2009, 04:30 PM	#10
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Welcome - those are a couple nice trucks there!

09-28-2009, 08:54 PM	#11
tonyscustomrides Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ferndale, WA Posts: 36	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Thanks guys for the compliments. I did some research on flip kits, and they are 6". I saw some pics on another thread of a 4/6 drop, and i think ill go with that instead, i really like the look. I will probably just sandblast/repaint the rallys and polish the beauty rings and center caps for now. Anyone have a preferance as far as lowering kits? mcgaughys, djm? __________________ 77 chevy k10 Bonanza-Restored when i was 17 76 chevy c10 short box-scrapped 81 chevy c10 silverado short box-project 64 impala 2 dr hard top-project waiting to get started

09-28-2009, 09:17 PM	#12
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,701	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Belltech has good products also. Look at Summit Racing or Jegs as a supplier. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

09-28-2009, 09:44 PM	#13
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,824	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question I prefer Bell Tech, then Western Chassis. BT is a little more expensive, but I think they have a slightly better product over WC. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

09-29-2009, 01:26 AM	#14
tonyscustomrides Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Ferndale, WA Posts: 36	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question as far as the frame notch that comes in the flip kit, is it "absolutely" necessary? i really hate to cut the frame on truck __________________ 77 chevy k10 Bonanza-Restored when i was 17 76 chevy c10 short box-scrapped 81 chevy c10 silverado short box-project 64 impala 2 dr hard top-project waiting to get started

09-29-2009, 05:56 AM	#15
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,701	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question No. I've done several flip kits without the notch. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

09-29-2009, 09:59 AM	#16
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question lolife99 u seem to be pretty knowledgable when it comes to lowering trucks, I had a quick for you or anyone else that has an opinion about this. I read that you have done several flip kits w/o tha c-notch....does it still ride ok?bottom out on tha frame? would u recommed a c-notch with a flip kit? just woundering cause i've never lowered anything thing b4 and just thought i should ask to b on tha safe side. Thanks __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

09-29-2009, 10:11 AM	#17
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question I did a flip on '87 without the c notch and it rides great. It will hit the frame if I really nail a bump at highway speeds, but otherwise it dose really well. I have even pulled my ski boat and it does hit more frequently, but still is only minimal. My flip bracket ended up making my drop only 5", and I love the way it sits now. As far as the front suspension, I used McGaughy front spindles, Bell Tech springs and BT Nitro drop shocks, and everything bolted up perfectly. I managed to do the whole thing for about $350, not including some additional steering pieces that I replaced while I was "in" there. Cheers, and nice lookin' trucks!!! Ed __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

09-29-2009, 10:17 AM	#18
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question wow thanks nlped!!! so do you think that this is the way to go then?? sounds like yours turned out ok. thanks for tha onfo!!!!! __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

09-29-2009, 10:20 AM	#19
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question ^^^Absolutely. My truck rides better than it did before the drop and I love the look of it now. Ed __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

09-29-2009, 10:37 AM	#20
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question yea it does look better cause im lookin at your build thread right now and it look 10x better and if it rides better than thats just a plus. SWEEEEEET ride btw I love your build thread!!!! wut a insperation!! __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

09-29-2009, 10:45 AM	#21
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Thanks, Mr. Scary __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

09-29-2009, 10:51 AM	#22
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question No prob, ima bout half way through ur build thread and my eyes are guled!!!! I bet ur truck looks awesome now with evrything that you have done 2 it so far. Man I cant wait 2 get 2 tha end of tha buils so I can c tha finished product!! __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

09-29-2009, 12:05 PM	#23
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question ^^^Their never finished __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

09-29-2009, 12:10 PM	#24
Mr.Scary Project Optimus Prime Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 346	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question ain't that tha truth!!!!! __________________ 84 SWB work in progress 89 burb 1500 (parts pig) LOL 08 ford focus (I know, I know) Wifes car "I said it b4 and i'll say it agian wiring is my worst enemy":devil:

10-05-2009, 03:32 PM	#25
BigE77' Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Manchaca, TX Posts: 45	Re: 81 chevy c10 lowering question Just out of curiosity, how much of a difference is there between a c10 and c20 lowering kit. It seems hard to find anything designated for a c20.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.