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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Surgoinsville,Tennessee
Posts: 113
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Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Hey guys, I posted a picture of my 69 GMC stepside last week after I had lowered it with 3" springs in the front and a 5" leaf flip kit in the rear without the bed on and it was kinda hard to tell the stance. So I just wanted some opinions on how it looked stance wise as I am new to these trucks and I had never done a lowering job before. So here it is with the bed on. Now I do have to finish the bed with new wood and other things but you can see the stance. It does have a small rake to it and I am hoping that the weight of the wood and other parts do not make it set too low in the rear. It also does not have the shocks on it yet so that will stiffen it up some in the rear or may have to go with some type of overload shocks? I guess I will just have to wait and see after the bed is complete. Also with the 3" inch lowering springs in front I only got 2" I thought that the weight of the 350 engine may make it settle down a little over time on the new springs what do you all think? What do you all think.. is the stance right? Thanks for looking, the newbie Robert
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#2 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Back end looks perfect IMO. Front end needs to come down another 1-2" IMO. Very nice truck!
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#3 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
Posts: 2,693
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
I have to agree, maybe a smaller tire up front too, but personally I like slightly smaller tires in the front.
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#4 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
You only got a 2" drop with your 3" front springs,... because your original 40+ year old springs were already sagging.
I agree,... the rear is perfect and the front needs to come down a little more. (hint, hint,... drop spindles,... hint, hint) Get some good quality drop shocks. Did you add an adjustable track bar and rear shock reloctaors? Very nice looking stepside!
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#5 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,267
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Leaf rear Keith.
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
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#6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Brookings, SD
Posts: 10,497
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
I agree with the others, back is perfect, front needs an inch or two. If you have discs up front put drop spindles on so you don't mess with the geometry.
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Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs. |
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#7 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#8 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: New Madison, Ohio
Posts: 21,365
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
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A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. ![]() 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. ![]() 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc ![]() ![]() JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder! |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Surgoinsville,Tennessee
Posts: 113
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Thanks guys for the response I just got to look back at my post today. Well I guess that everybody is in agreement that the front needs to come down a little, well that was my feelings also but I was not sure of it until I saw everybody's post's. So now back to the drawing board for some more modification. First I am on a budget build as seems everybody is in the present economy so I am looking for a simple fix if there is such a thing? I replaced with new 3" drop springs so I had thought about cutting them down. Now before everybody says don't do that go with drop spindles I would agree but that means changing over to disc brakes with a master cylinder booster and getting into things that I have no ideal what I am doing let alone a great deal more money for a truck that I will maybe drive a couple of times a month! So I guess I will research the cutting of springs and see how much to cut down I am just worried about the tires scrubbing in front and when I go to have it aligned I will have trouble. So how much do I need to cut to get an extra 1 to 2 inches? Hope this works as I have a lot of money in the new springs just to ruin them. Thanks the newbie, Robert
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#10 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
3" front spring is the MAX.
No cutting. No nothing. If you cut these 3" drop springs, they will be loose in the front spring pocket. Alignment of the front suspension will be impossible. Some have a hard time getting an alignment with 3" springs. I have a 3" spring with 2.5" drop spindles on my '69. Good luck. Don't cut the springs. Wait until you have money to switch to disc brakes.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Bayville NJ
Posts: 385
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Truck looks great either way but I tend to agree with the others. Lower is always better.
On a different note, can you tell me what color your GMC is? It looks like a spot on match for what I'm looking for. A paint code would be great too if you have it. Thanks, Tony
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Check out my 70 GMC tow truck project here.......http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=440431 Member of the 1-Ton Club! http://www.eastcoastcarandtruck.org |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Surgoinsville,Tennessee
Posts: 113
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Hey Tony on the color I have the paint code out in the shop I will try and get it for you tomorrow evening and post for you or private message you. Robert
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#13 |
Special Order
![]() ![]() Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Mt Airy, MD
Posts: 85,859
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
I think the truck looks great as is. If you want the front lower just get a shorter front tire. The most common coil spring static drop is 4/6. So,you have that same stance,but 1 lousy inch higher. I wouldn't get under it any more for just another inch and adding drop spindles would be too low IMO.
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"BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Estevan, Sask, Canada
Posts: 185
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
I had the exact same problem...measured and ordered what I needed but after I installed I didn't get the drop I needed. So I went with from a 2" to a 3" and ended up getting 2" more. So either my 2" was a 1" or my 3" ended up as a 4"?? Either way here is what I started and ended up with.
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1967 SWB C-10, BBC 454, T400, 3.73 posi, 20" Coys 1972 K5 Blazer, SBC 400, 4 spd, 3.73, 6" lift, 35" mud grapplers 2011 Sierra Denali HD, 6.6 L Duramax, RBP 96R rims, leveled and Nitto trail grapplers, ![]() 2009 Acura MDX |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: vacaville ca
Posts: 1,304
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
I would like to see the front come down a tad and wider tires in back and narrow up front....but it looks good and makes me want to get mine dropped
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04 CHEVY LLY LS DURAMAX 4WD. MODS TO FOLLOW, EFI LIVE, BUILT TRANS, LBZ MP, LIFT PUMP SOLD 1972 chevy c10 |
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Surgoinsville,Tennessee
Posts: 113
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Thanks guys, on all the information I am really confused now on what to do? Maybe I will just leave it be for now and see how I like it but on the other hand if I am wondering how something looks I am usually not satisfied with it. I am new to these trucks and I guess a little intimidated with them as all I have ever worked on is my 29 Model A which I came from frame up on it and was my first build. I have a good friend that helped me with the removable of the springs and he use to build these trucks around 15-20 years ago he said that I could change the upper ball joint and tie rod end sleeve(I think?) and use 73 and up drop spindles and buy discs and calipers and change some kind of valve on the master cylinder and I would be ready to go for a lot less than the kits being offered on line. Ok this is were my problem starts I don't know what to get at the auto parts store because when you tell the kid behind the counter what you are doing he does not have a clue and guess what I don't either! I have looked at kits on line and you are looking at close to 800 to 1000 for axle conversion kits and that type of price is just out of the question for my budget, my buddy said that the parts for the 73 and up would run in the 300.00 dollar range and work on my 69? Does this sound right or is he just not correct as it has been many years since he has built one. Can someone please list the things that I need to buy for the front disc brake conversion I have all stock drum brakes front and rear, 6 lug, running 15" 4x4 ralley's with of course the 3" drop springs and I did put new upper and lower ball joints in with the new springs and remember I am very limited on my knowledge of these trucks I am use to mechanical brakes as on the Model A by the way here is a picture of it (I couldn't resist to show it off!) thanks Robert And by the way this was the first car that I have ever worked on as I do not until now do any mechanics on any vehicle and also was my first paint job and please no laughing at the paint because it is not perfect I did get a couple of runs in it. Just a good time driver car!
Last edited by GMC"ER; 09-21-2011 at 01:13 AM. |
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#17 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Exeter, NH
Posts: 791
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
The easiest way to is to raise the rear a little and balance it out. Drive it and see what happens. If the front drops a little then you have a good stance.
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#18 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Your buddy is a little outdated on his info.
That's the way you use to do it. (73-87 drop spindles) Now all the major suspension companies make "year specific" drop spindles. You would need 67-70 spindles. (Some list them as 65-70,... others list them as 63-70) These are a direct bolt on to your 1970 a-arms and tie rods. Then get aftermarket 6-lug 1-1/4" rotors or you can buy parts house 5-lug rotors if you want to switch to 5-lug. Use '73 calipers. You will also need to run a different brake hose. ECE sells them. (disc conversion brake hoses) Actually ECE has everything you need. Give them a call. They are very helpful. (www.earlyclassic.com)
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: 10-Uh-See
Posts: 5,609
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
If you don't want to swap to drop spindles and disc brakes right now, then maybe you could look into some dropped lower control arms.
Give the Drop Shop a call. Charley's Drop Shop, 503-780-2155.
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Atlanta, Ga.
Posts: 1,050
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Like your stepper, makes me wish i hadn't converted mine.
One of the neat things about your truck, you can still drive it while your are deciding on what your gonna do.
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I don't think we get smarter as we get older. We just run out of Stupid things to do. |
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#21 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
I like using www.PerformanceOnline.com also.
Here's a list of what you will need to convert the front to 6-lug disc brakes. You can buy a cast iron M/C for $40 less,... but I think the aluminum version is much nicer and will never rust. 2.5" Drop Spindles (Part # DS6370) for your truck: http://www.performanceonline.com/196...dle-Set-16683/ 6-lug rotors: http://www.performanceonline.com/FRO...10-TRUCK-8600/ Calipers: http://www.performanceonline.com/197...-CALIPER-EACH/ Aluminum M/C and prop. valve: http://www.performanceonline.com/HIG...PVS-AMCPVS232/ Brake Hoses for 7/16-20 Banjo bolts: http://www.performanceonline.com/60-...RUBBER-FBHK-R/
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#22 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
CPP dropped springs? I used their 3" springs in my old 68 stepper and I got the same thing .. maybe 2" if that. Keith is right though, you were used to the old 40+yr old springs and it's not apples-to-apples comparison.
My 68 settled a LOT. Drive it man. .. give it a month and make your decision from there .. but whatever you do, don't cut the spring. You'd think one turn would give you 2 more inches or so .. but it will be about 4 more. Trust me, I learned the hard way. If they're CPP springs do some searching around the forum. There are a lot of folks on here that have mentioned the same issue, 3" springs = 1.75" drop or so .. But, my point being let it settle. I think it looks awesome man. The back is perfect. I have a 69/68 stepper in my build thread if you want to see a 2" drop spring (one coil out of factory small block springs) 2.5" sprindles, and iron headed big block and a tire that's way too small. I'd leave it man.. ![]()
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Surgoinsville,Tennessee
Posts: 113
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Hey thanks Keith for the list of things to get and the links. I went out and looked some more at the truck and I know that I am not going to like the current drop and I do want to go with the lower front if I don't I am not going to be satisfied. Yes it is a pricey add on(for me) for only 2 1/2 inchs more drop but I know that I will not be pleased until I do. I will just have to save a little to buy everything thought about driving it until I get everything rounded up but the truck does not have shocks on it and if I go buy them now I will just have to turn around and buy more when I add spindles well on the front anyway so I will just have to be patient. Another question will I have trouble with the front tires scrubbing with it being so low? That is a concern also. I am running 235 75 15's. Thanks to everybody for all your help with this, is there a good book on restoring or a manual on these trucks? I do pretty good if I can read and see a picture on what I am doing. Thanks again to everyone for the posts, the newbie, Robert
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#24 | |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
Quote:
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chattanooga TN
Posts: 6,208
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Re: Update with picture of my 69 GMC lowered stepper w/bed what ya think?
I wasn't aware you could do dropped spindles with a 6 lug setup. Keith is incredible with this stuff man .. I wish I had known, my old blue stepper would have been sitting in the weeds.
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Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 *Currently underway* 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet *Sold* 1985 Silverado Short Fleet *Sold* 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride) |
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