1978 GMC Sierra C35 "Project Second Life"

[canadian 4x4]

the front end of my truck was a about and inch higher when i put in my 4.5/6 drop belltech kit. i put about 500 miles on the truck and the front springs settled alot and it has leveled out.

[tc4x4]

Well thanks for the responses guys. Ill have to do some research. I want to continue with the build but I don't want to be able to be stuck not being able to drive it. My wife and I like our summer rides.

[kustomrust82]

Originally Posted by tc4x4

Any ideas on where to get a poly bushing kit?

i got mine from energy suspension the whole kit for my swb was like 150, control arm bushings body bushings trans mount eaf spring bushings and tierod boots

[moregrip]

subscribed!

[tc4x4]

So I am going to go forward with the front end drop? Any suggestions for drop spindles to get the most drop and also drop springs. I am going to try to get it as low as I can with out hitting the inner fenders.

Question, what size tires are people running with my size drop because I'm pretty sure that with how low im planning on going to finish this drop that the tires will be running.

[notallthere]

I am running 275/60 r17 with a 2 inch drop on the front of my C20. I should be able to go another 2 inches with spindles this summer without issue.

[tc4x4]

http://westernchassisinc.com/shop/73...e-1-ton-truck/

Ok here are spindals for 3'' drop, now how do I get another 3'' of drop or maybe squeeze 4'' drop. I have nine in the rear, and need 7 drop in the front. I'm pretty sure that I won't be able to run these tires.

What are the drop amount on these two different coils? Can't seem to find it.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ws...olet/model/c30

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ws...olet/model/c30

[notallthere]

The top ones are a three inch drop and the bottom is a two inch drop. If you hit the application button it puts the amount of drop on one of the lines. Any more then that I would be getting the drop lower control arms as well from DJM. So spindles would be 3" springs would be 3" or 2" and the DJM drop arms are 2"

[SCOTI]

3" spindles
2-3" spring drop (1 cut coil or drop spring)
1.5 crossmember drop

[tc4x4]

So would 7 inches of drop be to much? That is the question? Also can someone educate me about cross member drops. I don't know anything about them. Pro's and con's.
Posted via Mobile Device

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by tc4x4

So would 7 inches of drop be to much? That is the question? Also can someone educate me about cross member drops. I don't know anything about them. Pro's and con's.
Posted via Mobile Device

Is 7" of front drop "too much"? Everything depends on tire height & wheel dimensions once you exceed 4-5" of drop w/OE wheel wells.

The crossmember drop raises the pivot points of the upper & lower control arms in relation to the remainder of the frame. Depending on how you combine parts, you'll get more drop or more clearance under the crossmember @ certain drop heights....

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=60649


Pros: If you can fab (weld), it's possible to build one in a day from a spare. Fabbing your own stuff = less expense.

Cons:
It requires some creativity on steering (upper a-arm interferes w/the steering shaft; crossmember lip & mounting hardware might require some clearancing depending on the parts combo).
It's a PITA to do w/the drivetrain installed.
It compromises the OE steering more than it already is (whether or not you would notice is subjective @ best).

[CrazyDave]

Glad to see ya didnt sell it that truck of yours is what gave me the idea to do
a heavier truck. Gotalot of ideas just havent got started yet.
Keep it going

[tc4x4]

What companies out there are reputable?
Do they sell complete kits for all I'll need?
Pros and Cons?
Can you post up some build links of trucks that used bags?

I know nothing about them but in the long run of my build want to do a complete bag setup. I think it will be nicer by far than a static drop. Especially on my Michigan roads.

Go.....

[tc4x4]

Accuair for the air system.
I'm thinking Porterbuilt for the front drop member.

But who makes a rear set up for a one ton. I did not see one on porterbuilt site...

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by tc4x4

Accuair for the air system.
I'm thinking Porterbuilt for the front drop member.

But who makes a rear set up for a one ton. I did not see one on porterbuilt site...

This^^^

Suicidedoors sells a heavy duty four link kit. You would have to piece it together with a bridge kit though.

[SCOTI]

Ride Tech, Porterbuilt, No Limits, or Scott's are all board supporting choices too....

[tc4x4]

I really like porterbuilts stuff. I see the front drop member will work on c30's but do they have anything for the rear end? It appears to only work on c10's. Am i wrong?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by tc4x4

I really like porterbuilts stuff. I see the front drop member will work on c30's but do they have anything for the rear end? It appears to only work on c10's. Am i wrong?

Bolt-on stuff is C-10/20/30 front only. Check w/them for something else on the rear. All those suggested prob have a weld-in 'universal' HD type kit that would fall within you needs (I know Ride Tech does).

[tc4x4]

On a different note, I wanted to do a transmission swap, this 4 speed with the granny gear is way to low for when its back on the road just cruising. Keeping in mind the engine will have mild mods for awhile at the most, what would be a good tranny swap?

[tc4x4]

http://www.jegs.com/i/Edelbrock/350/...d=#moreDetails

Thoughts....

[MTCK]

NV4500 if you like 3 pedals, 4l80e if not.
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[tc4x4]

Will the NV4500 tanny bolt up with my engine?

[old yelr]

Yes, it's the same bolt pattern.

[tc4x4]

How will it hold up to more power with engine mods.

I'm guessing it has overdrive?

Anyone have pictures of transmission cross members for the NV4500?

Anyone ever do this swap?

Will the shifter line up with the existing shifter hole in the floor?

[old yelr]

Yes, it has overdrive and it should take a good amount of power. Do a search for member DirtyLarry, his thread is called "NV4500 swap is underway", that should give you a good idea of what's involved, lot's of pictures and explanations. He's running a big block in his blazer so it would be a good comparison for you. The NV4500 started being used in 1991 in 1 ton crew cab square bodies and continued to be used through the 1990's with the next generation of trucks so the parts are out there.