77 lowering kit

[dirtscoots]

I’m told my newly acquired truck is lowered 5/7. Is there a way to tell for sure what exactly lowering kit or components it has? I can’t make part numbers off anything. The front bottoms out really bad just driving. The bottom control arm hits really hard. I’m assuming I need a stiffer spring? Or this is just too low? I will get some pictures when I get off work.

[NeoJuice]

DirtScoots,

At this time I cant speak from experience since I haven't lowered my 75 C10 yet, but if it was lowered there should be a stamping of the brand name on the drop spindle like in the link.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=808759

If your not finding a stamp on the drop spindle it could be a off brand name.

Or the previous owner just cut or heated the springs up front to lower it. Again some front lowering springs should have a printed part number on them as well and be painted in either black or maybe silver?

Here is a brothers truck video that explains the difference between stock and stop spindles.

https://youtu.be/Pc_82mN-Dpk

When it comes to the rear it must have some sort of flip kit installed which I believe will usually give you a 4-5 inch drop. If the truck had heavy duty rear springs, a couple leaves could have been removed to add additional drop. It could also be a combination of a flip kit and drop shackles to get that kind of drop.

Here are some videos for reference. Hopefully that might help you out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1DRyVYLBW0

https://youtu.be/pMyOrW1QoaY?t=156

[dirtscoots]

Awesome!!! Thank you for the references! I really appreciate it. First 2wd much less lowered. Given some of the corners that have been cut I’m assuming I may want to replace the components with new

[dirtscoots]

I’m having issues posting I’ll try again with just the pictures then try to repost my questions.

[dirtscoots]

I must need to have my wife figure this picture thing out for me.
Anyways it appears to me I have a spindle drop in the front. I’m guessing my springs and shocks are completely shot. Most of the bushings are shot. Are new control arms probaly the best bet? You can see where the control arms grind into the pavement. This is very minimal bump in the road. To make the ride better and safe for my boys to drive I’m just looking for options.
Also the rear it appears to me I just have an axle flip and possibly a leaf removed ? This doesn’t seem like the 5/7 drop that was advertised unless he was taking into account spring sag and crappy suspension? Ideas thoughts advice are all welcome! I appreciate it.

[lilpoindexter]

Welcome to the club my brother. When you have lowering spindles the rotor is taller than the control arm, like in the pic below. I dont think your picture looks like that, but it is hard to tell.

I did this truck 15 years ago...I did a flip in the back. I didnt have to notch the frame, but i did have to get rid of the riveted on mongo heavy duty bump stop brackets and bump stops. I put little mushroom pads under the frame, and there is only about an inch between the mushroom stop and the top of the axle. I still use my truck, and at some point i lost one of the mushroom stops.

The flip kit pushes the axle back so your driveshaft doesn't bottom out. It looked really goofy. I was swapping trannies, so i redrilled my flip kit to center the axle, and bought a new driveshaft.

I did 2.5" spindles and 2" springs up front and kept the stock size tires, you gotta slow down for speedbumps or you will crash the tires into the inner fenders. If i had to do it again, i would only do 1" springs. My truck has a little rake to it, but i would prefer it level, and 1" springs instead of 2" springs would level it with a fllip kit, it least in my case.

[dirtscoots]

I think the spring is my biggest issue. I’ll take the wheels off and get a better look at what I got going on. I agree this truck has some rake I’d prefer level look. I don’t have an issue with tires getting into the fenders that I’ve noticed at least, it’s the control arms digging into the road. I’m guessing my spring is cut and making the suspension basically bottomed out all the time. If I get above 35 on not brand new pavement it hits hard.

[NeoJuice]

dirtscoots,

Wow that lower control arm is sure damaged and should be replaced in my opinion (replace in pairs).

I know companies like Dorman and Mevotech make full replacement upper control arms but no one seems to make lower control arms anymore. I think LMC sells full lower control arms but that's the only place I've seen them sold.

[dirtscoots]

Very good point. Thank you for the reply. I was looking at it and thinking it’s messed up but so focused on trying to fix the ride I didn’t even think about how much meat is ground off those lower arms. The previous owner claims it has 3” drop spindle and one coil cut off the spring. He thinks it just needs an alignment. This seems a bit more than that.

[dirtscoots]

Here is some pictures with the wheel off. I’m thinking a 2” drop spring and new shocks to start. Possibly rebuild the whole front end. I’m trying to keep this rig mobile as somewhat of a driver so it doesn’t become so overwhelming of a project like my blazer did