Uncle Loyd's 72' C-10

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by cornerstone

That's a good question Scoti, do you think I would notice the differences in handling characteristics over stock lowering springs and shocks?

I'm biased.... A spring & shock in the right orientation is just as effective as a coil-over set-up IMHO.

Where I see the aftermarket kits shining is when it's an x-member that raises the pivot points of the arms, offers better suspension Geometry, proper shock travel for the lower height, & the center 'lower beam/structure' is higher than OE for increased ground clearance. The 'Coil-Over kit' approach are also much easier for tuning purposes (as far front spring rates vs hoping the OE set-up works as you like) & are updated w/R&P steering.

A 1.5" Notched/Sectioned OE x-member, 2.5-3" drop spindles, raised upper shock mounts, + a 1-2" lowering spring yields a low enough ride height that you'll need taller wheel tubs for tire clearance inside the engine compartment w/4-5" of ground clearance @ the lowest point of the x-member. Add in the 'Caster Mod' which is fairly easy on these trucks (because of the lower a-arm mounting arrangement) w/some NEG Camber & you have an enjoyable driver

Either way, the best suspension (ride quality + performance) comes from a set-up that has proper travel w/o compromise + proper settings (a modded stock set-up w/o updated alignment targets still yields old truck results).

If you have money for an aftermarket set-up, that saves time & usually has the later technology built into them (Detroit Speed; Ridetech; QA-1 etc). Porterbuilt (or similar types) def offer the ground clearance but I'm not sure how much Geometry improvements they have since their main selling point is to yield much lower than OE ride height. If you have time, tools, & the desire to DIY, the modded stock old school stuff can work too.