Lowering the rear of a 2wd truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JimKshortstep4x4 · 04-10-2010, 08:30 PM

I would like to lower the rear end of a 71 C-10 2" from the existing height. My question is what is the starting height that is used for coil springs when lowering?

In other words will I get 2" lower by using springs that have a 2" drop?

Right now the truck has new stock springs in it and it sits up fairly high in the rear.

Jim

**Palf70Step** · 04-10-2010, 08:39 PM

Chances are if you have original springs (old) in there now, you'll see less than 2" with the new 2" drop springs. How much depends on how worn the current springs are.

**LockDoc** · 04-10-2010, 09:05 PM

-
If you want to keep the "new"..

.. stock springs you can add 2" lowering blocks to the rear. You will have to get longer "U" bolts but you will get it 2" lower for sure that way. I just cut 2 pieces of 2" square, 1/4" wall tubing for mine. I think they were 6" long.

LockDoc

JimKshortstep4x4 · 04-11-2010, 05:39 AM

Thanks for the replies. I will look at LockDoc's suggestion. It sounds like the way to go.

Jim

Shyguy · 04-11-2010, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

-
If you want to keep the "new"..

.. stock springs you can add 2" lowering blocks to the rear. You will have to get longer "U" bolts but you will get it 2" lower for sure that way. I just cut 2 pieces of 2" square, 1/4" wall tubing for mine. I think they were 6" long.

LockDoc

Thanks for the info on using lowering blocks. Sounds just like what I was looking for.

I have a '71 with the optional heavy duty springs that I want to lower, but did not want to go with lighter duty springs.

Danny

CenValyCali · 04-11-2010, 11:58 PM

I was wondering about DIY blocks. I have some left over metal from a notch we did on my buddies mazda. Looks like I found a place for them. Did you do anything to them to stop them from moving? Thanks

Scott Webster · 04-12-2010, 12:50 AM

I think you run the longer ubolts through the 2" blocks

**LockDoc** · 04-12-2010, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Webster

I think you run the longer ubolts through the 2" blocks

That is correct. If you have coils in the rear you drill holes in the lowering blocks and the "U" bolts go down through them (the blocks go between the rear axle pads and the trailing arms).

LockDoc

04-10-2010, 08:30 PM	#1
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Lowering the rear of a 2wd truck? I would like to lower the rear end of a 71 C-10 2" from the existing height. My question is what is the starting height that is used for coil springs when lowering? In other words will I get 2" lower by using springs that have a 2" drop? Right now the truck has new stock springs in it and it sits up fairly high in the rear. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

04-10-2010, 08:39 PM	#2
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,082	Re: Lowering the rear of a 2wd truck? Chances are if you have original springs (old) in there now, you'll see less than 2" with the new 2" drop springs. How much depends on how worn the current springs are. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

04-10-2010, 09:05 PM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,633	Re: Lowering the rear of a 2wd truck? - If you want to keep the "new".... stock springs you can add 2" lowering blocks to the rear. You will have to get longer "U" bolts but you will get it 2" lower for sure that way. I just cut 2 pieces of 2" square, 1/4" wall tubing for mine. I think they were 6" long. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 04-10-2010 at 09:05 PM.

04-11-2010, 05:39 AM	#4
JimKshortstep4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Muskegon,MI,USA Posts: 6,026	Re: Lowering the rear of a 2wd truck? Thanks for the replies. I will look at LockDoc's suggestion. It sounds like the way to go. Jim __________________ 1971 Shortbox step side 4x4, 350 sbc, 3:07 rear end 1965 Impala SS 400 sbc, Muncie rock crusher 1966 Impala SS 396 bbc, TH 400 1969 El Camino, 350 sbc, TH 350 1971 Snowplow built on a Blazer frame 1972 GMC Short bed, stepside, TH 400, 427 BBC

04-11-2010, 11:58 PM	#6
CenValyCali Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Hanford, Ca Posts: 139	Re: Lowering the rear of a 2wd truck? I was wondering about DIY blocks. I have some left over metal from a notch we did on my buddies mazda. Looks like I found a place for them. Did you do anything to them to stop them from moving? Thanks

04-12-2010, 12:50 AM	#7
Scott Webster Sheetmetal Psycho Join Date: May 2005 Location: athens PA Posts: 515	Re: Lowering the rear of a 2wd truck? I think you run the longer ubolts through the 2" blocks __________________ I didn't say you were stupid, but I was thinking it... I need a check up from the neck up! Project "Rigginstine's Monster" 1971 C-10 longbed 355/4spd Future mods: 67 front clip Webby's Rigginations - where everything has potential!

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