Lowering the rear question

[steves1967]

I looked thru the search engine but could'nt find any info. How much can I safely lower the rear of my truck before I get into trouble with the 2-piece driveshaft? It's a 71 c20 longbed. I'd like to drop it 4-5 inches. I will be getting new rear springs made but I'm concerned about the bearing support for the driveline- I really dont want any vibrations..
Thanks for the help!

[swierker]

I have a long bed too and I just bought 5" rear drop springs for my truck. I got my stuff at Early Classic and asked the same question. They told me that at dropping a truck actually improves the pinion angle from stock and that from the factory it was not ideal. I trust them because they specialize in only these trucks. I have not installed the springs yet so I can't verify for sure, I'm only letting you know what I was told. Actually I think I asked the same question from CPP and they said no pinion angle correction was necessary.

[Alex Hayley]

I dropped my 72 1/2 by 4" in the rear and have no problems.

[ChevLoRay]

Mine is dropped 4 inches in the rear, though it is a SWB. Still, it has a 2-pc drive shaft. I did install the upper shock mount relocators that help to restore the correct shock angle, so that is something to consider. I have ECE components on my truck.

This is assuming you have a coil-sprung rear end. If you have leaf springs, there may be some differences to contend with.

Check out www.earlyclassic.com. But, there are also vendors on here who also sell what you are asking about.

[steves1967]

Thanks guys, yes it has leaf springs. A local shop here said they can build me a new set of springs with the same weight rating. I just need to give them one of my old springs and tell them how much lower I want the truck to sit.

[usmcchevy]

You could flip the rear axle above the springs. Might be cheaper than having new springs made

[steves1967]

With all the towing and hauling I do, I'd rather just get new springs made- besides it's only $220 for the set of new springs. Thanks!!

[CURSED GEARS]

Mines dropped 6 inches, 4 inch drop coils, and two inch blocks. Ive never had any problems with vibration and its been driven daily for the last ten years or so.

[ChevLoRay]

My '96 is leaf-sprung (natch) and has a 4-inch drop. After installing upper shock mount relocators...not the same thing as shock extensions.....it rides better than before. I haul a pop-up camper with it, but haven't gotten crazy with the cargo thing. It's a sportside, aka stepside.

I'm thinking that your truck is going to need the same shock relocator type of mod, to restore your shock angle. The panhard rod doesn't exist on the leaf spring trucks, to my knowledge. For my lowering job, it was shackles and hangers. But, I'd give some serious consideration to a C-notch.....to keep the axle from bottoming-out on the frame. It will make for a better ride.....