Lowering a 71 longhorn 3/4?

[Thayer03]

So I have a 71 GMC Longhorn 3/4 ton. It has the 8 bolt pattern wheels with extremely large leafs in the rear.
I want to lower it just enough that when I put a set of 18's and nice rubber it can still fill out the wheel wells. I want to keep the 8 bolts and some of the heftyness to it but want it to be lower.
Any good suggestions on this? can I just go get a new set or rear leafs made to lower the back and new front coils?

I am used to lifting vehicles being a former jeep owner so this whole lowering thing is new to me!

Thanks

Randy

[KAILUAZ]

There are not many options for a drop with leaf springs. Im in the same boat with my 70 GMC 3/4 ton. There are a few flip kits that will give about 6" of drop. The link below is for drop leafs that will fit the 3/4 ton.

Chevy/GMC C10 / C15 ('66-'72) -4" drop (triple-leaf): $299.95 per pair *
(*2.25" width: this is a very rare item you won't find elsewhere)

http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/smooth_riders.html


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[Thayer03]

Thanks dude!

[Green Machine]

How about checking with a spring shop that works on big trucks and semi's ? They may be able to de-arch your old springs to where you need them.

[Longhorn Man]

Air is the only way to go if you still want to keep the heftyness and capacity.

[Thayer03]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

Air is the only way to go if you still want to keep the heftyness and capacity.

So get new springs with helper air bags? Any idea what those run? Never thought of that although I have seen it before. Thanks. Thankfully I can get almost everything through my work. I work at Big Rig Collision so it is easy to get everything I need spring wise.

Randy

[Longhorn Man]

Actually, I mean full air suspention. Think of a lowered late modle daulie... something likw that thy run. I keep telling myself If I go daulie, I'm going full air bag. (mabey foose will steel my trufck and do it for me)

[Thayer03]

Those guys can't be towing much of anything with full air though can they?

[Musclerodz]

Originally Posted by Thayer03

Those guys can't be towing much of anything with full air though can they?

A properly done air system will maintain full towing capacity. Air Ride Technologies makes systems specifically for duallies. Is there room for a longer shackle?

Mike

[Thayer03]

Originally Posted by Musclerodz

Is there room for a longer shackle?

Mike

Yep.

[Longhorn Man]

Just about every semi traler you see out there has nothing but air bags on it.
With bags on a 3/4 or one ton, you'll get a great ride, AND awsome load capacity. Plus the adjustable ride to boot.

[Thayer03]

What web sites can I go to, to get more info and prices on this kinda thing?

Randy

PS: Thanks for all the info on this guys! I really appreciate it!

[crazy longhorn]

Depending on the amount of drop you need/like, you could drop the rear leaf stack down to 3 or4 leaf, have em dearched......then run air over leaf for the hauling capacity. If you want more than a mild drop, I would say bagit all the way. If my longhorn ever sees airbags, the rear springs will be tossed ,in favor of a parallel 4 bar setup(with track bar). The bags & brackets arent to expensive, but the compressor,tanks ,& fittings runthings up fast! Here is a link to start out with.... http://www.*****************/ Their prices are decent, & shipping is promt, from my experience anyway. If you find the "slick tips" on bagging a Longhorn, post em here Best of luck.... L

[wibilly]

how about moving your spring perches to under the rear end,never tried it but should give nearly 4" drop not change the load capasity and costs nothing

[Longhorn Man]

That's what ppl call a flip. If you do that, you'll need to get some lifting shackles or you're axle will end up hitting the frame.

[classicchev]

I am doing the same thing with the 3/4 ton, FULL AIR. And I think it will be much easier than trying to find 3/4 ton lowering stuff while keeping the quality and quantity of the ride.

Darren

[jbarron]

I dropped my 3/4 ton Camper Special last month. Used 2" drop springs for a big block 1/2 ton in front and 4" drop leafs for a 1/2 ton in back. The 1/2 tons springs fit if you have 9/16" eye bolts and the leafs are the same 2 1/4" width. I can tell you the rear drop was too much and I had to raise it about 1 1/2" to keep the rear from riding on the bump stops. Only have around 2" of travel before I hit now. The airbags might be a good idea if you want to carry anything heavy. I have hauled around 300lbs with no problems haven't tried anything heavier yet. Was thinking airshocks might be a good option for extra capacity if I needed it.

The front drop springs only lowered the truck about 1" since the original springs were pretty worn. This is a BB truck, so there is alot of weight on the front.

My original rear springs looked like 1/2 ton to me. Might have been replaced by a PO. Only had 4 leafs.

Be prepared to cut the old eye bolts off, they are usually impossible to get out in front.

Got the springs at early classic.

Jim
72 C20 Camper Special 402 TH400 Gear Vendors

[chevy_fatman]

Let me find an old thread about lowering a 3/4 ton truck........

edit: send me a pm tomorrow to remind me, I tend to forget