Lowering vs. Ride vs. Hauling?

[C10N.UT]

Hi all;

I was wondering about how to go about lowering my 86' swb GMC.

I was planning on a 2.5 spindle for geometry sake,and not to sure on the rear half.

My plans are to use this truck for a daily driver,albiet on crappy Utah pothole infested roads.And to tow around a buddies and mine 19 foot jet boat,but still maintain a decent ride and be able to pull that trailer?

I read somewhere about new rear springs that suppose to smooth the ride and lower the height.I would like to keep from cutting into the anything if at all possible,eg frame or bed.

[BaggedC10]

A shackle/hanger kit would be best.

[Tom]

First off, how much do you want to lower? A spindle up front is best. In back, yes drop springs will soften the ride up, but you wont really be able to tow anything. A shackle/hanger kit requires cutting of the bed support over the rear shackles. A flip kit is a major 5-6" drop, and your supposed to us ea c-notch, but Ive been told its not nessacary by a guy on this board who noticed some at a car show without.
You could get the lowering springs and better ride, plus add some helper airbags. When you need to tow, pump up the bags and you'll have all the towing ability you need

[C10N.UT]

I really dont want to go to low(5/7) as it will be used thru the winters as well as summers around here.I am hoping for a decent rake and some ride quality,yet retain at least some of the haul capacity.

I was contemplating the rear springs and a helper airbag setup for pulling the boat when its time,but i was unsure if that was a viable alternative or not?I would like to hear more on the 5" drop without a c notch!

Thanks

[BaggedC10]

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't think you can install helper bags with lowered leaf springs---w/o altering the brackets. I know the same goes for a shackle/hanger kit. Personally, I would lower it 3/5" (Level). Install 3" spindles, a 5" flip kit, C-notch (A must from my experience), new shock absorbers, and helper bags. Air Lift makes a "Slam Air" series that bolts directly to a Belltech or Western Chassis C-notch. The truck would be at a practical ride height, ride great, and you would be able to haul/tow plenty. Plus, everything is 100% bolt-on. Just a suggestion................



I know many people are hesitant to install a C-notch, but it is a very simple/straight forward procedure. In the long run, it would be best to do.

[swervin ervin]

You will not need to notch the frame with a 5" drop in the rear. I have shackles and 4" drop leafs and everything is great. I'm not sure on the helper bags though, as to if they work with this. I would assume so.

You will need something to help with the extra weight if you go with leafs. From what I've read and can tell you from my own experience, they reduce your load carrying by 30%. Probably more like 40% if you have a stock heavy duty rear suspension (56" leafs, instead of 52").