what do i need to really do to make it handle... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69Elky · 04-08-2003, 01:16 AM

i'm supposed to buying a 71 gmc and should have some leftover money...

i see all the high dollar suspension components but what should i really need to handle and be able carve corners i'll be putting 17in tires on it eventully..

slam33 · 04-08-2003, 10:28 AM

You need to remember your driving a truck. It has a high center of gravity, lots of weight, a long wheelbase, and a suspention system made to carry loads. Your not going to be able to build a canyon carver with those specs. Make sure your suspention is in great shape, no slop in the tie rods or ball joints. A good set of gas shocks, KYB has a good set. Front and rear sway bars, don't go gonzo on the rear becuse most of the weight your pushing is on the front,1 1/4 front and a 7/8 rear bar work best. Alloy wheels and a set of low profile tires will help. I would go with some 60's or 50's. If you want to go further with it, then X-brace the frame, pull as mush weight off it as possible, fiberglass body parts are great Drop it a few inches, a 2/4 slam would work. leave the tank in the cab or get some saddle tanks, keep the weight between the axles. Set the motor back as far as possible. If your looking to run circles around Hondas and Vette, your better off with a well preped 68 Camero than a truck.

69Elky · 04-08-2003, 09:04 PM

we've got a 68 camaro and a 98 mustang 4.6 for canyon carving i just can't drive them that often and like to be able to some enthusiastic driving while up in mountains, going up to my buddies cabin etc...

MOTHERTRUCKERS · 04-09-2003, 07:53 AM

Not sure about the last 2 posts but for a little performance upgrade to your TRUCK a good combination is progressive rate shocks like DOETSCHTECH and EIBACH progressive rate lowering coils with HELLWIG or TRW 3/4 ton swaybars on a 1/2 ton. Also MOOG suspension will tighten up the front end and a MOOG steering stabilizer will help with the big front tires.

If for some reason you need to do some canyon carving QA1 coilovers and a rear independent suspension ala jag or vette with weight jacks and ALLSTAR performance products will help you keep it off the guardrail.

BaggedC10 · 04-09-2003, 11:37 PM

Yes, you can make a truck handle very well! Performance oriented springs (Belltech or Eibach), lowered shock absorbers (Edelbrock, Doetsch Tech, or Bilstein), aftermarket anti-sway bars (Hellwig), and a quality lowering kit are a must.

P.S.-Polygraphite or polyurethane bushings for the suspension will also make a BIG difference.

cdowns · 04-10-2003, 03:27 AM

you could also look at converting to a fully idependant rear that should really help Kugel makes a really nice one pretty resonably priced starting at only around 5grand

69Elky · 04-10-2003, 04:32 PM

don't think i'd go that far with irs but maybe a modified hth nascar rear setup

04-08-2003, 01:16 AM	#1
69Elky Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 121	what do i need to really do to make it handle... i'm supposed to buying a 71 gmc and should have some leftover money... i see all the high dollar suspension components but what should i really need to handle and be able carve corners i'll be putting 17in tires on it eventully..

04-08-2003, 10:28 AM	#2
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	You need to remember your driving a truck. It has a high center of gravity, lots of weight, a long wheelbase, and a suspention system made to carry loads. Your not going to be able to build a canyon carver with those specs. Make sure your suspention is in great shape, no slop in the tie rods or ball joints. A good set of gas shocks, KYB has a good set. Front and rear sway bars, don't go gonzo on the rear becuse most of the weight your pushing is on the front,1 1/4 front and a 7/8 rear bar work best. Alloy wheels and a set of low profile tires will help. I would go with some 60's or 50's. If you want to go further with it, then X-brace the frame, pull as mush weight off it as possible, fiberglass body parts are great Drop it a few inches, a 2/4 slam would work. leave the tank in the cab or get some saddle tanks, keep the weight between the axles. Set the motor back as far as possible. If your looking to run circles around Hondas and Vette, your better off with a well preped 68 Camero than a truck. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

04-09-2003, 07:53 AM	#4
MOTHERTRUCKERS Registered User Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: BRADENTON FLA Posts: 3,269	Not sure about the last 2 posts but for a little performance upgrade to your TRUCK a good combination is progressive rate shocks like DOETSCHTECH and EIBACH progressive rate lowering coils with HELLWIG or TRW 3/4 ton swaybars on a 1/2 ton. Also MOOG suspension will tighten up the front end and a MOOG steering stabilizer will help with the big front tires. If for some reason you need to do some canyon carving QA1 coilovers and a rear independent suspension ala jag or vette with weight jacks and ALLSTAR performance products will help you keep it off the guardrail. __________________ Rest in Peace Ed. Thanks for all the good times.

04-09-2003, 11:37 PM	#5
BaggedC10 Under construction! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,065	Yes, you can make a truck handle very well! Performance oriented springs (Belltech or Eibach), lowered shock absorbers (Edelbrock, Doetsch Tech, or Bilstein), aftermarket anti-sway bars (Hellwig), and a quality lowering kit are a must. P.S.-Polygraphite or polyurethane bushings for the suspension will also make a BIG difference. __________________ 2001 Silverado bagged on 22's. Sold Last edited by BaggedC10; 04-09-2003 at 11:39 PM.

04-10-2003, 03:27 AM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	you could also look at converting to a fully idependant rear that should really help Kugel makes a really nice one pretty resonably priced starting at only around 5grand __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-08-2003, 09:04 PM	#3
69Elky Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 121	we've got a 68 camaro and a 98 mustang 4.6 for canyon carving i just can't drive them that often and like to be able to some enthusiastic driving while up in mountains, going up to my buddies cabin etc...

04-10-2003, 04:32 PM	#7
69Elky Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 121	don't think i'd go that far with irs but maybe a modified hth nascar rear setup

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