69 C20 level front

[shmoishere]

I have searched and not found anything that helps with my situation. So, I am hopeful someone might have a solution for me.

I am attempting to level the front of my truck a couple inches. I purchased a set of coil spacers from a company called Spindle Source. That part was easy. The problem I have now is how to correct some of the geometry. What I am experiencing, and many others that have done this have as well, is a brutally harsh ride and poor alignment abilities. My truck went up about 2". The height looks great. However, the upper control arms are now riding extremely close to the upper bump stops. Also, the camber/caster is not able to be brought into spec. My initial thought was that ball joint spacers, or extended ball joints (flipped to the underside of the control arm), might solve a lot of my issue. Unfortunately, I cannot find either item for sale anywhere. I can find spacers for a 1971, but not for a 1969 C20. Does anyone know of a ball joint spacer that will work? Are there extended ball joints available for the 67-69 C20 trucks?

I am sure there are other approaches to doing this, perhaps upper control arms? I know that the ball joint angle is often changed. I just don't know about the clearances for the bump stops. I need that extra droop travel.

I know some have swapped out all the front-end parts on their trucks and utilized later model lift spindles. That's not what I'm hoping to do, because I want to retain the factory 8 lug wheels, and obviously that would start to get a little involved and expensive, for a low budget build like mine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[shmoishere]

[Caddylackn]

I would start with new 3/4 ton front springs. Spring sag on a 50 year old vehicle is a common problem and it changes the spring rate which lowers the overall height.

I would also do the ball joints, sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, and tie rod ends, and a new alignment while you are doing the springs.

[Reddeye]

I did this EXACT thing on my '72 C20 to get it leveled, and am very happy with it.

[HotWheelsFan]

I had the same idea with my truck. I just added new 3/4 ton front springs for big block truck. Leveled my 1970 C-20 truck out nicely. I have a small block engine btw.

My whole front end was worked on so I needed an alignment. Truck rides nice with the stiffness of a 3/4 ton without any issues. My upper A-arm rides close to the rubber bumper, I'm not sure how much space there really is, if any...


Bob

[shmoishere]

I'm headed down the same basic approach, but I wanted a touch more lift. I am not a fan of the stock rake.

I've replaced upper Balljoints. A-arm bushings feel decent, so I left those. I also replaced the Pitman arm/joint. Sway bar bushings are ok. Upper bump stops will be replaced and maybe trimmed if needed. The steering in this truck feels pretty tight, so I think I am at a good point for a drivable combination, if I can get the alignment back into spec. As far as coils, I have the stock 3/4 ton (big block) coils, as well as a 2" coil spacer that I got from Spindle Source. This is a big block/auto truck, so it is nose heavy. With all those parts in place, the truck sits about where I want it. pretty much level at the rockers or maybe just slightly proud up front. I contacted X2Industries, who apparently makes a 3" control arm/spring lift our these trucks. I wasn't wanting to go quite that high, nor spend quite that much. So, they are building me a 1" ball joint spacer. I was unable to find spacers for the 67-69 trucks anywhere. If my guesstimate is correct, that should bring my caster/camber back to an adjustable position, and it should allow me a little droop travel, that it desperately needs. These trucks have very little droop, even stock, and its considerably worse when using longer springs or spring spacers. That is where the ride quality takes a serious hit.

I should have the ball joint spacers in the next few weeks. Once I get them installed and put an alignment on it, I will update this thread, just in case anyone is interested in the results.

Here is a mockup pic of how the truck will sit. Granted, some of the parts are just loosely installed, including the bed, but it should give you an idea about the ride height.

[bry593]

You need new springs and I recommend standard 3/4 ton springs. Do not get the HD (big block) springs as these will cause excessive lift and will negatively impact suspension geometry. Lower control arms are supposed to be horizontal at ride height, not at an angle.

However, if you are after the 4WD look, the big block springs play the part. See picture of shmoishere truck? Note the front is slightly higher than the rear. My 71 C20 looked the same when I had big block springs. People would often ask if the truck was 4WD. Of course I eventually went back to normal springs and replaced the lower ball joints at the same time. Now I can properly align the truck and the tires don't wear funny. Yay!

[CantPutTheSmokeBack]

Where is everyone finding springs? I've looked for pre '73 springs and am having a hard time. Are the 73+ springs the same?

Also on the big block springs, if you actually have a big block do they end up level or still high up front?

[bry593]

I used MOOG springs from RockAuto.

[j_cst_10]

I used a MOOG 6454 spring

[shmoishere]

Originally Posted by CantPutTheSmokeBack

Where is everyone finding springs? I've looked for pre '73 springs and am having a hard time. Are the 73+ springs the same?

Also on the big block springs, if you actually have a big block do they end up level or still high up front?

The big block springs, with a big block, do not level up the front end. These trucks were designed from the factory to sit with a rake, when unloaded. You will need different springs and/or spacers to level the suspension, if that is the look you like.

[bry593]

Originally Posted by shmoishere

The big block springs, with a big block, do not level up the front end. These trucks were designed from the factory to sit with a rake, when unloaded. You will need different springs and/or spacers to level the suspension, if that is the look you like.

Correct! Big block springs with a big block will have the lower control arms nearly horizontal.

Big block springs with a small block will have the lower control arms at an angle and the nose will be about even to the rear.

GM included rake because it is a truck. Did you notice that box in the back? That's for putting stuff in......

[Tortelvis]

Just new springs and alignment here.

[shmoishere]

Originally Posted by Tortelvis

Just new springs and alignment here.

Is your truck a small block or a big block? Did you use factory big block coils?

[Tortelvis]

Small block 350. Moog springs. Here’sthe link.

https://www.moog-suspension-parts.co...hoCLyQQAvD_BwE

[steves1967]

I went the opposite way on my 71. I lowered the back of the truck and added air bags to compensate when putting a load on it.

[shmoishere]

I thought really hard about lowering this one as well. These trucks do look great lowered. Plus, parts are readily available and it's an easy project. However, I also like the farm truck, skinny tire, somewhat stockish look. I just hate the raked stance. I came to the conclusion, not too many of us level these trucks, so that's the direction I'm going on this low budget truck. With that said, my ball joint spacers showed up already. I will hopefully get them installed this week and report on the results. Stay tuned!

[NorCalC20LWB]

Mines a Camper Special/Custom Camper, whatever the 72's are. Did not like the raked look either, and I personally am not a very big fan of lowered 3/4 tons. Front suspension has been redone with Moog parts, had the rear leafs re-arced. Pretty level now with a stock height.

Before & After....

[shmoishere]

NorCalC20LWB, that's a beautiful truck!

[Warrens69GMC]

Love the green truck NorCal20lwb!!

[NorCalC20LWB]

Originally Posted by shmoishere

NorCalC20LWB, that's a beautiful truck!

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

Love the green truck NorCal20lwb!!

Thanks guys, looking forward to getting it out and driving it, only down side of moving to N/W Montana. Good luck with the leveling, I'm sure you'll end up with your desired look!

[Tortelvis]

Originally Posted by shmoishere

Is your truck a small block or a big block? Did you use factory big block coils?

Small block 350. Used stock springs.

[Chevys4life]

Originally Posted by steves1967

I went the opposite way on my 71. I lowered the back of the truck and added air bags to compensate when putting a load on it.

I like the stance on your truck and that is what I want for mine too.

[May70]

Im planning to do over spring spacers at the moment.

[shmoishere]

That's what I did. The spring spacers I found were 2", which equates to about 3+ inches of lift with my 3/4 ton 396/th400 truck. While I really do like the looks, it definitely puts a hurting on the geometry. These trucks do not have much droop travel to begin with, and by lifting them up to sit level, it takes away most of the available droop, causing a much harsher ride. I ended up shaving my upper bump stops down, which helped the ride a little. Will it shorten the lifespan of the ball joints? Yep, definitely. Does it ride as good as stock? Not even close. Does it look good? I think so.