Lowering a 72 1/s ton with rear leafs

[muddpile]

Greetings. I recently purchased a 1972 Chevy custom deluxe long box 1/2 ton. It has rear leaf springs and the single solid driveshaft converion. It also has 5 lug wheels, a 350 and an automatic. Like most of these trucks, it has that way too high look to it. I was wondering what it would take to lower it. I have been looking through an LMC Truck catalog, and see that they sell a lower tubular control arm set for $400, 2" front drop springs for $160 and 4" rear drop springs for $170. Is this a good way to lower my truck, and how will it look? It has the factory 15" rally wheels on it right now, but I will likely be going bigger (18-20"). I suppose that shouldn't affect anything, however, because I will go with a lower profile tire to keep the same overall diameter. Is $730 a reasonable price to lower my truck 4" all around, or is there a better value out there with the same results? Does anyone have a picture of a 4" drop?

Also, I've always liked the adjustability of air bags on a vehicle. How much modification would there be and would it be worth the added cost to do it that way instead of the coil springs method.

Basically, the bottom line is that I want a lower truck and will be doing all the work myself with the help of a few friends. The roads around here are not great, so that also has to be taken into account. Thanks!

[lolife99]

I would stay away from LMC. Prices are too high. Also I would suggest that you look at ECE. (Early Classic Enterprises) They sell a lowered rear leaf spring,... And in the front, I would use their 2.5" drop spindle, with a 1.5" drop spring. They sell quality stuff, and are very knowledgeable. Many members use their stuff,... including me. Lolife99.

[muddpile]

Thanks for the advice on Early Classics. Would you stay away from LMC in general because of too high pricing, or just on their suspension stuff?

EDIT: I was just on Early Classics website and it says 800 bucks for a 4/6 drop. They use a different method though, with drop spindles and shock relocation instead of the A arms. Which method would be better. It also says that I need disc brakes for the conversion, which I will have to check out and see if I have (I pick up the truck tomorrow). The 2" lower in the back would probably look better though. I also see that the Early Classics kit comes with new shocks.

[beagler]

also most of early classic's stuff are for coil spring frames (front & rear). I thought about lowering mine but I've found the leaf rear end is a little more expensive and there are a little less options for them as far as lowering goes but they do look good slamed. espically when you bag them

[lolife99]

I just don't like the "Bolt On" bracket, that is required for their tubular a-arms. I trust the factory a-arms and u-bolts. They have been around since the early sixties. Also a lowered "a-arm" allows the spring pocket to hang down farther. I have used ECE stuff on two 2wd blazers, a '69 suburban, and a pickup. Very satisfied with all. They incorporate the "WHOLE" package. Some companies would just sell you springs. ECE makes sure you know that you might need shorter shocks, a different track bar, or rear shock relocator brackets, etc. They also have shorter front sway bar mounts. They don't want you to JUST lower your truck. They want it to ride good and perform like original. (towing included). You don't have to buy everything at once. Call them if you have any questions. Also your '72 will have disc brakes from the factory. Just my 2 cents.

[Tx Firefighter]

A set of 2.5 inch spindles and a 2 inch drop spring will get you done in the front. Like was said, a 72 already has discs, so no money out on that.

In the rear, ECE has a fine set of lowering leaf springs for your truck. If you want a deeper drop than the lowering leafs give, you can also use a set of ECE dropped rear shackles to drop it further.

I have dropped a bunch of trucks and no one is better to deal with than ECE, in my opinion. Call them, tell them what you want, and they will take care of you.

[muddpile]

Yep. I picked the truck up today. It drives great and does in fact have discs on the front. I think the 4/6 drop might even be a little much for the roads around here. Maybe a 2.5/4 drop or something? Install only the front spindles and whatever has to be done out back to drop it about 4". Would that work decent?

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by muddpile

Yep. I picked the truck up today. It drives great and does in fact have discs on the front. I think the 4/6 drop might even be a little much for the roads around here. Maybe a 2.5/4 drop or something? Install only the front spindles and whatever has to be done out back to drop it about 4". Would that work decent?

Yes, that would be a very nice combo. Spindles don't affect the ride at all. The ECE 4 inch drop leafs should also ride real well too.

By the way, I have had my leaf springs dearched before by a spring shop for under a 100 bucks. You just take them off the truck and take them to the spring shop and tell them how much you want it lowered. It takes my spring shop about an hour to do it.

If that sounds good to you, just look in your local phone book under "springs".

[72MARIO]

If you truck has a wood floor and you decide to use a drop shacklemake sure you use a 1.5" drop the 2" will hit the wood floor.

Later..

[lolife99]

muddpile,... don't be surprised if the 4" drop leaf doesn't drop it EXACTLY 4 inches. Normally they are 4 inches lower than a NEW leaf spring,... NOT your 32 year old sagging springs. Go ahead and do the 4/6 drop. You'll be happier in the long run. Never too low for me. Lolife99.

[muddpile]

Yeah. I was kinda wondering about that. I was looking at my old truck today (for about 10 seconds, it was 20 below celsius with 50mph winds) And noticed it does look kinda low. I know for a fact that it isn't lowered, because it has only had the necessities done, no extra maintenance, let alone custom stuff. Maybe the 4/6 is for me. Do early classics make a kit for us leaf out back guys?

Oh yeah, I also have the tin floor in my box.

[Tx Firefighter]

They make a 4 inch drop leaf spring set part number 02-6372-4LF



which you combine with their 1.5 inch shackle kit, part number 02-6372-SKL



for a 5 1/2 inch rear drop.

I promise, you won't be sorry for using ECE parts. I never have been and I've never seen a board member say they were either.

[muddpile]

So if I get the 4" drop leafs and the 2.5" dropped front spindles for, I can always add the rear shackles and the shorter coils up front to go lower yet correct?

[Tx Firefighter]

absolutely correct

[NO LONGER DISTURBED KONCEPTZ]

Well the easy way to get a good ride and lower the back would be to us a flip kit which gets you 5" and a 1" shackle for leaf springs. Then you will need the lowering shocks to help the right out also.

[lolife99]

Disturbed Konceptz,... Who makes a flip kit for the pre-'73 trucks with leaf springs? (narrower leaf than the '73-up trucks) Also,... wouldn't a c-notch be neccessary?

[NO LONGER DISTURBED KONCEPTZ]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Disturbed Konceptz,... Who makes a flip kit for the pre-'73 trucks with leaf springs? (narrower leaf than the '73-up trucks) Also,... wouldn't a c-notch be neccessary?

Well I can find out if some one makes one and if not you could make it or find one from like a ford full size or ranger. Yes you would need a c-notch but you would need one if you went over 5 inches anyways to keep the frame from slapping when you go over bumps.

[muddpile]

Thanks for the help TX Firefighter! I think that's what I'll do, then if it still isn't low enough I'll add the springs up front and shackles out back.

[muddpile]

Well, I found a bunch more rusted out metal on the truck today, meaning my lowering budget just got cut. Is there a cheaper way? How will lowering springs up front affect ride and handling? Also, I will see if there is anywere around here that will de-arch rear springs. The rear actually doesn't sit too bad on my old truck (sagging springs I suppose) but the front is up too much.

[Tx Firefighter]

Buy a set of front drop springs and be done with it then. Just keep one thing in mind though. Don't put in a set of 2 inch springs and expect a 2 inch drop necessarily. Your factory front springs may be somewhat sagged already.

I've put 2 inch drop springs in before and had it be the same height when I got done.

[muddpile]

Hmmm. Good point on the sagged front springs part. Maybe I will just live with the jacked up look for now and save up and do it the right way.