Coil Suspension: Stainless Lowering Blocks - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SCOTI · 04-14-2007, 12:57 AM

I made my own 2" lowering blocks from some scrap 2x2x.250" stainless steel that was heading to the recycler. While digging through the bin, I also found some other small lengths of 2x2x.187" (3/16") stainless.

Since I'm no mechanical/structural engineer, I was curious if the .187" would work for lowering blocks?

I use schedule 40 tubing as 'inserts' within the block itself so the u-bolts won't crush the tubing. I would guess w/the .250" tubing, inserts aren't needed; but it's not a bad idea to use them w/the .187" wall tubing.

What do you think?

Frizzle Fry · 04-14-2007, 06:08 PM

Well, the C5/C6 Vette frames are hydro formed and I can tell you they are less than 3/16" They use tube "inserts" as you describe and hold up just fine. Hope that helps.

Rollie396 · 04-16-2007, 02:21 AM

Go with the inserts for whatever you decide.Worth the piece of mind for time it takes.

XXL · 04-19-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I made my own 2" lowering blocks from some scrap 2x2x.250" stainless steel...

I would have used a clear hickory or oak, but I think you'll be alright with the SS.

04-14-2007, 12:57 AM	#1
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,071	Coil Suspension: Stainless Lowering Blocks I made my own 2" lowering blocks from some scrap 2x2x.250" stainless steel that was heading to the recycler. While digging through the bin, I also found some other small lengths of 2x2x.187" (3/16") stainless. Since I'm no mechanical/structural engineer, I was curious if the .187" would work for lowering blocks? I use schedule 40 tubing as 'inserts' within the block itself so the u-bolts won't crush the tubing. I would guess w/the .250" tubing, inserts aren't needed; but it's not a bad idea to use them w/the .187" wall tubing. What do you think? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

04-14-2007, 06:08 PM	#2
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Coil Suspension: Stainless Lowering Blocks Well, the C5/C6 Vette frames are hydro formed and I can tell you they are less than 3/16" They use tube "inserts" as you describe and hold up just fine. Hope that helps.

04-16-2007, 02:21 AM	#3
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Re: Coil Suspension: Stainless Lowering Blocks Go with the inserts for whatever you decide.Worth the piece of mind for time it takes. __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics



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