scottsdale build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Flyin Sparkplug · 02-23-2008, 07:22 AM

Hey guys, im kinda new here although i have been reading some of the forums for quite some time. I currently own a 1976 Scottsdale 2wd that i have been tinking with. Its got the normal 350sb with a 6 speed auto bolted up, and 1 ton leafs. Im lookin to lower this truck (about 3 inches in the front and 5 in the back) and was wondering if any one out there has done a drop similar to this, with pictures

-This is where she sits today, the rear half of the frame has been treated with the rust converter/encapsulator and painted chassis black, but want to lower b4 i put the bed back on, any suggestions?

72BlckButy · 02-23-2008, 07:51 AM

Great looking project!

1980GMC · 02-23-2008, 08:03 AM

Nice looking project.

For a 3/5 drop you may want to go with 3" drop springs and a 5" flipkit.

Best of luck with the build

Flyin Sparkplug · 02-23-2008, 08:08 AM

Thank you all, and i was thinking about using a "hanger & shackle" kit (about 5") in the rear and 3" drop coils in the front, would this work?

Also, did i fail to mention there is less than 100,000 miles on this truck, and runs like a top, sry, im just proud of it

thanks as always

85lt1 · 02-23-2008, 08:09 AM

thats a solid looking truck 3/5 drop just cut some coils of the front springs and get some lowering shakles and hangers cheap and easy

1980GMC · 02-23-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyin Sparkplug

Thank you all, and i was thinking about using a "hanger & shackle" kit (about 5") in the rear and 3" drop coils in the front, would this work?

Hangers and shackles would work as well, but I think they're more expensive.
DJM lists their flipkit at $104.95 US, and their Hanger/Shackles combo at $220.40.

72BlckButy · 02-23-2008, 08:19 AM

drop that thing to the ground...

85lt1 · 02-23-2008, 08:21 AM

lower is better

Flyin Sparkplug · 02-23-2008, 08:29 AM

i would drop it low but....i dont want to comprimise my towing capacity to much becauze there will be times where it needs to pull a trailer, this is why i'm only goin for the moderate drop. My next toy i buy(another square body, im positive of that) will either be 4x4 and lifted or 2x4 and slammed. But this truck im goin for a "ratrod" look with only the bare nessities and it will prob. not get painted, im always up for suggestions. thankx

tyjoja · 02-23-2008, 10:27 AM

hey sparkplug, I did a 2.5/4 inch drop with spindles and shackles and hangers wich drops it a bit but doesn't mess with the original geometry of the stock suspension. It leveled mine out nice and with the original size wheels you have no rubbing probs. good luck bob

f.monroe · 02-23-2008, 11:07 AM

I would do some research on dropping a 3/4 ton . They are probably a little more expensive since they are heavy duty trucks . I do not know the answer but I would check to see if drop spindles are available for your truck for the front . I had shorter coils in my 1/2 ton and it rode like crap . Frank

**old Rusty C10** · 02-23-2008, 11:13 AM

i dont know nothing about lowering i just wanted to welcome you and tell you that you have a nice start there to your project, and was wondering about the trans and motor where did they come out of

chev74 · 02-23-2008, 02:14 PM

i was wondering the same thing about the 6 speed...

**N2TRUX** · 02-23-2008, 06:50 PM

Welcome to the forum Flyin Sparkplug. As FMonroe said do some research since you have a 3/4 ton and want to use it for hauling. From my experience with 1/2 tons I can tell you DO NOT use a 3" drop spring. Since a spindle does not have an adverse affect on ride or spring rate, that is the very best way to go. If you want more drop then consider cutting no more than 1 coil off your stock spring, or a "mild" lowered spring.

Flyin Sparkplug · 02-23-2008, 07:37 PM

The 350 and the 6 speed auto are stock and have about 98,000 miles on it. This truck has not been touched...well until i got ahold of it, this truck will come down to being a project truck as well as a daily driver. Back to the 6 speed, the previous owner said it was a 6speed, but i cant find any info on it. have you all heard of it b4?

1984Silverado4x4 · 02-23-2008, 08:02 PM

If it is really is a six speed its aftermarket. Otherwise its a 3 or 4 speed. If its the trucks original trans there should be a tag on the trans that you can see if you look under there that will say what it is

Thumpin455 · 02-23-2008, 08:35 PM

If its automatic then its a Th400 or a Th350. Crawl under it and look at the trans pan, if its square with a corner flattened, then its a Th350, if it looks sorta like Texas then its a Th400. If its stock it isnt a 6 speed, the 6 speed auto just came out in new trucks last year. A retrofit of one would not be an easy task as they are HUGE, and require a computer to operate. A 6 speed manual would still have been swapped in if it has a clutch, those didnt appear until the early 1990s.

I would assume a 3/4 ton would have a Th400 in it rather than the Th350, because the 400 is much more durable.

Flyin Sparkplug · 02-23-2008, 08:56 PM

i guess here in a few ill have to go take a look....also ive been thinking about just slammin this truck and saving the heavy duty suspension parts for the next truck, i dont know, its still debateable

Eyegore · 02-23-2008, 09:01 PM

from Phoenix, If you've been lurking you know these guys know what their talking about. Keep sending pics

Flyin Sparkplug · 02-23-2008, 10:32 PM

lookin at the trans pan as u all have described, it appears to be a Th350 trans, well...ya learn something everyday, how low could i go with this truck and still keep it a "dd"

Flyin Sparkplug · 02-23-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyjoja

hey sparkplug, I did a 2.5/4 inch drop with spindles and shackles and hangers wich drops it a bit but doesn't mess with the original geometry of the stock suspension. It leveled mine out nice and with the original size wheels you have no rubbing probs. good luck bob

if it is not to much to ask, i would like to see a picture of what to drop looks like, and thank you for your help

02-23-2008, 07:22 AM	#1
Flyin Sparkplug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 42	scottsdale build Hey guys, im kinda new here although i have been reading some of the forums for quite some time. I currently own a 1976 Scottsdale 2wd that i have been tinking with. Its got the normal 350sb with a 6 speed auto bolted up, and 1 ton leafs. Im lookin to lower this truck (about 3 inches in the front and 5 in the back) and was wondering if any one out there has done a drop similar to this, with pictures -This is where she sits today, the rear half of the frame has been treated with the rust converter/encapsulator and painted chassis black, but want to lower b4 i put the bed back on, any suggestions? Attached Images __________________ -Flyin Sparkplug -1976 Scottsdale Camper Special "To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid" Last edited by Flyin Sparkplug; 02-23-2008 at 07:24 AM.

02-23-2008, 07:51 AM	#2
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: scottsdale build Great looking project! __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

02-23-2008, 08:03 AM	#3
1980GMC Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Alberta Posts: 117	Re: scottsdale build Nice looking project. For a 3/5 drop you may want to go with 3" drop springs and a 5" flipkit. Best of luck with the build __________________ Wes 1980 GMC Sierra SCSB-2WD 1986 Chevrolet C10 SCSB-2WD

02-23-2008, 08:08 AM	#4
Flyin Sparkplug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 42	Re: scottsdale build Thank you all, and i was thinking about using a "hanger & shackle" kit (about 5") in the rear and 3" drop coils in the front, would this work? Also, did i fail to mention there is less than 100,000 miles on this truck, and runs like a top, sry, im just proud of it thanks as always __________________ -Flyin Sparkplug -1976 Scottsdale Camper Special "To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid"

02-23-2008, 08:09 AM	#5
85lt1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: marshall texas Posts: 37	Re: scottsdale build thats a solid looking truck 3/5 drop just cut some coils of the front springs and get some lowering shakles and hangers cheap and easy __________________ 85 swb 95 lt1 mid length headers pcm flash lowerd 5/7 03 dodge ram swb 4.7 v8 206 camshafts, underdrive pully, gibson headers, superchips, cia,lowerd 5/7, 3.92 posi. 06 cbr600rr custom paint, pc3,

02-23-2008, 08:19 AM	#7
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: scottsdale build drop that thing to the ground... __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

02-23-2008, 08:21 AM	#8
85lt1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: marshall texas Posts: 37	Re: scottsdale build lower is better __________________ 85 swb 95 lt1 mid length headers pcm flash lowerd 5/7 03 dodge ram swb 4.7 v8 206 camshafts, underdrive pully, gibson headers, superchips, cia,lowerd 5/7, 3.92 posi. 06 cbr600rr custom paint, pc3,

02-23-2008, 08:29 AM	#9
Flyin Sparkplug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 42	Re: scottsdale build i would drop it low but....i dont want to comprimise my towing capacity to much becauze there will be times where it needs to pull a trailer, this is why i'm only goin for the moderate drop. My next toy i buy(another square body, im positive of that) will either be 4x4 and lifted or 2x4 and slammed. But this truck im goin for a "ratrod" look with only the bare nessities and it will prob. not get painted, im always up for suggestions. thankx __________________ -Flyin Sparkplug -1976 Scottsdale Camper Special "To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid" Last edited by Flyin Sparkplug; 02-23-2008 at 08:34 AM.

02-23-2008, 10:27 AM	#10
tyjoja Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: albany oregon Posts: 168	Re: scottsdale build hey sparkplug, I did a 2.5/4 inch drop with spindles and shackles and hangers wich drops it a bit but doesn't mess with the original geometry of the stock suspension. It leveled mine out nice and with the original size wheels you have no rubbing probs. good luck bob

02-23-2008, 11:07 AM	#11
f.monroe Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Caldwell,Tx. Posts: 3,648	Re: scottsdale build I would do some research on dropping a 3/4 ton . They are probably a little more expensive since they are heavy duty trucks . I do not know the answer but I would check to see if drop spindles are available for your truck for the front . I had shorter coils in my 1/2 ton and it rode like crap . Frank __________________ Born and proudly residing in a Red State !

02-23-2008, 11:13 AM	#12
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: scottsdale build i dont know nothing about lowering i just wanted to welcome you and tell you that you have a nice start there to your project, and was wondering about the trans and motor where did they come out of __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

02-23-2008, 02:14 PM	#13
chev74 Addicted to Chevy Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Tyler, Tx Posts: 857	Re: scottsdale build i was wondering the same thing about the 6 speed...

02-23-2008, 06:50 PM	#14
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: scottsdale build Welcome to the forum Flyin Sparkplug. As FMonroe said do some research since you have a 3/4 ton and want to use it for hauling. From my experience with 1/2 tons I can tell you DO NOT use a 3" drop spring. Since a spindle does not have an adverse affect on ride or spring rate, that is the very best way to go. If you want more drop then consider cutting no more than 1 coil off your stock spring, or a "mild" lowered spring. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

02-23-2008, 07:37 PM	#15
Flyin Sparkplug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 42	Re: scottsdale build The 350 and the 6 speed auto are stock and have about 98,000 miles on it. This truck has not been touched...well until i got ahold of it, this truck will come down to being a project truck as well as a daily driver. Back to the 6 speed, the previous owner said it was a 6speed, but i cant find any info on it. have you all heard of it b4? __________________ -Flyin Sparkplug -1976 Scottsdale Camper Special "To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid"

02-23-2008, 08:02 PM	#16
1984Silverado4x4 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Mount Horeb WI Posts: 179	Re: scottsdale build If it is really is a six speed its aftermarket. Otherwise its a 3 or 4 speed. If its the trucks original trans there should be a tag on the trans that you can see if you look under there that will say what it is __________________ Its no disgrace being poor. Its just inconvenient. Last edited by 1984Silverado4x4; 02-23-2008 at 08:02 PM.



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02-23-2008, 08:35 PM	#17
Thumpin455 My truck is an alcoholic Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Marquette Mi Posts: 303	Re: scottsdale build If its automatic then its a Th400 or a Th350. Crawl under it and look at the trans pan, if its square with a corner flattened, then its a Th350, if it looks sorta like Texas then its a Th400. If its stock it isnt a 6 speed, the 6 speed auto just came out in new trucks last year. A retrofit of one would not be an easy task as they are HUGE, and require a computer to operate. A 6 speed manual would still have been swapped in if it has a clutch, those didnt appear until the early 1990s. I would assume a 3/4 ton would have a Th400 in it rather than the Th350, because the 400 is much more durable. __________________ Too much stuff, too many projects to list everything. my 454 urged 76 swb beater

02-23-2008, 08:56 PM	#18
Flyin Sparkplug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 42	Re: scottsdale build i guess here in a few ill have to go take a look....also ive been thinking about just slammin this truck and saving the heavy duty suspension parts for the next truck, i dont know, its still debateable __________________ -Flyin Sparkplug -1976 Scottsdale Camper Special "To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid"

02-23-2008, 09:01 PM	#19
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	Re: scottsdale build from Phoenix, If you've been lurking you know these guys know what their talking about. Keep sending pics __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

02-23-2008, 10:32 PM	#20
Flyin Sparkplug Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Virginia Posts: 42	Re: scottsdale build lookin at the trans pan as u all have described, it appears to be a Th350 trans, well...ya learn something everyday, how low could i go with this truck and still keep it a "dd" __________________ -Flyin Sparkplug -1976 Scottsdale Camper Special "To be old and wise, you must first be young and stupid"

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