Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ChevyDude · 05-05-2008, 05:06 PM

OK, my 68' (with a 71' crossmember) front drop is ECE 2.5" drop spindals and ECE 2" drop springs, so 4.5" front drop for a big block. What front shocks are you guys running? Did you relocate anything up front? My truck will be a manual trans. My 71' has the same drop just for a SBC and I used Belltech Nitros, can't remember the part numbers. What shocks or drop shocks are you guys running?

Kid · 05-05-2008, 05:45 PM

I used a set of KYB's purchased from ECE, along with the drop / disc conversion for my 68. I gotta say that after a couple of years, I have noticed some oil leakage from 1 of the shocks. I'm a little disappointed with that.

tcb-1 · 05-05-2008, 06:40 PM

got a 2" drop spring and 2.5" drop coils on my truck. got some original length shocks from Oreillys. figure I'm going to blow them anyway, so I went the cheap route.

Zander478 · 05-05-2008, 07:26 PM

I am running the same ECE drop my my truck. Running the Belltech nitro's on mine, So far very pleased with everything.

SCOTI · 05-05-2008, 11:52 PM

I had 2.5 spindles & cut springs (worth 2.5") & used off the shelf replacement Gabriel VST gas shocks.

No problems in 5yrs of use.

ratrod67 · 05-06-2008, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I had 2.5 spindles & cut springs (worth 2.5") & used off the shelf replacement Gabriel VST gas shocks.

No problems in 5yrs of use.

Got a part #? I need shocks soon.

toomanytoyz · 05-06-2008, 02:29 AM

Gonna Need to Buy some also, Signing up to Get the Info.............

Rick

70c10 · 05-06-2008, 02:34 AM

I'm happy with with my KYB gas-adjusts!

SCOTI · 05-06-2008, 03:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratrod67

Got a part #? I need shocks soon.

No P/N. I just now googled Gabriel shocks & didn't see that model of shock anymore.

All I did in '00 was walk into my local parts house, open up their shock catalog, look up a 68 GM truck, looked to see what they had in stock & pulled them off the shelf. Nothing special.

I did the same thing on my 74; but the 74 required relocating the upper mount slightly for the optimum travel dimensions. The shocks were still the same replacement Gabriel VST gas shocks for the front of a 74 GM truck.

tcb-1 · 05-06-2008, 03:08 AM

Thanks for heads up, SCOTI.

I feel I'm riding on time bombs. Will definitely have to check the Gabriels out!!!

matthufham · 05-06-2008, 05:49 PM

i run 2.5 spindles and 2 inch springs. i'm using the monroe stock length shocks from oreily's. the fronts seem just fine after cutting the bumpstop stuff off the control arms. it still feels like i have no suspension though because my tires are really low profile. i feel everything in the seat and floor.

whatnow123 · 05-06-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kid

I used a set of KYB's purchased from ECE, along with the drop / disc conversion for my 68. I gotta say that after a couple of years, I have noticed some oil leakage from 1 of the shocks. I'm a little disappointed with that.

I have these also, but think they are too stiff and want to switch them out, at least I think it's the shocks anyway and hope it's not the drop springs.

SCOTI · 05-06-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whatnow123

I have these also, but think they are too stiff and want to switch them out, at least I think it's the shocks anyway and hope it's not the drop springs.

I've used the KYB 'Gas-Adjust' shocks before & felt they were too stiff on these trucks. That's why I opted for some off the shelf (Monroe/Gabriel) brand.

dznucks · 05-06-2008, 08:19 PM

what is everyones opinion on Edelbrocks shocks? Are you just buying the name or are they worth the money?

ChevyDude · 05-07-2008, 03:34 PM

Talked with Belltech tech, he said #8005 was the correct shock for a 3-5" dropped front.

c10crazy · 05-07-2008, 03:46 PM

I think since you are using 2.5" dropped spindles you need to remove that amount from your overall drop. That leaves you with 2" of spring drop. I would get the shock for a 2" drop. That's the way ECE explained it to me.

SCOTI · 05-07-2008, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c10crazy

I think since you are using 2.5" dropped spindles you need to remove that amount from your overall drop. That leaves you with 2" of spring drop. I would get the shock for a 2" drop. That's the way ECE explained it to me.

This is how I start when looking for the correct shock length.

The optimum idea would be to measure the truck once assembled for the exact ride height plus the max compressed & extended distances & work from there.

Brad · 05-07-2008, 06:47 PM

I just spent an hour pouring over specs on the Monroe shock website. A stock shock is 10" compressed/14" extended. I found a shock which is about 1" shorter when compressed that will fit with virtually the same style mount. It's part #37187.

I also spent time researching the Belltech drop shocks and it appears they're just using almost a standard length shock anyway. Can anyone dispel or confirm this?

jlaird · 05-08-2008, 01:24 AM

I went with the monroes also.

Frizzle Fry · 05-08-2008, 03:14 AM

I ran stock length KYB Gas-A-Just's for a while. They work well with the Big Block. Now I've switched to Monroe Sensa-Tracs stock replacements. I've only driven it a few times with em but it felt good.

whatnow123 · 05-08-2008, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frizzle Fry

I ran stock length KYB Gas-A-Just's for a while. They work well with the Big Block. Now I've switched to Monroe Sensa-Tracs stock replacements. I've only driven it a few times with em but it felt good.

I agree! I just switched out my KYB's for the Monroe's today and it made world of difference in the ride. KYB's were very stiff.

S10Fan · 06-12-2008, 09:53 AM

I've been wondering about using a stock front Monroe shock for the rear of my truck. Rear has been flipped and a 1" block added. I don't have shock extenders and was in the process of building some when I thought about using front shocks. Went to my local Advance Auto, had them pull a front and rear shock. The front one looks to be a good length for the lowered rear.
Any thoughts?

Bryan

1980 C-10 Stepside.

S10Fan · 06-12-2008, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S10Fan

I've been wondering about using a stock front Monroe shock for the rear of my truck. Rear has been flipped and a 1" block added. I don't have shock extenders and was in the process of building some when I thought about using front shocks. Went to my local Advance Auto, had them pull a front and rear shock. The front one looks to be a good length for the lowered rear.
Any thoughts?

Bryan

1980 C-10 Stepside.

Won't work, fronts are too short for my setup. BUT, a Monroe 59017 does work for my rear. Had to make some spacers and use different bolts. I'll let you know in a few days how they ride.

05-05-2008, 05:06 PM	#1
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? OK, my 68' (with a 71' crossmember) front drop is ECE 2.5" drop spindals and ECE 2" drop springs, so 4.5" front drop for a big block. What front shocks are you guys running? Did you relocate anything up front? My truck will be a manual trans. My 71' has the same drop just for a SBC and I used Belltech Nitros, can't remember the part numbers. What shocks or drop shocks are you guys running? __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4 Last edited by ChevyDude; 05-05-2008 at 05:07 PM.

05-05-2008, 05:45 PM	#2
Kid Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Kansas Posts: 702	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I used a set of KYB's purchased from ECE, along with the drop / disc conversion for my 68. I gotta say that after a couple of years, I have noticed some oil leakage from 1 of the shocks. I'm a little disappointed with that. __________________ The kid Build threads: 51 Jimmy http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=154951 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219902 http://www.classictrucks.com/feature...uck/index.html 68 C10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=50348

05-05-2008, 07:26 PM	#4
Zander478 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington Posts: 15	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I am running the same ECE drop my my truck. Running the Belltech nitro's on mine, So far very pleased with everything.

05-05-2008, 11:52 PM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I had 2.5 spindles & cut springs (worth 2.5") & used off the shelf replacement Gabriel VST gas shocks. No problems in 5yrs of use. __________________ 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.*

05-06-2008, 02:29 AM	#7
toomanytoyz Luv the Crewcabs Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Andrews, In. 46702 Posts: 4,097	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? Gonna Need to Buy some also, Signing up to Get the Info............. Rick __________________ 55 Nomad 52 Willys Truck 67 Stepper 67 Fleet 68 Wrecker 68 Suburban 76 Crewcab 79 Gmc Dumptruck 84 Blazer 86 Crewcab Stepside 87 Iroc 89 GMC Plow Truck 91 Camaro Vert 96 Z71 Stepsde

05-05-2008, 06:40 PM	#3
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? got a 2" drop spring and 2.5" drop coils on my truck. got some original length shocks from Oreillys. figure I'm going to blow them anyway, so I went the cheap route. __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

05-06-2008, 02:34 AM	#8
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,856	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I'm happy with with my KYB gas-adjusts! __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

05-06-2008, 03:08 AM	#10
tcb-1 Nothing to see here..... Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 4,625	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? Thanks for heads up, SCOTI. I feel I'm riding on time bombs. Will definitely have to check the Gabriels out!!! __________________ Doug THANK YOU to our American Soldiers & Veterans - POW MIA "You will NEVER be forgotten". The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson

05-06-2008, 05:49 PM	#11
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? i run 2.5 spindles and 2 inch springs. i'm using the monroe stock length shocks from oreily's. the fronts seem just fine after cutting the bumpstop stuff off the control arms. it still feels like i have no suspension though because my tires are really low profile. i feel everything in the seat and floor.

05-06-2008, 08:19 PM	#14
dznucks Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Smyrna, Ga Posts: 1,647	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? what is everyones opinion on Edelbrocks shocks? Are you just buying the name or are they worth the money?

05-07-2008, 03:34 PM	#15
ChevyDude Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 3,071	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? Talked with Belltech tech, he said #8005 was the correct shock for a 3-5" dropped front. __________________ Alex 1971 Lil' Red 350 SBC 700R4

05-07-2008, 03:46 PM	#16
c10crazy Like a Rock! Join Date: May 2002 Location: USA Posts: 1,092	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I think since you are using 2.5" dropped spindles you need to remove that amount from your overall drop. That leaves you with 2" of spring drop. I would get the shock for a 2" drop. That's the way ECE explained it to me. __________________ 69 LWB Runs great - work in progress Mess with me and you mess with the whole trailer park!

05-07-2008, 06:47 PM	#18
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,672	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I just spent an hour pouring over specs on the Monroe shock website. A stock shock is 10" compressed/14" extended. I found a shock which is about 1" shorter when compressed that will fit with virtually the same style mount. It's part #37187. I also spent time researching the Belltech drop shocks and it appears they're just using almost a standard length shock anyway. Can anyone dispel or confirm this? __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

05-08-2008, 01:24 AM	#19
jlaird Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: johnstown, NY Posts: 2,393	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I went with the monroes also.

05-08-2008, 03:14 AM	#20
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I ran stock length KYB Gas-A-Just's for a while. They work well with the Big Block. Now I've switched to Monroe Sensa-Tracs stock replacements. I've only driven it a few times with em but it felt good.



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06-12-2008, 09:53 AM	#22
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,642	Re: Front Shocks for Dropped trucks...What are you guys running? I've been wondering about using a stock front Monroe shock for the rear of my truck. Rear has been flipped and a 1" block added. I don't have shock extenders and was in the process of building some when I thought about using front shocks. Went to my local Advance Auto, had them pull a front and rear shock. The front one looks to be a good length for the lowered rear. Any thoughts? Bryan 1980 C-10 Stepside. __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

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