lowering question

[76bonanza]

Is there anyway to measure something in the front to see how much it is lowered now by PO? Wanting to start planning my front end redo and I like the hieght now but am wanting to redo the springs and shocks and stuff.

Thanks

[70~BigBlock~Project]

I may be wrong but I believe on a 2wd the highest point of the wheel well should be 32" from the ground in the front and 34" in the back for stock ride height. You might want to verify that but LMC's catalog had it as a reference in the 67-72 suspension section.

[76bonanza]

of course that would only hold if my tires and rims were the same hieght as stock anyone know the total hieght of stock setup rims and tires?

[70~BigBlock~Project]

Originally Posted by 76bonanza

of course that would only hold if my tires and rims were the same hieght as stock anyone know the total hieght of stock setup rims and tires?

I believe approximately 28".

[76bonanza]

looks like my tires are 27 inches high. And my front is 291/2 and rear is 30 inches to high spot on arch

[72BlckButy]

You will also have to compensate for old saggy springs as well, that will affect the height of teh front end because if you drop in new lowering springs it might actually sit higher than it does currently.

By the way, check out the Midwest part of the board, and see if your schedule is clear for the Midwest All Truck Nats. It looks like we will have quite a few board members attending, and we'll always have room for one more.

If you would like to see different lowering kits on the same truck, check out ECE's (Early Classic Enterprises) stance photos here... this might help to give you a better idea on where you want your truck to end up. Click on the "next" button at the bottom of the page to find the LWB pics.

Good luck with the project!

[70~BigBlock~Project]

Originally Posted by 76bonanza

looks like my tires are 27 inches high. And my front is 291/2 and rear is 30 inches to high spot on arch

If I had to guess your truck is 2 1/2" lower in the front and 4" lower in the back. Do you know if there are any aftermarket parts in the suspension or is it stock components as of now? If its stock then you might plan for a 2.5/4 drop if you like the way it sits now.

[76bonanza]

Nothing in the front. Knowing the PO he cut or heated the front springs but that looks like it. The rear is 4inches only reason I know is he put 4 inch blocks in they will be going soon also. yes I was thinking 2 1/2 or 3 in front and 4 or 5 in rear.

[Slammed67]

of course that would only hold if my tires and rims were the same hieght as stock ...

True. That measurement won't do you much good unless you have the original tires on the truck. Measure from the center of the wheel to the top of the wheel arch. From past discussions, I think we concluded that the front should measure 19" and the rear should measure 22". This will give you a more accurate measurement of the amount of suspension drop regardless of tire/wheel size.

[76bonanza]

that sounds about right slammed I will measure tonight but if I cut my original 27.00 in half and subtract that it is about 3. in front and 5.5 in rear and I always thought it was around 3/5.

[72BlckButy]

Take a look at this page.... LINKY

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 76bonanza

Nothing in the front. Knowing the PO he cut or heated the front springs but that looks like it. The rear is 4inches only reason I know is he put 4 inch blocks in they will be going soon also. yes I was thinking 2 1/2 or 3 in front and 4 or 5 in rear.

4" blocks in the rear? Are you certain about this?

[76bonanza]

Yup I measured them they are 4 inch my trailing arms are like 2 inches off the ground. The only thing that worries me is the are well below the scrub line so if I get a flat it will suck.

[70c10]

Alex, did they stack two sets of 2" blocks or make one thick 4" block???. If I was you I would buy a 5" rear spring if thats what you want and then adjust the front down to whatever rake you are looking for. I like your stance right now!

[76bonanza]

Hey jim still love the panels. Yes they are homemade blocks they are completely boxed and look to be very sturdy but they will have to go once I redo the rear suspension.

Yes I was thinking of getting a 5 inch lowering kit with springs, shock relocators ,and adjustable tracking arm. Then seeing how it sits and go from there.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 76bonanza

Yup I measured them they are 4 inch my trailing arms are like 2 inches off the ground. The only thing that worries me is the are well below the scrub line so if I get a flat it will suck.

I'll bet they are close to the ground! Definitely downsize to some 2" blocks + the shorter springs.

[76bonanza]

I think no blocks and 5 inch springs.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by Slammed67

True. That measurement won't do you much good unless you have the original tires on the truck. Measure from the center of the wheel to the top of the wheel arch. From past discussions, I think we concluded that the front should measure 19" and the rear should measure 22". This will give you a more accurate measurement of the amount of suspension drop regardless of tire/wheel size.

Okay, so I went out and measured my truck. It's a C10 but has the HD rear spring option (at least it's listed on the build sheet).

I got 20" on all four corner, center of axle/hub to bottom edge of fender. As it sits, the truck is level. I have looked at the ECE stance page and just want to verify, these pictures are what the stance should look like regardless of where I am at now, correct?

Thanks.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 76bonanza

I think no blocks and 5 inch springs.

My .02 worth . ..... I feel that lowering blocks actually benefit these trucks w/drops that exceed 4" because they help minimize the amount of shock travel lost w/larger spring only drops.

[70c10]

SCOTI brings up a good point. I'm planning to add a 1" or 1.5" block to the rear of my truck which has 4" springs. I figure with my new KYB's, track bar and a set of relocators I should be good to go. I might even add a thin sway bar later on.