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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Well my 72 GMC rides like a ROCK!.
Obviously the previous owner cut the Front/Rear springs. I sent an e-mail to Early Classics, asking them about their Lowering Spring/Shock Kits, along with some pictures of my GMC. The Tech stated that it looked like my Front end was riding on the "Bump Stops...if there were any left". I'm assuming that a Bump Stop is whats on the Chassis to prevent any further Travel of the Suspension? I told him I wanted to keep the Front the same heigth and lower the rear about 1"-2". He said their "2"-4" Kit would accomplish that by bringing up the Front about an inch and lowering the Rear about 2". He said the ride quality would be DRASTICLY IMPROVED. So I'm thinking of making that a priority, as I'm tending not to drive my Truuck because the ride is SO rough! I live in a Mountanious comunity that the roads are "patched". The ride is so rough in my Truck, that I can feel the bumps on the opposite side of the road! ![]() If anyone has had a similar problem and went this route to fix it, I'd really be interested in your story and how your ride was Before/After. Roger
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Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#2 |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
I got 2.5" dropped spindles in the front with stock springs, along with 2" lowering blocks in the rear. It rides like a Cadillac....well a 1972 Cadillac anyways! Spindles are the way to go when dropping your ride up front.
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 247
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
got pics of your truck? you must have atleast a 4-5" drop on the front right now to be hitting the bumpstops..
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1971 C-10 SWB - LS swap w/4L60e, 20x8.5front 20x12rear, 1968 C-10 SWB - 454 BB TH350 -Gone! |
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#4 |
Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
I have to agree with ap2002... by the pic in your avy, it "looks" like you are riding much lower than what a 2/4 would do. Check out ECE's website for their "stance photos," this will be able to help you determine the best kit for you to purchase.
Just my $.02...
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-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) |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Porter Ranch, CA
Posts: 978
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
I think you'd agree that your truck is unsafe the way it is now, besides the fact that you'll need several organ transplants if you keep it the way it is. The spindles are the way to go, as previously stated. But if you don't go that far, just get GOOD springs and shocks (I like KYB's, but there are 100 others that are good too). Making it ride SAFELY is just as important as anything. Good luck!
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Forgot the picture of what my GMC loks like now..............
![]() Roger
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
69GMCLonghorn,
Yes I would consider it unsafe. I had my Mechanic do a Saftey Check and fix the things that needed to be fixed (within my budget), to make it "Roadworthy". I was going to get 4 new tires but the Tread is good, (one of the sidewalls on the Front Tire has what I'd call a "ripple" in it. It started out that I was going to have the exhaust finnished. Then I thought a set of Chrome Trim Rings and Center Caps would be nice. Then priorities shifted to a set of new tires and NOW its the Springs. Like I said in my prior post, I'd drive the Truck much more if it wernt for the ride. As it is now, I travel a 2 lane Narrow Road thrrough a Canyon to get to Town (15 Miles). I can't push it over 35 MPH because of the road condition and the ride.It bounces so much that I feel I don't have Full Control over it , let alone in a Panic Situation. I usually pull over at least 3 times in that 15 miles to let traffic pass me. Sucks big time! Roger
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 247
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
just by jugding on the pic that is atleast a 5"drop! ibet you are riding on the bumpstops and everytime you hit a bump the can feel the truck just jump up alittle and hit hard the bumpstops? mine was like that also..... do you have a small block or big block?
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1971 C-10 SWB - LS swap w/4L60e, 20x8.5front 20x12rear, 1968 C-10 SWB - 454 BB TH350 -Gone! |
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#9 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Porter Ranch, CA
Posts: 978
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Dang, that's low! You definitely need to get it raised a couple inches. I think you'll be much happier with it, especially if it's done right. You might pull that canyon road faster than the lowered Honda's if you do it up right! HAHA
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
AP2002,
I have a 350 Vortec Aluminum Block from a 94 1500 in it. I just received an e-mail from Tech support regarding the Shocks that come in their "Spring/Shock Kit"................... . "The shocks are nitrogen gas charged KYB GR-2's. They rears are considerably shorter than stock shocks. The fronts are very close to factory length. Thanks" So I think I'm gonna go with the Spring/Shock kit as opposed to JUST the Lowering Springs. Anyone ever used theses "KYB GR-2's"? Roger
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Another question for those who are rersponding/Interested.
Can you post some photos of your 67-72 Trucks (if they've been lowered) and let us know HOW MUCH they've been Lowered and whether it was Spring or Drop Spindles or BOTH. ![]() Roger
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Sorry for so many posts but for some reason I'm missing the "Edit" button to go and "add" to my original posts.
So my newest question is: If I use a Spring/Shock Lowering Kit now, and (in the future) I want to lower it even MORE, can I put in Drop Spindles? Roger
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#13 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Yes, you can add the drop spindles at any later time to get an additional 2.5 inches of drop.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Does anyone know if Forum Members get a Discount at "Classic Performance" and how one would go about it?
Roger ![]()
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#15 |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,698
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
wwotr,... take a break from your thread and search around in the suspension section.
I know you want a good ride and a low ride. These two things will require a little work and a little money. You need drop spindles, drop shocks, and adjustable panhard bar, rear shock relocators, maybe a rear c-notch,... and of course,...drop coil springs front and rear. My '69 swb,... is lowered with what I would call the "maximum" static drop. 3" drop springs, 2.5" drop spindles up front,... and 6" rear springs and a 1.5" lowering block. (2" lowering block is also possible) I have a c-notch bolted in the rear frame section. I suggest ECE as a source of good suspension parts or any of the board vendors. I'm not a fan of CPP,... but that's my opinion based on a bad experience with them. Look at the "stance photos" on ECE's website for the amount of drop you want. Do alot of reading to avoid buying parts you don't really want. And for the best ride,... don't be afraid to spend a little cash. Right now, you are riding on a "cheap suspesion drop". They ride like crap when they are as low as yours,... done incorrectly. Here's a pic of my '69 to get an idea of how low it is. Good luck.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#16 |
Mean Buzzin' Half Dozen
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 1,081
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
A 2"/4" drop will not get you anywhere near that low. I did a static drop just using springs all the way around and I'm running a 3"/4" drop. All I had to do was buy the coils for the front and rear and that's all that is needed.
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"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
MY TRUCK (Now for sale) 1967 C10 SWB Dylan |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Guys.
Thank you for all your detailed info. As far as "doing things right", this is what I need RIGHT NOW. I love my Truck, but CRINGE evey time I have to drive it. I understand the previous owner did a chop job on the springs. The way I look at it (and what my pocket book says), is I need an immediate/affordable solution. To me, that is a 2"-4" Front/Rear Springs and shocks. This will a least allow me to get out from under the hideous ride happening currently. Then as finances will allow, I can add Drop Spindles ect. I just don't want to do any more damage to my Vital Organs or the Trucks Suspension. Within the next 8 months there will be a "Settlement" and THAT'S when I can play "Catch-Up"! ![]() Roger
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#18 |
Mean Buzzin' Half Dozen
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 1,081
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
With a 2"/4" drop you don't need drop shocks. If you're on a tight budget just keep your current ones, it's what I did and it rides okay for me. They won't last as long but it'll give you time to save some pennies for some drop shocks and not have to splurge all the money at once.
__________________
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
MY TRUCK (Now for sale) 1967 C10 SWB Dylan |
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Clearlake Oaks CA
Posts: 1,716
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Actually right now I'm talking with Jeff at Classic Performance on a 3"-4" Spring kit.
My question is, can I STILL keep my Standard Shocks until I get some more scratch? Roger
__________________
Hello members... I'd like you to know that I sold, my 72 GMC (Ratikle), back in November of 2011. I don't visit the site much anymore, but please feel free, to drop me a private message. RIP...."RATIKLE" |
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#20 | |
Mean Buzzin' Half Dozen
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Orlando, Florida
Posts: 1,081
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Re: SPRINGS/SHOCKS and EARLY CLASSICS
Quote:
__________________
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."
MY TRUCK (Now for sale) 1967 C10 SWB Dylan Last edited by *Dylan; 05-21-2009 at 01:52 PM. |
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2"-4", gmc, lowering, ride, springs |
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