1979 1/2 ton GMC - need advice on upgrades (lowering, grille, etc)

[Tow Me]

As for lowering.....
On Ebay there some guys sell a flip brackets for 73-87 Chevy/GMC trucks (may fit other models and years too). It flips the axle on top of the springs and gives you 5 or 6" of drop. They are only $40-$60. Much cheaper than a name brand and they work just as well. No need for new u-bolts, shock extenders, and notch if your going for economy drop. I suggest using some 1-ton gas shocks off the front of a Chevy... they work great on the back when lowered.

The pic of my crew cab has the flip bracket, 2.5" drop spindles and cut 3/4 ton springs.


Check on Craigslist for parts trucks and spindles. I found my spindles an hour down the freeway for $150. I would look for a 4 light front end or a 89-91 Suburban front setup. Snag the core support too. Billet grills are pretty affordable and you can clean up the plastic trim by spraying it with some gray/silver paint.

[67stepsideC10]

Thanks for the info. Looks like i'll be pulling out the cluster if it isn't a fuse. Anyone ever polished the gauge lens/cover? Tips?

As for the drop, he gave me a flip kit like you mentioned off ebay for the rear, so that's what ill be using. May try to find spindles i guess but was hoping not to have to buy anything right now, just cut coils.

It WILL be an economy drop. Economy EVERYTHING at this time

Anyone have any grille pics?

Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!

[67stepsideC10]

Originally Posted by Tow Me

As for lowering.....
On Ebay there some guys sell a flip brackets for 73-87 Chevy/GMC trucks (may fit other models and years too). It flips the axle on top of the springs and gives you 5 or 6" of drop. They are only $40-$60. Much cheaper than a name brand and they work just as well. No need for new u-bolts, shock extenders, and notch if your going for economy drop. I suggest using some 1-ton gas shocks off the front of a Chevy... they work great on the back when lowered.

The pic of my crew cab has the flip bracket, 2.5" drop spindles and cut 3/4 ton springs.


Check on Craigslist for parts trucks and spindles. I found my spindles an hour down the freeway for $150. I would look for a 4 light front end or a 89-91 Suburban front setup. Snag the core support too. Billet grills are pretty affordable and you can clean up the plastic trim by spraying it with some gray/silver paint.

BTW - that thing is BADD. What wheels are those?

[Tow Me]

Originally Posted by 67stepsideC10

BTW - that thing is BADD. What wheels are those?

Those wheels are just Chevy rally wheels painted black. I really like the way they turned out with the small white wall. I'm running 7s in the front and 8s in the back.