Jeep springs/3inch drop springs in front with stock shocks??

[GMC1965]

Anybody keep their stock shocks when putting on jeep springs and 3inch drop springs in front? 65 c10 long fleet, will not be towing or hauling. Does it handle well? If I cant keep stock shocks what do I need to do(cheapest way). Also there is mini shocks on the front? their like 5-7inchs long.

[XtechX]

I have the same set up as you, 1 1/2 coils cut up front and jeep springs in the back. It rides pretty good, not like a nowadays new truck but very acceptable. Ive only driven about 75 miles so far, but havent bottomed out or anything. I still have the stock shocks on all the way around. Im going to put new shocks on it eventually, shorter ones, and Im sure it will ride even better. I should add that I relocated the rear shock mounts with a homemade bracket that I found the idea for on here and I also cut off the front bump stops and there stands, right down to the LCA.
Here is the post that I used for the shock relocation (it's easy and cheap) and also some ideas that should work for different shocks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=451200

[GMC1965]

Thanks a lot, Does it steer better then stock setup.

[XtechX]

The relocation of the mounts make the shocks stand up straighter for a more optimal ride after being lowered. Once you start lowering a truck with shorter springs the shocks start to lean farther forward the lower you go. I guess once the get layed down past a certain degree they dont work as well so you have to make adjustment with mounts to get them to stand back up straighter. The post I sent you explains it alot better than I ever could. I couldnt tell you the difference between the ride of a stock set up vs this set up because I didnt drive mine much before I tore it down for paint and dont really remember what it was like.

[GMC1965]

Thanks,

[GMC1965]

do you have pictures?

[XtechX]

What part do you want to see?

[GMC1965]

The drop man the drop! Lets see how she looks!

[XtechX]

OK..No problem,I'll get you some tomorrow. I don't have any pics on my work computer.

[GMC1965]

Cool thanks looking forward to seeing them! As this will probably be exactly what il be doing , Not plowing snow but keeping it clean looking for the shows and such

[XtechX]

Here you go, I even went out today and took a new glamour shot for you....LOL

[61_FL_Apache]

Do you have a part number for the Jeep springs? Im thinking of going that direction and remove the bags in the rear.

[XtechX]

I'm not 100% sure on the year span but any Jeep wrangler spring from I think 1998-2001will work and bolt right up. They're on ebay all the time, I think I got mine on there for 25.00 shipped.

[GMC1965]

Thanks for the photo, I live it alot, eliminates most wheel well space and is still not plowing the dirt. Thanks a lot, I will be ordering a set of jeeps and 3inch front from Classicparts.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by XtechX

I'm not 100% sure on the year span but any Jeep wrangler spring from I think 1998-2001will work and bolt right up. They're on ebay all the time, I think I got mine on there for 25.00 shipped.

Thank you!

[XtechX]

Originally Posted by GMC1965

Thanks for the photo, I live it alot, eliminates most wheel well space and is still not plowing the dirt. Thanks a lot, I will be ordering a set of jeeps and 3inch front from Classicparts.

Yes, IMHO, I think it's about perfect for stance. You can save even more money if you just cut the stock front springs. 1 1/2 coils will get you what I have. Aftermarket front drop springs will cost around a $100 a set and cutting your own springs that you already have is free. From what I understand the aftermarkets are nothing more than a cut front stock spring anyway. I would start by cutting off one coil and then check the stance of the front and be sure the springs are seated in the upper spring pockets correctly. Then if you want to go lower take the other half a coil off. I say this because if your front 47 year old springs are already sagging or weak you may get more drop than the 1 coil = 2 inches figure. You can always cut more off but you cant put it back on if you take too much.

[GMC1965]

Originally Posted by XtechX

Yes, IMHO, I think it's about perfect for stance. You can save even more money if you just cut the stock front springs. 1 1/2 coils will get you what I have. Aftermarket front drop springs will cost around a $100 a set and cutting your own springs that you already have is free. From what I understand the aftermarkets are nothing more than a cut front stock spring anyway. I would start by cutting off one coil and then check the stance of the front and be sure the springs are seated in the upper spring pockets correctly. Then if you want to go lower take the other half a coil off. I say this because if your front 47 year old springs are already sagging or weak you may get more drop than the 1 coil = 2 inches figure. You can always cut more off but you cant put it back on if you take too much.

I thought cut springs ride a little rougher then pre made drop springs? If theres not much difference Il do it.

[XtechX]

I cant say for sure, but I don't think theres much of a difference between the two springs. Remember to use a cut off wheel to cut them, not a torch! The heat messes up the springs temper if you heat them up too much.

[bama63]

Just wanted to add a note to this thread about the rear Jeep TJ/LJ springs.
There are four different versions of the springs that were used from 1997 through 2006. These are the ones that can be used on the C10. Similar rear springs could be found on the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ. All four versions are the same length wise but vary in rate.
The only way to tell them apart is by the color coded tags that are on the springs from the factory, they read as follows:
103AA (or 3AA) 130lb.
104AA (or 4AA) 140lb.
105AA (or 5AA) 150lb.
106AA (or 6AA) 160lb.

[GMC1965]

So in order to have the nice drop of 4 inches and still be able to put a couple hundred pounds in the back I should look for 106AA (or 6AA) 160lb.

[XtechX]

I think the jeep springs I used were the pink tagged 130lb springs. With new white oak boards for a bed floor and me at 140lbs on a good day standing in the back, it doesnt squat hardly at all.(I would estimate about an inch of squat) I also have a 78 Blazer tank behind the rear axle that when full I think will weigh about 130 lbs so that shouldnt be a problem.