Static Drop Questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

afcamaro · 04-16-2012, 11:28 AM

I have been searching high and low and cannot figure out a direct answer. I have a few questions. I have a 70 SWB truck and want to lower it.

In the summer Im always pulling a trailer and do not want to bottom out. I want it the lowest I can go, without bottoming out. I was thinking a 3/4 drop or 4/5 drop. Id even do a 2/3 drop if I had to. Which one would be the best route to go since I will be towing?

What all would be needed for a 3/4 drop, 2/3, and 4/5 drop. I keep reading people are c-nothing at 5 and 6" drops in the rear and that is not something I want to do at this point. Do the shocks really need the relocation brackets and an adjustable panhard bar?

What is the lowest I should go with just ordering a spring in front instead of a drop spindle?

Most likely it will have 20" wheels but the 18" are not out of the question.
Any pictures would help greatly. Thanks.

**lolife99** · 04-16-2012, 12:15 PM

3/5 drop is the lowest spring drop.
This will require drop shocks, rear shock relocator and adjustable track bar.
(no notch).

A 3/4 drop would require:
1) drop shocks up front.
2) Stock rear shocks and brackets.
3) Stock track bar.

A 2/4 drop would let you use stock front shocks.

Just remember,... these drop springs are "x" inches lower than new replacement stock springs,...
NOT your sagging 40+ year old springs that are on the truck now.

So a 2" drop spring might only net you 1" of additional drop.

afcamaro · 04-16-2012, 10:08 PM

ok so with the 3/5 drop, that will even the truck out correct? Just asking because so many trucks on here have a 2 inch more drop in the rear and still have a small rake. Might be their wheel configurations.

Would I still be able to tow with a 5" drop in the rear? will I need to take the rubber frame bumpers off? Thanks

Andy4639 · 04-19-2012, 04:06 AM

I cut my rear rubber even with the frame so it just hits the rubber before the frame. Then I added the helper air bags and it works great. The ride is outstanding.

afcamaro · 04-19-2012, 09:39 AM

Alright thanks, What drop do you have on your truck? Do you know how much travel room in the rear you have?

Andy4639 · 04-19-2012, 02:23 PM

Check this out. This is a video of my truck running 20" wheels all around.
With the shock relocator and helper air bags.

Rear Cleargearz cover #2 - YouTube

afcamaro · 04-19-2012, 02:50 PM

alright im convinced. guess if its not stiff enough ill throw some helper bags on it as well.

04-16-2012, 11:28 AM	#1
afcamaro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: topeka, ks Posts: 616	Static Drop Questions I have been searching high and low and cannot figure out a direct answer. I have a few questions. I have a 70 SWB truck and want to lower it. In the summer Im always pulling a trailer and do not want to bottom out. I want it the lowest I can go, without bottoming out. I was thinking a 3/4 drop or 4/5 drop. Id even do a 2/3 drop if I had to. Which one would be the best route to go since I will be towing? What all would be needed for a 3/4 drop, 2/3, and 4/5 drop. I keep reading people are c-nothing at 5 and 6" drops in the rear and that is not something I want to do at this point. Do the shocks really need the relocation brackets and an adjustable panhard bar? What is the lowest I should go with just ordering a spring in front instead of a drop spindle? Most likely it will have 20" wheels but the 18" are not out of the question. Any pictures would help greatly. Thanks.

04-16-2012, 10:08 PM	#3
afcamaro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: topeka, ks Posts: 616	Re: Static Drop Questions ok so with the 3/5 drop, that will even the truck out correct? Just asking because so many trucks on here have a 2 inch more drop in the rear and still have a small rake. Might be their wheel configurations. Would I still be able to tow with a 5" drop in the rear? will I need to take the rubber frame bumpers off? Thanks

04-19-2012, 04:06 AM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Static Drop Questions I cut my rear rubber even with the frame so it just hits the rubber before the frame. Then I added the helper air bags and it works great. The ride is outstanding. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

04-19-2012, 09:39 AM	#5
afcamaro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: topeka, ks Posts: 616	Re: Static Drop Questions Alright thanks, What drop do you have on your truck? Do you know how much travel room in the rear you have?

04-19-2012, 02:50 PM	#7
afcamaro Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: topeka, ks Posts: 616	Re: Static Drop Questions alright im convinced. guess if its not stiff enough ill throw some helper bags on it as well.

04-16-2012, 12:15 PM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,701	Re: Static Drop Questions 3/5 drop is the lowest spring drop. This will require drop shocks, rear shock relocator and adjustable track bar. (no notch). A 3/4 drop would require: 1) drop shocks up front. 2) Stock rear shocks and brackets. 3) Stock track bar. A 2/4 drop would let you use stock front shocks. Just remember,... these drop springs are "x" inches lower than new replacement stock springs,... NOT your sagging 40+ year old springs that are on the truck now. So a 2" drop spring might only net you 1" of additional drop. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823



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