1980 c10 swb stepside lowering suggestions (new to this)

[80c10]

Like the title says i have recently bought a 1980 c10 swb stepside, and i want to lower this truck. I have never done this so i want to know what the lowest drop i can do is without bottoming out or having to start worrying what driveways i pull in and what not. I have attached a picture of the truck of how it sits now hopefully this helps. Lets get this thing low!

[lolife99]

A 4/6 static drop is a good streetable drop.

I'm sure there are many lowered trucks to look at in this thread:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=409151

[80c10]

im thinking about dropping it 3" in front 4" in rear
but i cant figure out whether to just buy this kit i found on jegs
http://www.jegs.com/i/McGaughy%26%23...93129/10002/-1

or to just peace it together and buy different springs and spindles any suggestions?

[Pop's C-10]

Get spindles..chop a half coil off ya stock spring..shackles & hangers..

[SCOTI]

For someone that's "never done this" sort of thing, stick w/a kit. A 4/6 drop is prob the limit on drop before you have to start being more 'aware' of road condition.

A 2/4 drop would be worry free.

In between would be a 3/5 drop (drops typically come in kit form w/a 2" difference front to rear to remove the factory rake).

I would look for a kit w/drop spindles up front (2.5 or 3" versions are available). They would be a direct swap & not require messing w/the springs.

To match the front drop, there are 3 common choices: 1) Removing leafs (drop varies so it's trial & error); 2)Shackles & hangers (2"+ 2"); 3) Flip-kit (5-6").

[502ms]

Just be advised that with springs/shock drop, most trucks have the same stuff from 19xx, meaning they might be sagging due to age/wear and tear. Therefore, a mild drop might show very minimal altitude adjustment (this was one of the reasons I went with bags...infinite adjustability, unlike my 530i, which is corner balanced and lowered on Bilstein PSS9 coil overs).

That being the case, some adjustments might be needed on the springs to get where you want it. Welcome to the board



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[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 502ms

Just be advised that with springs/shock drop, most trucks have the same stuff from 19xx, meaning they might be sagging due to age/wear and tear. Therefore, a mild drop might show very minimal altitude adjustment (this was one of the reasons I went with bags...infinite adjustability, unlike my 530i, which is corner balanced and lowered on Bilstein PSS9 coil overs).

That being the case, some adjustments might be needed on the springs to get where you want it. Welcome to the board

Very true. This is where drop spindles allow definite drop for an application like this because regardless of the springs current height, you know you're bolting on 2.5 or 3" drop via the spindle.