Lowering question. Have a look at my pictures please.

[CPO1]

I'd like to lower the front of my 65 GMC and add disc brakes. It has 15 Rally Wheels on drum brakes. The front tire shown is a 255/60x15 and as you can see by the straight edge running up the tire side walls, there doesn't appear to be a lot of clearance. Or is this normal? If I drop the front what considerations do I need to have proper clearance?

The surface of the tire tread to the lip of that fender measures 4 inches. I believe the PO cut the coil 2 inches already



Here's another angle.


Does this look like the coil has already been cut??

Another side view


Do I need a modular drop spindle for clearance?
Can I use a regular drop spindle or Do I need to go with narrower tire like a P225?
Let me know what you guys think.
Appreciated.

[Bomp]

Nice looking truck.
Welcome to the forum.
Not sure about how much is cut.
I put dropped spindles on mine but I've also gone a little extreme.

[familyfast64]

You may need s different backspace on those rims with drop spindles for disc brakes. I mean, far as I know. If you only did spindles it looks like you might be fine clearance wise. There usually only 2.5". You can do drop springs tho too..

[Snailed]

I think the best way to see what will work is to remove the spring, unhook the swaybar, and jack the lower control arm up and down and turn the wheel to see if/where it will hit.

Things to consider beyond changing tire size/wheel offset...

The wheel doesn't travel in a perfectly straight line. Once the upper control arm goes past horizontal it pulls the top of the wheel in as it goes up. Same for the lower control arm but to a lesser extent since it's longer that the upper.

You can adjust your camber a little more negative than factory spec (top in, removing shims) to gain tire clearance without any negative affects as long as the toe and caster settings are reasonable.

You can bend or roll the fender lip and of cut the flange at the top to gain clearance.

[CPO1]

Bomp- looks like a fun build you have. Im still reading it.

Familyfast and Snailed.-That's good information and give me soon direction. I'll try that and read up on back spacing. Helps alot. Thanks.

[johnny's classics]

I cut a coil and installed 2.5 drop spindles. I run 8 inch rally wheels and have no clearance issues.

[CPO1]

Originally Posted by johnny's classics

I cut a coil and installed 2.5 drop spindles. I run 8 inch rally wheels and have no clearance issues.

Looks good!! What tire size?? Thanks.

[kieth]

We installed a 91 burb front end on my 66 which makes it wider by 3/4" per side, the wheels are 17" x 8" cragars with no off set, the tires are 265/60/17" michelins. we also used 2.5" drop spindles with standard 6 cylinder front springs from the 66.........the attached picture shows how it sits and drives down the road......it barely cleared and I take it easy on rough turns......but so far it has not rubbed in the front. now the rear is a different matter.......should have moved my rear end back 1.5" to avoid clearance issues with the rear inner fender lips...............Kieth


http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...zNtdr&lb=1&s=A



Nice looking GMC we GMC owners have to stick together........



Here is how my truck sat before the drop spindles:

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...0786&k=c5FVJVM


Oh yes we do have bags on the back so we can adjust the stance.....

[johnny's classics]

The tires are 235x70 15 on all 4

[luvbowties]

Originally Posted by CPO1

Bomp- looks like a fun build you have. Im still reading it.

Familyfast and Snailed.-That's good information and give me soon direction. I'll try that and read up on back spacing. Helps alot. Thanks.

Welcome to the forum, and you have one sharp-looking ride! Just a note you may wish to remember: those wheels were made in 8", 7", something like 6 1/2", and maybe another width in-between. Some came on vans, and they were the narrower, iirc. [Also, some were made with the big GM 5-lug pattern.] If you find you need a bit more clearance, that may be had by running the slightly narrower wheels on the front.
Sam

[CPO1]

Originally Posted by kieth

We installed a 91 burb front end on my 66 which makes it wider by 3/4" per side, the wheels are 17" x 8" cragars with no off set, the tires are 265/60/17" michelins. we also used 2.5" drop spindles with standard 6 cylinder front springs from the 66.........the attached picture shows how it sits and drives down the road......it barely cleared and I take it easy on rough turns......but so far it has not rubbed in the front. now the rear is a different matter.......should have moved my rear end back 1.5" to avoid clearance issues with the rear inner fender lips...............Kieth


http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...zNtdr&lb=1&s=A



Nice looking GMC we GMC owners have to stick together........



Here is how my truck sat before the drop spindles:

http://kieth.smugmug.com/Trucks/66-G...0786&k=c5FVJVM


Oh yes we do have bags on the back so we can adjust the stance.....

Thanks for the photo's Kieth. I like your attitude fellow GMC owner. Great truck btw.

[CPO1]

Originally Posted by luvbowties

Welcome to the forum, and you have one sharp-looking ride! Just a note you may wish to remember: those wheels were made in 8", 7", something like 6 1/2", and maybe another width in-between. Some came on vans, and they were the narrower, iirc. [Also, some were made with the big GM 5-lug pattern.] If you find you need a bit more clearance, that may be had by running the slightly narrower wheels on the front.
Sam

Thanks for the compliment. I really like it but can't take credit. My late brother in law built it and I'm keeping it in the family. Narrower rims is a good and easy solution. I like the Rally so I'll keep my eye open for a 7. Cheers.

[kieth]

Originally Posted by CPO1

Thanks for the compliment. I really like it but can't take credit. My late brother in law built it and I'm keeping it in the family. Narrower rims is a good and easy solution. I like the Rally so I'll keep my eye open for a 7. Cheers.

on the varying widths of gmc factory rallyes, I have only seen the narrow widths in 5 lug, no 6 lug, thanks for the compliment. Kieth

[McCoyAZ]

Don't be shy about dropping her LOW

[CPO1]

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

Don't be shy about dropping her LOW

Haha That's Fantastic!!. Can you short box it too??

[faribran]

it IS your truck.. but please think twice before rolling the inner lip of the fender.... i hate it when i get a vehicle and the prior owner has done this........

[McCoyAZ]

Originally Posted by CPO1

Haha That's Fantastic!!. Can you short box it too??

Why YES I can.....................

[CPO1]

Originally Posted by McCoyAZ

Why YES I can.....................

Love it!! Absolutely love it!! Thanks Got me thinking too. I should read up on how to slam a truck. I'm guessing this amount is only achieved with air?

[CPO1]

Originally Posted by faribran

it IS your truck.. but please think twice before rolling the inner lip of the fender.... i hate it when i get a vehicle and the prior owner has done this........

The front fenders are fiberglass. Quick background- this truck was built by my late brother in law between 1988-1991. I'm not sure if steel repops were available then or what other factors led to the decision to replace rather than to hammer and dolly the original steel. Regardless, I thank everyone who's contributed ideas and suggestions.