85 c10 lowering question

[jstrong394]

Plans are to put a 2.5/4 lowering kit on my swb. What is the best approach. I was looking at western chassis. Just use the springs on the front or spindles? On the rear just a hanger and shackle kit or the leaf springs? This will just be a weekend crusing truck. No plans to haul anything at all. Also plan to just run the stock ralleys. Any advice on which would be the best setup I would definitely appreciate it

[bbbc10]

I have western chassis on my truck and love it go with the 2.5 spindles and do the shackle and hangers

[chevyrestoguy]

Western makes a nice product. I think you'll really like it.

[jstrong394]

Do any of the forum vendors sale western chassis products?

[Pro Performance]

I don't sell Western Chassis, which are nice quality, but McGuaghys makes a nice product as well. We sell their stuff, and let me know if we can help out.

To do the 2.5/4, the spindle up front and shackle / hanger combo will be the best route... Like mentioned above.

http://www.azproperformance.com/McGa...129-93130.html

[jstrong394]

I plan to replace shocks and springs. Do I need certain shocks and springs if going with the kit above?

[Pro Performance]

You can add the McGaughys shocks to that kit, and they would work with that setup.

[jstrong394]

Do I have to replace the stock with the drop shocks or will stock size work?

[Pro Performance]

Stock will be ok up front with the spindles, but would go with shorter drop shocks in the rear.

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by jstrong394

Plans are to put a 2.5/4 lowering kit on my swb. What is the best approach. I was looking at western chassis. Just use the springs on the front or spindles? On the rear just a hanger and shackle kit or the leaf springs? This will just be a weekend crusing truck. No plans to haul anything at all. Also plan to just run the stock ralleys. Any advice on which would be the best setup I would definitely appreciate it

See my album for pics by clicking on the link below my signature line.
I used Western Chassis 2.5" drop spindles up front and 4" drop hangers and shackles in the rear. Stock OEM coil springs up front. Running 15"x8" steel rally rims on 255-70R Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires (now discontinued) all around. No issues with at all with clearances or any rubbing.

Just installed Western Chassis 1.5" drop coils to make the ride stiffer and for a more aggressive look. However, when I installed it this past weekend, it was about the same gap as the stock springs (as the stock springs lost their spring rate - 28 years old). See my drop coil review at Summit Racing: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WST-631015

With the above set up, I can carry payload, hit the corners hard and not worry about bottoming out or rubbing.

[N2TRUX]

Unless you "need" to replace the springs I recommend going with spindle first up front. Instead of a short front shock use a replacement upper bracket and longer shock to gain more travel. If you need more drop, cut one coil from the stock unit or add aftermarket if necessary.

[lolife99]

I would use Belltech, Western Chassis or McGaughy's.
All great QUALITY products.

[iehotrod]

what do you guys think of the axle flip kits for the rear?

[truckfan]

I am wanting the same drop.

[Dball]

I'll post some pictures if I ever get it finished. I went with a Belltech 3/4 spindles with hangers and shackles in the rear. I'm replacing absolutely everything though.I went with new stock coils and shocks in the front and replaced every other frontend component while I was at it. I went with new leaf springs in the rear and 4" drop shocks. Hopefully I'll be able to finish up today if all the parts come in.

[Dball]

Well here's the front done, I'm thinking about cutting a coil off of the stock springs not sure about clearance though. The rear still has to be done.

[Dball]

Well here it is 3/4 Belltech, 4" drop shocks in the rear all stock up front. Truck handles a lot better now and I dont have a sway bar in the front yet.

[tinydb84]

Gorgeous truck! I saw half a coil up front and it will be perfect