(newbie)1966 C-10 shortbox front end question

[telly444]

hey guys so I bought this truck and the previous owner had no info on it as he bought it already built. So I'm trying to fix/ troubleshoot my front end. The truck sways all over the road and the steering is off. now the truck sits really low with just a 1 inch lowering spring. I ran the part number on the spring, mcgaughty 7387-1 which is a 1 inch lowering spring for a 73-87 C10 So does this mean that my front end has been swapped out from a 73-87? I also have a 73-87 steering column, disk brakes up front and 5 lug all around. I wanted to order some parts but was assuming my truck had a 66 front end. what can I install to help the steering issue and make the more stable/ improve steering? and should I be buying 73-87 front end parts?

[Tazimafied]

That is definitely not a '66 front end, or at least not all of it. I would order the parts for the era of the springs, match up parts and what doesn't fit would be ordered for a '66. By the looks of it the later model parts will all fit and there shouldn't be anything from a '66 that will fit.

[telly444]

Okay cool .... mystery truck lol. And this is my first truck I have ever owned so this is all a learning experience for me. Thank you for your time.

[60chevyjim]

it looks like it has dropped spindles too .
I would think most of the parts are all from the same 73-87 parts truck
like the power steering .
if you disconnect one of the ps hoses from the steering box
look to see if it has a Oring seal or just a flare fitting ..
the Oring type is newer than the flare fitting so
this can give you a better idea what year parts truck was used.
just check with a parts store to see what year started using the Oring

[telly444]

Yeah it's slammed to the ground and didn't think a 1 inch spring could do that. Lol I have a race car jack and it won't even go under the front. I'm thinking it's a whole conversion for a late model c-10 350/350 engine /trans , rear end looks different , driveshaft. What should I start lookin at to identify why the steering / control is all screwed up? Sway bar install would probably help

[Captainfab]

Yep, definitely a '73-'87 front suspension with dropped spindles. As for your steering issue, have you checked all the tierods, idler arm and pitman arm for looseness?

[telly444]

Steering rag joint and coupler were loose. Took them apart and tightened everything up. Way less steering play. Everything else looks okay. Needs a good greasing and wheel alightment.

[60chevyjim]

that's good that you found the stuff that was loose , now time to get it aligned .
post some pix of it sitting on the ground with the wheels on it .

[telly444]

so I think for the front I have a 1 inch drop spring and 2.5 inch drop spindle because its fairly low. I ordered 4 inch drop springs, 1.5 inch blocks, shocks, and relocators for the rear. also doing a sway bar for the front. these pics are stock springs on 3 inch lowering blocks in the rear. trailing arms are almost scraping the ground. lol

[Turtleman]

I like the truck... cool color.

[telly444]

yes the color is real cool. nice hotrod color. the bed looks like a NBA court. LOL the interior was done nicely . its a 2008 dodge burnt tangerine pearl color

[60chevyjim]

that's a great looking truck !!
its a good idea to get rid of the 3 inch blocks in the rear .
in case you get a flat tire , nothing should be lower than the bottom of the rim.

[telly444]

Yes sir 1.5 inch blocks on order.

[60chevyjim]

your 64 impala SS looks great too. I have some 59 and 60 chevys

[telly444]

Good eye. Lol I have a Z06 covette as well... house o chevy.
.

[chevy_mike]

Great looking truck. Love the color!

[telly444]

thanks. would you guys happen to know if I would have to remove my box to install a bolt on C notch kit? Can it be done without removing the box? how hard would this be if so...

[Clyde65]

If your only going with 4" springs, you wont need a c-notch. usually 5+ inches of drop.

Have you thought about potential towing with this beauty? If so, I would go with air bags.

Good luck!

[telly444]

my 64 impala SS has a wild air ride system I built from scratch. So the truck is going to be my hot rod. It's getting a big block and will never see any weight or towing in the back at all. maybe a couple bags of groceries at best. I got 4 inch springs with 1.5 inch blocks. 5.5 rear / 3.5 front drop. I removed the bump stops so I have a total of 8 inches of travel from axle to frame. I might just trim the stops and re install them. so if you guys think 5.5/ 3.5 is okay with no notch then I'm good to go.

[akaupp]

I'm running Jeep coils and 2" blocks and the axle hits the frame with a small amount of weight in the bed.

[telly444]

yeah its going to be tight

[telly444]

so with the 4'' spring do I have to run a special shock or is there a cheaper option like a jeep shock or something? I ask because I'm getting ass raped ordering from the US being in Canada right now, and we only have access to parts that are usually vehicle specific. any type of Monroe shock would be my best option