Before and after lowering pic's

[1970pelle]

I used Western Chassis parts, 2 1/2 lowering spindles, 1" drop coils, 2" drop rear spring hangers, 2" drop shackles, 4 new lowering shocks.
I also replaced all 4 ball joints, all the swap bar bushings, New front wheel bearings and grease seals.
Next a front end alignment, I'll have a friend with a flat bed carry it over. Rather than tear up my new tires.

Ken

[jjzepplin]

I like it. Is it easier to get in and out of?

[Woodyboat]

I really like it. To me, it's just right!

I really admire and respect the work and artistry that goes into many of these bagged trucks that can completely sit right down on the ground. But the amount of utility that is given up to get this feature has to factored in too. I think that a guy can only lower his truck a modest amount if he still intends to use it as a truck. Is that what you've got in mind here?

If so, then I'm with you. You've got just about the amount of drop I want to achieve with my Big Dually because I really still need to use this as a daily work truck.

[1970pelle]

Yes Its very easy to slide right into the front seat.

The truck still has the overload spring in the rear. And I plan on towing with it as before, and hauling bikes in it also. I never drove it daily, I ride more than I drive. But as I get older that is changing.

Ken

[TKCR]

I like that height. It does make it easier to get in and out of.

[bhc41051]

Yes definitely easier to get into, and it looks well....ah....well...um....hey as long as you like it that's what counts.

[1970pelle]

Originally Posted by bhc41051

Yes definitely easier to get into, and it looks well....ah....well...um....hey as long as you like it that's what counts.

I understand that some guys and gals don't care for lowered or lifted trucks.
But as you said its what the owner likes is what counts. As far as easy access it never was a on my pro or con list. But dealing with a bum leg, its helps.

It was a very well planned drop. Because I needed my truck to be still workable, in towing and hauling bikes. It still has the same tires & wheels as before.

My biggest issue is keeping both my boys out of the truck. Now its cool to drive dads truck around.

Ken

[68Timber]

Looks good, and nice truck - I love the C20's. Normally I prefer a little rake but it being a long bed I think it'd look better if you lowered the rear a little more and leveled it out. And put those poverty caps back on.

[Woodyboat]

I don't know...

I actually really like the rake. It just goes to show that everyone is a little different.

[1970pelle]

I set the toe today, so I was able to run it up the road. It felt nice and smooth. I'm still breaking in the engine and trans, this has been a year long project. Next week I'm going to start on wet sanding it and buffing some shine back. I tried several different ways of doing things and wet sanding produced the best results. Photo's to follow.


Ken

[Jaysonb]

+1 on putting the hubcaps back on. Nice truck.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 1970pelle

I used Western Chassis parts, 2 1/2 lowering spindles, 1" drop coils, 2" drop rear spring hangers, 2" drop shackles, 4 new lowering shocks.
I also replaced all 4 ball joints, all the swap bar bushings, New front wheel bearings and grease seals.
Next a front end alignment, I'll have a friend with a flat bed carry it over. Rather than tear up my new tires.

Ken

Looks excellent, and done correctly.

Originally Posted by Woodyboat

I really like it. To me, it's just right!..... I think that a guy can only lower his truck a modest amount if he still intends to use it as a truck. Is that what you've got in mind here?

Actually thats a misconception. If done correctly a bagged truck can haul as much or more than a stock truck.

[1970pelle]

Thanks guys I put a lot of effort into planning a project. I never get in a hurry, when things start to go wrong I walk away from it for a while. I know most of you don't have that luxury, using your trucks as daily drivers. I took a year to get to this point of my project.

The issue with the dog dish caps, is family related. My two boys say NO, so I'm going to let them have there say for a short while. I'm adding chrome lug nuts, Its too new of a vehicle for that style of look, I wish they made spiders for 8 lug wheels.

They will be back polished and standing tall.


Ken

[1970pelle]

I finally made my appointment for the front end alignment. So I washed the year of garage dust and dirty hand prints off the truck. Set the toe so I wouldn't destroy my new tires, on the short trip to the shop.
I thought I need to test drive it after the drop. Glad I did, I have a very bad slow vibration. Once back in the driveway, peak underneath. The rear diff pinion angle is off, I know I should have checked this.
I picked up a set of 2 degree shims and 4 degree shims today. I broke out my Miller Inclinometer (I had to look how to spell this) A tool I bought many years ago that has paid for its self many times over. 4 degrees seams to be the fix, but we'll see tomorrow.
Back to my test drive the vibration would stop after 10 mph. I'll say my truck rides so smooth with this drop, I hit the normal road bumps here. And it performs perfect, I'm really surprised and pleased.

Ken

[1970pelle]

Worked the kinks out of the drop this weekend. I ended up using 4 degree shims under the leaf springs. I also while there removed the 3rd leaf out of the spring pack. I decided to level the truck out. By doing that it really change the way the truck looked to me, so the trim ring came off and on with the dog dish caps are on. Thoughts ?

I also have the interior apart, repainting door jams, door panels. And finishing up any loose ends. I also have started wet sanding, did did the tailgate Sunday. It came out good. A panel at a time.

I forgot one thing, I installed my rear bumper. I did the mod that allowed me to suck it in a few inches. It really looks nice, I painted the filler panels with the texture paint left over from my A-pillar install. Because of the pitting was really bad, then semi gloss black. The bad is I used a El-CheapO rear re-pop chrome bumper. And it is really a piece of thin junk, it kinked and bent during bolt tightening.

Ken

[68Timber]

Ken that looks great - I want one!