Lowering 3/4 ton

[UKNOWME]

I'm about to pick up an 88 R20. I feel I've searched all over for lowering kits. I have found Western Chassis makes a spindle but cannot find springs. As far as a flip kit I can only find DJM. I've seen some scary DJM flip kits for the 1/2 tons on this forum so I'm not too confident about that. Which also leaves me with Chassis Tech aka Airbagit. They have kits available but their quality is also questionable. I know I can switch to 1/2 ton suspension but that's further down the road. Any help on springs and flip kit for 3/4 2wd trucks? Thanks

[lolife99]

What about using 73-87 1-ton dually lowering components?
(Not the spindles because the brake caliper mount is different)
But springs, flip kits, and c-notches.
You might PM member Cochino12.
I believe he has lowered a few of these.

[UKNOWME]

I considered 1 ton flip kit but wasn't sure. I'll PM him, thanks

[tinydb84]

You can buy the axle perches for around $25 bucks. Most rearend shops can weld them on for you for $100 bucks or so. Have them match the angle of the other side and you should be close enough to use a 2 degree shim if needed.

I had a Chassis Tech/Airbaggit shackle/hanger kit on my C20 for a bit. I pulled a few of the bottom leafs and the overload. Got me 6 inches of drop.
Before:

After:

It was on my driveway which slopped a bit. The drop was more noticeable when on flat ground. I ended up bagging it before I got the front down.

You could keep everything the same and just special order springs from a spring shop to whatever drop you want as another option. Will likely be more expensive though.

[1970pelle]

I bought all my parts for my 86 C20 from Western Chassis. If you haven't called them yet, you need to. They don't have half of there stuff listed on line, so a phone call is best. I have been really pleased with everything so far, from them.

Ken

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by 1970pelle

I bought all my parts for my 86 C20 from Western Chassis. If you haven't called them yet, you need to. They don't have half of there stuff listed on line, so a phone call is best. I have been really pleased with everything so far, from them.

Ken

Thanks! Do you have any pictures of yours lowered?

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

You can buy the axle perches for around $25 bucks. Most rearend shops can weld them on for you for $100 bucks or so. Have them match the angle of the other side and you should be close enough to use a 2 degree shim if needed.

I had a Chassis Tech/Airbaggit shackle/hanger kit on my C20 for a bit. I pulled a few of the bottom leafs and the overload. Got me 6 inches of drop.
Before:

After:

It was on my driveway which slopped a bit. The drop was more noticeable when on flat ground. I ended up bagging it before I got the front down.

You could keep everything the same and just special order springs from a spring shop to whatever drop you want as another option. Will likely be more expensive though.

Thank you for the advise. I might consider those options if nothing else pans out.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

I'm about to pick up an 88 R20. I feel I've searched all over for lowering kits. I have found Western Chassis makes a spindle but cannot find springs. As far as a flip kit I can only find DJM. I've seen some scary DJM flip kits for the 1/2 tons on this forum so I'm not too confident about that. Which also leaves me with Chassis Tech aka Airbagit. They have kits available but their quality is also questionable. I know I can switch to 1/2 ton suspension but that's further down the road. Any help on springs and flip kit for 3/4 2wd trucks? Thanks

Since it wasn't asked, how much drop are you wanting? That response prob get's you the best answers.

[UKNOWME]

As low as I can get static!
Honestly I was hoping for at least 6" all around. Would be nice to get a 6/8 drop if possible.

[tinydb84]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

As low as I can get static!
Honestly I was hoping for at least 6" all around. Would be nice to get a 6/8 drop if possible.

As low as you can get means some different things. You could run a porterbuilt coil over and get really low.

Anyway, I would do a an axle flip (which will get you about 8'' with the stock spring pack). Run a 3 inch drop spindle and a 2/3'' drop spring. It will get you your 6/8. You will need a C-notch for the rear.

If you plan on running shorter tires at some point you may want to rethink your plan though.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

As low as I can get static!
Honestly I was hoping for at least 6" all around. Would be nice to get a 6/8 drop if possible.

What's the budget?

[1970pelle]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Thanks! Do you have any pictures of yours lowered?

Here you go, I'm very pleased with the ride. Its better than before, surprises most who take a ride with me. I'm still going to try and level it a bit, by dropping the rear a little lower. Was hoping to do it this weekend, but the weather has other things in store for me.

Ken

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by 1970pelle

Here you go, I'm very pleased with the ride. Its better than before, surprises most who take a ride with me. I'm still going to try and level it a bit, by dropping the rear a little lower. Was hoping to do it this weekend, but the weather has other things in store for me.

Ken

So what exactly did you use? What size tires are you running? I called WC today. The guy I spoke with was not much help. Since mine is an 88 he was confusing it with the 88-98 body style. I explained it was a carry over and the same as 73-87z. He still wasn't understanding and kept telling me he didn't know which one I needed then. He did give me a part number for 3" springs but when I look them up they are used for a 1/2 ton. Yours looks great btw!

[cochino12]

This truck was lowered 4/5. The rear was hangers shackles with overload removed, with another leaf or maybe two removed it would have leveled out real nice. All WC stuff

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

So what exactly did you use? What size tires are you running? I called WC today. The guy I spoke with was not much help. Since mine is an 88 he was confusing it with the 88-98 body style. I explained it was a carry over and the same as 73-87z. He still wasn't understanding and kept telling me he didn't know which one I needed then. He did give me a part number for 3" springs but when I look them up they are used for a 1/2 ton. Yours looks great btw!

Just get stuff for an 87 if they aren't getting that it's a square body.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

What's the budget?

Sorry didn't mean to ignore your question. I don't have a specific budget. I'm not wanting to spend thousands. Would be nice if I could get it all for under a grand.

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by cochino12

This truck was lowered 4/5. The rear was hangers shackles with overload removed, with another leaf or maybe two removed it would have leveled out real nice. All WC stuff

What size tires are you running there? That's almost perfect!
Front is spindles and a coil cut?

[1970pelle]

I received from WC in 3 heavy boxes was. Two spindles with 2 inches of drop, 1 inch lowering front springs. Rear leaf spring shackles and front hangers. I did have to do some modifying on the hangers. They didn't match up to my bolt holes, so rather than drill more holes in my frame. I filled in the holes and drilled new ones in the hangers.

Ken

[UKNOWME]

Originally Posted by 1970pelle

I received from WC in 3 heavy boxes was. Two spindles with 2 inches of drop, 1 inch lowering front springs. Rear leaf spring shackles and front hangers. I did have to do some modifying on the hangers. They didn't match up to my bolt holes, so rather than drill more holes in my frame. I filled in the holes and drilled new ones in the hangers.

Ken

So how else did you achieve 4.5/6?

[1970pelle]

I went back and looked I think I have 2 inch drop front springs. When I installed everything I replaced all the ball joints, sway bar mounts, any bad/worn tie rod ends. 4 new drop shocks from WC. I the rear I'm in the hole in the rear shackle that gives the lowest setting, also the lowest hole in the front hangers.
I did remove the 3rd leaf from the top out of the spring pack. Leaving the overload spring in place. I am running a 2 degree shim on each side of the leaf springs to keep the vibration away. I'm not sure how I achieved the amount of drop I did, but really pleased with my work.
I'm running the stock wheels 16 X 7.5 with the stock size tire 215R7516LT.

Which surprise me with such a heavy optioned truck. It came with 350,4bbl,700r4, 3:42 rear axle, engine oil cooler, towing package, a heavy optioned interior,carpet,bed lamp, custom door panels with power door locks but no power windows.dual fuel tanks,chrome rear step bumper. Had the slid out spare tire rack.Clock with all the other gauges, the stainless steel dash & door panel trim.

A before picture. I will have pictures of my interior soon. I have been working on it for a few weeks now. Its been a big job as well, not so much dirty or beat up. Just getting things to match somewhat close.

Ken