Lowering a C30 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rexroth · 04-08-2017, 10:42 PM

Hey guys, been a lurker for a while over on the 88-98 board, but I've now come across a deal on a 1960 C30 stepside lwb. It's a pretty cool looking truck, and definitely not something you would see driving around where I live! I'm a big fan of lowering a truck, especially the bigger trucks but I can't seem to find much about how to do so for this particular model.

I figure I can just crank the torsion keys and lower the front, but I'm scratching my head for the rear. Ideally, I'd like to flip the axle but then what do I do about notching the frame? Would I be able to use a c-notch from a C10/20? Course, push comes to shove I could always take it to a shop with a fat wad of cash but I do enjoy learning how to do things myself. Heck, I had never changed the oil on a car before I bought my GMT400 two years ago and just last month I finished an engine swap on it.

I've searched the web, but maybe I'm missing something..

**Captainfab** · 04-09-2017, 01:09 AM

The '60-'62 frames are a bit of an odd ball and there is not much available in the way of aftermarket parts. No you can not use a '63-'87 C-notch. Something will have to be fabricated. Before you get too carried away, keep in mind that that C30 differential likely has very low gears in it. If it is a Eaton HO52/72 as I think it is, there are no aftermarket gears available and bearings and seals are getting harder to find and $$$$$ when you do. I would switch it for either a Dana 60 or a 14 bolt.

jcramsey · 04-09-2017, 12:38 PM

I'm in the same boat as you. Have a 62 c20 and want to lower it. How much do you want to lower it...a little or a lot? A little might not be too bad. New springs and some blocks in the rear could get you down 5" pretty easy. I cranked the torsion bars all the way down on mine and I'm sitting on the bumps up front. It's low....but probably going to be a hard ride. Might be able to swap in an later model crossmember and use drop springs and spindles. Looks like performance online sells drop spindles for 73-87 c20 for $400. Not 100% sure that's doable but in my head it sounds like it might be!

04-08-2017, 10:42 PM	#1
Rexroth Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 4	Lowering a C30 Hey guys, been a lurker for a while over on the 88-98 board, but I've now come across a deal on a 1960 C30 stepside lwb. It's a pretty cool looking truck, and definitely not something you would see driving around where I live! I'm a big fan of lowering a truck, especially the bigger trucks but I can't seem to find much about how to do so for this particular model. I figure I can just crank the torsion keys and lower the front, but I'm scratching my head for the rear. Ideally, I'd like to flip the axle but then what do I do about notching the frame? Would I be able to use a c-notch from a C10/20? Course, push comes to shove I could always take it to a shop with a fat wad of cash but I do enjoy learning how to do things myself. Heck, I had never changed the oil on a car before I bought my GMT400 two years ago and just last month I finished an engine swap on it. I've searched the web, but maybe I'm missing something..

04-09-2017, 01:09 AM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Lowering a C30 The '60-'62 frames are a bit of an odd ball and there is not much available in the way of aftermarket parts. No you can not use a '63-'87 C-notch. Something will have to be fabricated. Before you get too carried away, keep in mind that that C30 differential likely has very low gears in it. If it is a Eaton HO52/72 as I think it is, there are no aftermarket gears available and bearings and seals are getting harder to find and $$$$$ when you do. I would switch it for either a Dana 60 or a 14 bolt. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

04-09-2017, 12:38 PM	#3
jcramsey Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Marion, NC Posts: 851	Re: Lowering a C30 I'm in the same boat as you. Have a 62 c20 and want to lower it. How much do you want to lower it...a little or a lot? A little might not be too bad. New springs and some blocks in the rear could get you down 5" pretty easy. I cranked the torsion bars all the way down on mine and I'm sitting on the bumps up front. It's low....but probably going to be a hard ride. Might be able to swap in an later model crossmember and use drop springs and spindles. Looks like performance online sells drop spindles for 73-87 c20 for $400. Not 100% sure that's doable but in my head it sounds like it might be! __________________ The Egg Hauler The Government Mule



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