Lowering on the cheap - 68 SWB C10 6 lug drum

[CC69Rat]

Originally Posted by Jay W

Hey guys, I just bought a 69 chevy. The PO said he lowered it 5"/6" but it has been done with coil only so I think he misled me. The truck rests on the front bump stop and about 1" above in the rear. The truck has been converted to 5X5 lugs I would like to change the front to a 3" coil and 2.5" spindle but am wondering what coil drop would result in resting on the bump stops? I believe he may have cut the front coils is there any easy way to determine this?

Jay - To get 5" drop in the front with a coil only, they likely cut two (or more) turns out of the spring. This can not only cause a brutal ride but will cause alignment issues, excessive tire wear, and overall just an ill handling truck. I'm not sure I'd drive it really.

CPP offers a 3" drop coil and either 2 or 2.5" spindles for your 69. I think the two can be purchased for about $310+ shipping. If you want to go that low that's the route I'd suggest or look at bagging it

Either way man, maybe a 2" drop coil and a 3" spindle? I'd get some of the suspension travel back if I were you. Get it off the bumpstops. Just my opinion. You can bend A-Arms, etc. Dangerous stuff man.

Take it easy.

[Jay W]

Ya it is rough riding but its only a weekend cruiser I probably will only get Miles on it this yr so I don't mind the rough ride. I think this winter I'll go for a 3" coil and 2.5" spindle, I would also like a little less coil drop in the back and get a 1" block.

I noticed when I swapped tires out it doesn't take much travel before the spring is loose so it probably is 2+ coil cut but I haven't noticed a problem yet with that. I don't take it on the freeway so am not as concerned with high speed pumps and having the coil shift.

Thanks for the reply

[Rafael505]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Jay - To get 5" drop in the front with a coil only, they likely cut two (or more) turns out of the spring. This can not only cause a brutal ride but will cause alignment issues, excessive tire wear, and overall just an ill handling truck. I'm not sure I'd drive it really.

CPP offers a 3" drop coil and either 2 or 2.5" spindles for your 69. I think the two can be purchased for about $310+ shipping. If you want to go that low that's the route I'd suggest or look at bagging it

Either way man, maybe a 2" drop coil and a 3" spindle? I'd get some of the suspension travel back if I were you. Get it off the bumpstops. Just my opinion. You can bend A-Arms, etc. Dangerous stuff man.

Take it easy.

What do u think of the 3" drop coil spring up front and cutting then 1" to 2" more to give it 4" or 5" drop,, without putting the 2" spindles and the rear 5" drop coil spring and adding a 2" block to go 7" ? This is what I was thinking of doing on my 67 c10 cuz right now I cant afford spindles or air ride, thanks for the help, suggestions and Ideals

[oldblue1968chevy]

I think a 3" drop coil is maximum.

After that you need control arms or spindles I believe

[CC69Rat]

Old Blue is right - I wouldn't go much more than 3" spring if any. You will run into issues with alignment and the fact the spring would be too short to fit into the spring pockets. IF you jump a hill or something like Dukes of Hazzard, your coil spring could come flying out. Bad news ..

Drivability would suffer and IMO, start to become dangerous. I actually sold the blue stepper I had in this post but man I think it turned out ok with 3" CPP coils. It took it a while to settle but it did. a 235/70/15 front tire and it was right on the fender lip. I thought it looked fine, but you may want it lower. It starts to get expensive at that point.

[Rafael505]

Yes Yes,, I think for now that's what I will do ,, 3" front and go with a 1" block in the rear with my 5" spring ,, that will look nice ,, thanks guys

[oldblue1968chevy]

I have 1 coil cut from my front springs (2" drop?) They 'try' to come out going over big hills fast (think dukes of hazzard). I can hear them

[Rafael505]

Originally Posted by Rafael505

Yes,, I think for now that's what I will do ,, 3" coil spring drop front and go with a 1" block in the rear with my 5" coil spring drop ,, that will look nice ,, thanks guys

I wouldn't want to run into probs thats for sure...