Lowering Regrets

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by cebra

From what I am gathering I could use 15x7 Rallye wheels on the front and they would clear my drop spindles? I assume I was running 15x8 but I never measured them before I sold them as I didn't know there was a 7 and 8" wide version. I do know the inner lip of the wheel drug badly on my spindle where the tie rod connects. I also had 255/70/15 tires all around but I am not so sure that means I had 8" wheels as a myriad of tires fit any wheel.

Anyways, I am thinking then I can go back and collect all the components of Rallye wheels (tires, caps, trim rings, rims) in a 15x7 front and 15x8 rear. Then I can put stock springs on the front and 3" springs on the rear (ECE not CPP) and I should have some decent functionality back.

I wonder what the value is on a set of 20" wheels/tires with a couple hundred miles on them are...the potential loss on this makes my stomach turn.

I had a '68 Buick Skylark that I sold many years ago. I still regret the money spent/lost on that thing, but to be honest, cutting my losses was the best option, when I consider how much more I would have had to spend to make it all the way restored. At some point, you have to decide what you have is worth to you.

[67ChevyRedneck]

The coil springs front and rear should only be around $250 total. I wouldn't toss your wheels and tires yet. Try out the new springs before swapping everything out.

[clay68c10]

Originally Posted by 67ChevyRedneck

The coil springs front and rear should only be around $250 total. I wouldn't toss your wheels and tires yet. Try out the new springs before swapping everything out.

Yep, do this incrementally. Springs first. Lots of folks on here successfully running drops similar to what you’re wanting with big wheels.

[lolife99]

This is my old '69 that member n2billet has now.
Its low with 20's and rides just fine.

Front:
2.5" drop spindles
3" drop springs.
KYB drop shocks

Rear:
6" drop springs from ECE
2" lowering block
ECE rear shock relocator
ECE Super Track Bar
KYB drop shocks
Bolt-in C-Notch

Stock 1-1/8" sway bar on shorter ECE sway bar mounts and poly bushings from Energy Suspension.
Correct backspace wheels also helps it work.
The tires in this picture are 245/40-20 and 275/40-20.

[cebra]

20" wheels are great but they are not for me and how I drive the truck (500+ miles a week and at very high speed). I regret going from LWB/Stock Ride Height/Rallye wheels so I am trying to get back as close to that as feasible (basically reverse what I have done within reason).

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by cebra

20" wheels are great but they are not for me and how I drive the truck (500+ miles a week and at very high speed). I regret going from LWB/Stock Ride Height/Rallye wheels so I am trying to get back as close to that as feasible (basically reverse what I have done within reason).

My only suggestion is going with a 4" rear drop spring instead of 3" springs. Mainly for aesthetics. The 2.5/4 drop is a great combo that levels the truck out, but still maintains functionality with decent suspension travel for hauling loads, etc. Im afraid the 3" spring may give it too much rake and have a stinkbug stance.

As for tires, if you plan to go back to 15's a 255/70/15 rear and 235/70/15 front looks good on that drop. You could also run a set of 15x8 gray spoke TTIIs on all fours with the same sized tires for rotational purposes and still have a cool, classic look. Aftermarket wheels have different backspacing that will clear the drop spindles and solve any clearance issues with rally wheels.