A new truck & how low is it?

[Bchain]

Well I've been lurking on this forum for about two years now while working on this truck. Really stinking amazing how much knowledge you guys have, I've been learning by osmosis just browsing around.

This is a 73 c10 stepside and it has a family story, at some point I will put together a build thread. Want to get a bit further on it first. Those threads are no good without a ton of pictures.

For now I have a question. The truck was lowered in the early 70's (heated springs in front, removed leafs with air shocks in back). I am in the middle of a full frame teardown and would like to replace the coil springs (am thinking I can get away without spindles, after all that's how it is done right now).

Figure some practiced eyes can look at this thing and tell me what springs I should order. Guessing 2" but would hate to get the wrong ones.

Tires are 295/50/15 if that helps. Old school hotrod. Can't see the front real well in the second pic but proves that she isn't covered in bird crap any more.

Brian

[Joe69C10]

Looks like 2" in the front to me. Congrats! Nice truck!
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[Ziegelsteinfaust]

my guess is 2.5 or 3 inch front, 5+ rear.

[Bchain]

2" to 3" makes sense at least, that would be the range I can get with lowering springs (at least based on Summit's options).

Surprised to hear 5" in the back. Suppose it could have been low on air, there is a pretty good adjustment in those air shocks. The back has all but one leaf and the helper leaf removed. I think that the rest of the setup back there is stock, except for the shocks. Not sure how many leafs are normal for a 2wd half ton?

Anyway, I forgot to mention that before I tore the truck down, if it was just sitting on the garage floor, I could just barely slide under the exhaust. So it isn't on the ground or anything.

Joe, that's a nice looking truck you've got. Helped my father in law buy an 86 that looks just like it, minus some trim.
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[N2TRUX]

Nice truck! Regardless of what you have I suggest you go with 2" springs. Anything more and you wont like the ride.

Dont be afraid of dropped spindles. I would run them first and springs later.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Nice truck! Regardless of what you have I suggest you go with 2" springs. Anything more and you wont like the ride.

Dont be afraid of dropped spindles. I would run them first and springs later.

I second this.

[Tx Firefighter]

3 inch drop coils ride horribly. This is a lesson I learned the hard way.
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[bigd65]

2 inch coils are not BAD, but don't ride like factory. I do like the steady ride of the 2inch, but going back with the factory springs when my spindles come in
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[bigd65]

And from the looks of that picture, that sure is a nice truck
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[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

3 inch drop coils ride horribly. This is a lesson I learned the hard way.
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Amen brother. Lesson learned myself.

[DREAMER1]

X2 on the drop spindles...I'd grab a set of factory springs from the salvage yard an dropped spindles. 2"or 2.5"
The rear does look like a 5" in the rear.
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[Bchain]

Originally Posted by bigd65

And from the looks of that picture, that sure is a nice truck
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Thanks!

It's a bit rougher up close, needs paint and a bit of body work. Not much rust at all though. Couple of things that have been done to it over the years that I would not repeat, including the heated springs (maybe defendable since that was done in the seventies).
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[Bchain]

Dreamer, good call on the junkyard springs. Cheap and frees up money for spindles, which sounds like the better way to start.

Are 2" drop spindles equal to 2" lowering springs? Good source on spindles?

Also, what is the best plan if the front end is too low/high after reassembly? I'm thinking 2" drop spindles and then I can always add lowering springs if necessary? Is there a better approach?
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[slugish]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Amen brother. Lesson learned myself.

yea , got 3 in. drop springs on mine > not a very pleasasnt ride

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by Bchain

Dreamer, good call on the junkyard springs. Cheap and frees up money for spindles, which sounds like the better way to start.

Are 2" drop spindles equal to 2" lowering springs? Good source on spindles?

Also, what is the best plan if the front end is too low/high after reassembly? I'm thinking 2" drop spindles and then I can always add lowering springs if necessary? Is there a better approach?
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I think these questions would be easier to answer if we know how low you want to go in relation to where it sits now(looks 2/4in to me) and if you are keeping those slot wheels and tires. From what I can see in the pics you will have rubbing issues if you go any lower. I would definitely start with a fresh set of spring front and rear(new or used).

[1977cheyenne_C10]

Nice truck man. ive always been a fan of wide rims (15x10).

[Bchain]

Originally Posted by J Knight

I think these questions would be easier to answer if we know how low you want to go in relation to where it sits now(looks 2/4in to me) and if you are keeping those slot wheels and tires. From what I can see in the pics you will have rubbing issues if you go any lower. I would definitely start with a fresh set of spring front and rear(new or used).

Good question, I am trying to maintain the stance it has in the pic up top. Do NOT want to go lower, no 6" drop plans here.

I am also trying to keep the 15" mag slots and 295s on it. These wheels have only a 3.5" back space (van wheels?), from what I read this should mean that I won't need to trim on my lower control arms if I do drop spindles...

From much reading of others posts I am thinking 2.5/4 will give me a level drop...sound right? I am going with air shocks on the back end so I can adjust somewhat to match the front...

If I only need 2" I am tempted to just do springs as 2" spindles seem rarer.
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[Bchain]

Look at slonaker's truck in this thread. Looks right to me and he says 2.5/4 got him a level drop...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...el+stance+drop
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