Lowered coils for big block trucks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bad Karma · 10-22-2004, 03:31 PM

Are there any aftermarket drop coils that are specifically for BBC trucks/Suburbans? I've looked but most don't specify engine size. BellTech does, but they only list small blocks.

Thanks!

cliffsta · 10-22-2004, 03:58 PM

I THINK in LMC they have listing for small block and big block, might wanna order their catalog if you haven't already.
www.lmctruck.com
I'm far from all-knowing with suspension, but there are plenty on this board who know EVERYTHING, so i betya you get some help.
PS: Welcome to the board from Louisiana! Lotta info here.

Bad Karma · 10-22-2004, 04:03 PM

Thanks! I have ordered stuff from LMC before, very happy with them. However, I have a 77 GMC Suburban, 1/2-ton w/454 that I want to lower a little. I use it as a DD and tow rig, so for now I was going for about a 2" or 3" drop in front. So my dilemma is, should I order 2" coils and see how much my truck drops, or look for BB-specific coils (which I'm beginning to doubt exist).

bigblock73 · 10-22-2004, 04:10 PM

I don't think such coils exist...at least I have never seen them.

Welcome to the board by the way.

**swervin ervin** · 10-22-2004, 04:15 PM

I'm with Jeff. I've never seen them listed for big block of small either. I've bought coils twice and was never asked what I had.

And another welcome to the board.

Bad Karma · 10-22-2004, 04:15 PM

Thank you! Great board, lots of good info. I'll be hanging out here alot.

Slonaker · 10-22-2004, 04:45 PM

If that is all you want to drop it, why not go with drop spindles? They cost more, but will avoid the spring issue entirely. You also won't have to worry about bottoming out, getting shorter shocks, etc.

I have 2 1/2 inch Western Chassis drop spindles, and I am very pleased with them.

Slonaker

Bad Karma · 10-22-2004, 04:54 PM

Good point, I'm not sure why I am set on coils....just cheap, I guess. :p Thats a great idea, I can avoid any alignment issues that may crop up, also.

Slonaker · 10-22-2004, 05:02 PM

I'm a cheap bastard, but I have learned the hard way too may times that the cheap way is often unsatisfactory. It is only cheaper if it works. if you have to do the work twice, and pay for parts twice, it isn't really cheaper.

Also, since my truck is my daily driver, I didn't want to make it ride any worse than it already does.

Slonaker

**swervin ervin** · 10-22-2004, 05:58 PM

Slonaker is right. Before ever buying springs to drop the front, always go with a drop spindle first. Then later, when (not if) you want to go lower, you are already ahead of the game.

Most of us drop guys have been through about all the ways to lower one. Myself, I've used about every way there is except for bags. Buy the spindles and be done with it. You'll be much happier in the long run. Drop coils ruin the ride. The lower you go, the worse it gets.

Bad Karma · 10-22-2004, 06:36 PM

More good points. I am actually restraining myself as to how low I go right now. I would love to go nuts, but my Sub still needs to pull an open car hauler with a Toyota rockbuggy on it. Maybe the slammed truck bug will overpower my 4-wheeling bug....

Bad Karma · 10-22-2004, 07:24 PM

Just found some heavy-duty front drop coils at this forum's sponsor, www.gmcpauls.com (just for future reference). I will get the spindles first, though. Thanks everyone.

SanitysBane · 10-23-2004, 01:18 AM

it DOES matter wether big or small block, the front of my truck is lowered about 1 to 2 inches jsut from putting in a big block on small block springs, the big blocks weighs around 300 pounds more i belive.

**swervin ervin** · 10-23-2004, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanitysBane

it DOES matter wether big or small block...........

I don't think any of us said it didn't matter. We said they don't sell them that way. I've never seen an ad where they listed drop coils and asked if it was a big block or small.

cochran63 · 10-23-2004, 11:37 PM

I am glad this was brought up.I have a set of 1.5 drop springs for my 63. I bought them when i was planning on putting a SB in the truck. Now that I have a BB will using them hurt the ride and handling? What ever I end up doing I know I will need to replace the stock 6cyl springs.

toytruck · 10-24-2004, 02:04 AM

Wouldn't Western Chassis C30 drop coils be for a big block?

Tx Firefighter · 10-24-2004, 07:09 AM

I swapped from an inline 6 cylinder to a 454 and also went from a 3 speed on the column to an auto trans, and added power steering and power brakes at the same time. Lowered the truck maybe 1/2 inch from the extra weight.

I run the Summit brand (Ground Force makes them) 2 inch generic 73-87 truck front drop springs.

1974ChevyC10 · 10-24-2004, 01:53 PM

sorry to jack the thread but in terms of stock height springs could you get a set for a BB equipped truck but use them in a SB equipped truck.im thinking of this b/c my truck has heavy duty springs in the rear but not in the front and i want it to have a little firmer ride-or can you order heavy half front srpings if such a thing exists.

Slonaker · 10-25-2004, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1974ChevyC10

sorry to jack the thread but in terms of stock height springs could you get a set for a BB equipped truck but use them in a SB equipped truck.im thinking of this b/c my truck has heavy duty springs in the rear but not in the front and i want it to have a little firmer ride-or can you order heavy half front srpings if such a thing exists.

When I bought the springs for my truck there was a heavy duty and a light duty option. I got stock Moog springs from O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Slonaker

10-22-2004, 03:31 PM	#1
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	Lowered coils for big block trucks? Are there any aftermarket drop coils that are specifically for BBC trucks/Suburbans? I've looked but most don't specify engine size. BellTech does, but they only list small blocks. Thanks! __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb

10-22-2004, 03:58 PM	#2
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	I THINK in LMC they have listing for small block and big block, might wanna order their catalog if you haven't already. www.lmctruck.com I'm far from all-knowing with suspension, but there are plenty on this board who know EVERYTHING, so i betya you get some help. PS: Welcome to the board from Louisiana! Lotta info here. __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

10-22-2004, 04:03 PM	#3
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	Thanks! I have ordered stuff from LMC before, very happy with them. However, I have a 77 GMC Suburban, 1/2-ton w/454 that I want to lower a little. I use it as a DD and tow rig, so for now I was going for about a 2" or 3" drop in front. So my dilemma is, should I order 2" coils and see how much my truck drops, or look for BB-specific coils (which I'm beginning to doubt exist). __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb

10-22-2004, 04:10 PM	#4
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	I don't think such coils exist...at least I have never seen them. Welcome to the board by the way. __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale

10-22-2004, 04:15 PM	#5
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	I'm with Jeff. I've never seen them listed for big block of small either. I've bought coils twice and was never asked what I had. And another welcome to the board. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10

10-22-2004, 04:45 PM	#7
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	If that is all you want to drop it, why not go with drop spindles? They cost more, but will avoid the spring issue entirely. You also won't have to worry about bottoming out, getting shorter shocks, etc. I have 2 1/2 inch Western Chassis drop spindles, and I am very pleased with them. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

10-22-2004, 04:54 PM	#8
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	Good point, I'm not sure why I am set on coils....just cheap, I guess. :p Thats a great idea, I can avoid any alignment issues that may crop up, also. __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb

10-22-2004, 05:02 PM	#9
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	I'm a cheap bastard, but I have learned the hard way too may times that the cheap way is often unsatisfactory. It is only cheaper if it works. if you have to do the work twice, and pay for parts twice, it isn't really cheaper. Also, since my truck is my daily driver, I didn't want to make it ride any worse than it already does. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

10-22-2004, 05:58 PM	#10
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	Slonaker is right. Before ever buying springs to drop the front, always go with a drop spindle first. Then later, when (not if) you want to go lower, you are already ahead of the game. Most of us drop guys have been through about all the ways to lower one. Myself, I've used about every way there is except for bags. Buy the spindles and be done with it. You'll be much happier in the long run. Drop coils ruin the ride. The lower you go, the worse it gets.

10-22-2004, 06:36 PM	#11
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	More good points. I am actually restraining myself as to how low I go right now. I would love to go nuts, but my Sub still needs to pull an open car hauler with a Toyota rockbuggy on it. Maybe the slammed truck bug will overpower my 4-wheeling bug.... __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb

10-22-2004, 07:24 PM	#12
Bad Karma Magnificent bastard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 196	Just found some heavy-duty front drop coils at this forum's sponsor, www.gmcpauls.com (just for future reference). I will get the spindles first, though. Thanks everyone. __________________ 1977 Big Block Burb Last edited by Bad Karma; 10-22-2004 at 07:30 PM.

10-23-2004, 01:18 AM	#13
SanitysBane Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,121	it DOES matter wether big or small block, the front of my truck is lowered about 1 to 2 inches jsut from putting in a big block on small block springs, the big blocks weighs around 300 pounds more i belive. __________________ '96 Nissan Pathfinder '02 Firebird Trans Am. '88 K5 Blazer

10-23-2004, 11:37 PM	#15
cochran63 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,057	I am glad this was brought up.I have a set of 1.5 drop springs for my 63. I bought them when i was planning on putting a SB in the truck. Now that I have a BB will using them hurt the ride and handling? What ever I end up doing I know I will need to replace the stock 6cyl springs. __________________ Youth soon passes away, but immaturity can last a life time.

10-24-2004, 02:04 AM	#16
toytruck 5-7 dropped 87 CC Dually Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: bay city mi Posts: 326	Wouldn't Western Chassis C30 drop coils be for a big block? __________________ I rather be in my 77 Sanger Picklefork Jet Hydro!

10-24-2004, 07:09 AM	#17
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I swapped from an inline 6 cylinder to a 454 and also went from a 3 speed on the column to an auto trans, and added power steering and power brakes at the same time. Lowered the truck maybe 1/2 inch from the extra weight. I run the Summit brand (Ground Force makes them) 2 inch generic 73-87 truck front drop springs. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin



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10-24-2004, 01:53 PM	#18
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	sorry to jack the thread but in terms of stock height springs could you get a set for a BB equipped truck but use them in a SB equipped truck.im thinking of this b/c my truck has heavy duty springs in the rear but not in the front and i want it to have a little firmer ride-or can you order heavy half front srpings if such a thing exists. __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

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