lowring a 60

[slepysal]

Demmit, or any 60 pros, How do I lower the front of my 60? Or beter put, how do you adjust the torsion bars?

[leftcoast66]

Originally Posted by slepysal

Demmit, or any 60 pros, How do I lower the front of my 60? Or beter put, how do you adjust the torsion bars?

I thought those had springs, which if they are, it would be cut the coil. One full revolution of the spring is something to the effect of 2 inches is what I've heard as a rule of thumb.

[62 short step]

On the back of the torsion bar, near the center of truck, well almost center, there are adjusting nuts for ride height. I would use lowering spindles if you could, it would be a better ride than cranking down the torsion bars. Thats just my 2 cents.

[62ChevyStep]

Or if you have the time, money and will, swap in a complete early to mid eighties front crossmember, with drop spindles, disk brakes, and coils.

but for economy and time as 62 short step said spindles would be best, to maintain ride quality with the torsion bars. my .02 also

http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/mcg63164-d1.html

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog.aspx

http://www.classicperform.com/6092chevtrk2.htm

[Demmit_Hemmit's 65]

It's really pretty dangerous to mess with torsion bars.............I think i would change out the front suspension and go newer.................By the way leftcoast66.........from 1960-1662 the front suspensions were of the torsion bar design pretty much like the newer trucks these days.........Hemmit

[GR82BME]

I was planing to drop my truck also, and eliminate the torsion bars, i was told that 73 to 87 is prety much a bolt-up, then i will have p/s p/b and the 5X5 patern for more wheel selection. Anyone have any comments on this. Thanks in advance

[62 short step]

I was told the 60-62 torsion bar frames were wider and it took a little more work to put the complete subframe in. I really dont no for sure, I ended up selling my 62 before I did my swap. I'm sure some one here has done it before.

[62ChevyStep]

Originally Posted by GR82BME

I was planing to drop my truck also, and eliminate the torsion bars, i was told that 73 to 87 is prety much a bolt-up, then i will have p/s p/b and the 5X5 patern for more wheel selection. Anyone have any comments on this. Thanks in advance

I personally can speak to the positive results of that decision!, looking back it was the best thing I did (my .02).

Produced a quality ride, with modern braking capabilities, low cost, both initially and in the long run:

(went to my local pick and pull and found what I needed - 86 front cross member spindle to spindle, and 72 12 bolt 3.73 posi rear diff, 86' C10 steering column, brake booster and proportioning valve and master cylinder, 700R4 tranny, and 350 SBC)

Provided easy to find (less expensive parts for rebuilding) 5.5 lug allowed unlimited wheel selection, 350/700r4/ 3.73 posi provided good gas milage, overdrive for highway speed cruising ( RPM/speed results using 275/45/20 - .67 transmission overdrive - 3.73 rear diff)

Engine Speed (RPM) Speed (MPH)
5000 177.04
4500 159.34
4000 141.63
3500 123.93
3000 106.22
2500 88.52
2000 70.82
1500 53.11
1000 35.41

All with the lines and style of 60's model classic pickup. I tend to favor the comfort and convienance of todays technology and the beauty and grace of yesteryears classic trucks.