Houston: Help with Suspension? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

iceman_k · 03-23-2007, 09:16 PM

Hi Guys,

I'm in Houston and I could use a hand sorting out my suspension on an 85 GMC that I recently bought. I put a set of 22" x 9" rims on it today. I can't decide between a 2"/4" drop or a 3"/5" drop. I want to drop it but, I don't want to slam it on the ground because I still need to use it as a truck. I also do not want to spend alot of money on the kit. I still need to repaint the truck before I blow the rest of my budget. I would like to do the installation myself but, I could use a little help. If anybody in the Houston area could help me out I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Ivan D. · 03-24-2007, 12:38 AM

Okay, me personally I don't like lowered trucks that are perfectly level, if you're doing a static drop I find it really good-looking when it's the same amount front and back. Having this in mind I'd suggest a 3"/4" drop, this way ya can still get away with just drop coils in the front, and a shackle kit the rear, total cost will be less than $300. As for the help, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat, but ya're just wayy too far...

87 STEPPER · 03-24-2007, 09:11 AM

Well any more than a 3/4 drop and your gonna be looking at some big bux to do it and that 3/4 drop itn't really gonna look like and drop at all with 22's.

Sorry i dont mean to sound negitive i'm just tellin' you the fact's.

Now for some positive news theres alot of Texas guys on here that can and should be able to help you and i dont understand why none of them are jumpin' in on this.

May be someone is messin' with Texas and there to busy to help you.

Malo83 · 03-25-2007, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman_k

Hi Guys,

I'm in Houston and I could use a hand sorting out my suspension on an 85 GMC that I recently bought. I put a set of 22" x 9" rims on it today. I can't decide between a 2"/4" drop or a 3"/5" drop. I want to drop it but, I don't want to slam it on the ground because I still need to use it as a truck. I also do not want to spend alot of money on the kit. I still need to repaint the truck before I blow the rest of my budget. I would like to do the installation myself but, I could use a little help. If anybody in the Houston area could help me out I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Would love to see some before and after pics, especially with 22's all around, what size tire did you go with

John

Slonaker · 03-25-2007, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87 STEPPER

Now for some positive news theres alot of Texas guys on here that can and should be able to help you and i dont understand why none of them are jumpin' in on this.

Texas is a big state. Unfortunately he's about 3-4 hours from me or I'd lend a hand. I don't recall any folks being in the Houston area, though there have to be some.

Slonaker

hiway · 03-25-2007, 07:30 AM

The cheap way....cut one coil off the front springs, re-aligh and change shocks maybe. Remove the rear shackles, section in 2.5" peace of chanel or replace with longer shackles. Remove a middle leaf and maybe shorter shocks or extenders.

**N2TRUX** · 03-25-2007, 10:25 AM

iceman_k give us more details on what you have. What size tires did you go with? What backspace on the rims? I don't think you are going to be able to go too low unless you ordered rims that will tuck.

Give us more info and we can offer more advice...

hiway · 03-25-2007, 12:58 PM

Wholly crap! I missed the 22 x 9 part...

iceman_k · 03-25-2007, 08:33 PM

Thanks Guys the tires are 265/35/22. I don't know what the offset is on the wheels.

pcmcobra · 03-25-2007, 09:47 PM

wow
that truck would look sick on the ground, I would be scared to "use it as a truck" with those 22's and rubber band tires, hit a pot hole and BAM, bent rim.
good luck. It's got potential!

*72CSTC5* · 03-25-2007, 11:14 PM

I would go 2/4 with a 22" wheel unless the offset was figured properly because you may be cutting up tires like N2TRUX is thinking of.

fourty1 · 03-25-2007, 11:35 PM

Is this what you mean / .. i mean need ?

sorry to hijack your thread, but this is too funny

Malo83 · 03-26-2007, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman_k

Thanks Guys the tires are 265/35/22. I don't know what the offset is on the wheels.

Someone needs to photoshop that thing down, don't think your gonna be able to go toooooo low with that setup, everything will depend on the offset.
John

hiway · 03-26-2007, 09:34 AM

For god sake, keep the factory paint scheem! Red trucks everywhere(no offense) and no one keeps the sport paint. Put the top of the tire to the fender opening and it'll be perfect. My .02c

boatpuller · 03-26-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iceman_k

Thanks Guys the tires are 265/35/22. I don't know what the offset is on the wheels.

your gonna have to make sure those will fit up in the wheel well like n2trux said. or your not going to be able to do much of a drop.your on the right track,you should do something looks kinda like a like a 4x4 right now.sweet looking truck.just needs to be closer to earth..

iceman_k · 03-26-2007, 11:39 AM

Thanks again guys. I will keep doing more research before I take the plunge. There are a few suspension shops around town so, I will try to go around there and get their advice as well. I don't want to do all this work then end up with a mess. Also, do I need to recalibrate my speedometer? If yes, how do I do it? I have a speedometer cluster that I got at a salvage yard and I haven't put it in yet.

fourty1 · 03-26-2007, 08:19 PM

Iceman_k,. again sorry to post the photo-but was weird.
anyway , Up her in Wa. state, there should be a local shop that all the Police/ State Patrol, have theirs' calibrated at. I'd check yellow pages or call the SP., or Licensing dept.
-41-

iceman_k · 03-26-2007, 08:40 PM

Thanks for the advice. I didn't think about getting help from anything related to the police department.

Usually, I don't want their kind of help. I went to a local suspension shop (Cutten Customs) during lunch. They recommended that I go with a 2"/4" drop since the truck is my daily driver. They said that I should go with coil springs and shocks in the front and shackles and shocks in the rear. Do you guys agree?

87 STEPPER · 03-26-2007, 08:56 PM

To re calibrate your speedo first you need to figure how far off it is then go to any chevy dealer and figure out what gear you need.

The speedo's calibration is altered by changing the small plastic gear thats in the tail shaft housing at the rear of the tranny.

They come in differant colors and each color has a differant amount of teeth on it so to slow it down you would get a gear with more teeth and vice versa.

This is how the speedo shop would do it.

Good luck.

hiway · 03-26-2007, 08:58 PM

It'll probably be hangers and shackles in the rear for 4". Sounds good thoug,

iceman_k · 03-26-2007, 10:03 PM

Who makes the most economical (not garbage) lowering kits? Are Eibachs any good? From surfing the net it looks like Eibachs and Beltechs are the least expensive. Is this correct? Thanks.

**N2TRUX** · 03-26-2007, 10:18 PM

Eibach and Beltech both make good stuff. Eibach is noted for making good quality springs. Beltech has been making dropped suspension parts for a really long time.

I have had good results with DJM as well.

Slonaker · 03-27-2007, 09:27 AM

You could go with Western Chassis spindles in the front for 2.5" drop. You wouldn't have to buy drop shocks, which would help pay for the difference in cost, and you would keep your full suspension travel for a better ride.

I have been running those spindles for a couple of years with zero problems.

Slonaker

iceman_k · 03-27-2007, 05:05 PM

Thanks guys. I will keep you posted on my progress. So, far it has been a fun project. Next I've gotta find someone with a cutting torch or saw that can cut through the a/c compressor bracket. I need to modify it to fit around my hooker headers. It is already getting warm here in Houston.

03-23-2007, 09:16 PM	#1
iceman_k Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 8	Houston: Help with Suspension? Hi Guys, I'm in Houston and I could use a hand sorting out my suspension on an 85 GMC that I recently bought. I put a set of 22" x 9" rims on it today. I can't decide between a 2"/4" drop or a 3"/5" drop. I want to drop it but, I don't want to slam it on the ground because I still need to use it as a truck. I also do not want to spend alot of money on the kit. I still need to repaint the truck before I blow the rest of my budget. I would like to do the installation myself but, I could use a little help. If anybody in the Houston area could help me out I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

03-24-2007, 12:38 AM	#2
Ivan D. glamoros piece o' lowlife Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Redford, MI Posts: 1,164	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Okay, me personally I don't like lowered trucks that are perfectly level, if you're doing a static drop I find it really good-looking when it's the same amount front and back. Having this in mind I'd suggest a 3"/4" drop, this way ya can still get away with just drop coils in the front, and a shackle kit the rear, total cost will be less than $300. As for the help, I'd jump on that in a heartbeat, but ya're just wayy too far... __________________ The more I drink, the more I drink, the more I drink... diesel, reg cab, long bed, 4 across the rear, single stack, wooden stakes, and lotsa lights - the Hay Express

03-24-2007, 09:11 AM	#3
87 STEPPER STILL PLAYS WITH TRUX Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Fla. Posts: 2,764	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Well any more than a 3/4 drop and your gonna be looking at some big bux to do it and that 3/4 drop itn't really gonna look like and drop at all with 22's. Sorry i dont mean to sound negitive i'm just tellin' you the fact's. Now for some positive news theres alot of Texas guys on here that can and should be able to help you and i dont understand why none of them are jumpin' in on this. May be someone is messin' with Texas and there to busy to help you. __________________ ~~Bruce~~ MY 87 STEPPER MY 99 2D/WD TAHOE Last edited by 87 STEPPER; 03-24-2007 at 09:12 AM.

03-25-2007, 07:30 AM	#6
hiway Mad Scientist Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Enola Arkansas Posts: 380	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? The cheap way....cut one coil off the front springs, re-aligh and change shocks maybe. Remove the rear shackles, section in 2.5" peace of chanel or replace with longer shackles. Remove a middle leaf and maybe shorter shocks or extenders. __________________ Everythang relates to Beer! 86 1/2ton on tons! sbc/465/208/D60/14/35's 81 Postal....with 468 bbc 97 Merc Marq comuter 07 Suburban 02 Danger Ranger

03-25-2007, 10:25 AM	#7
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? iceman_k give us more details on what you have. What size tires did you go with? What backspace on the rims? I don't think you are going to be able to go too low unless you ordered rims that will tuck. Give us more info and we can offer more advice... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

03-25-2007, 12:58 PM	#8
hiway Mad Scientist Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Enola Arkansas Posts: 380	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Wholly crap! I missed the 22 x 9 part... __________________ Everythang relates to Beer! 86 1/2ton on tons! sbc/465/208/D60/14/35's 81 Postal....with 468 bbc 97 Merc Marq comuter 07 Suburban 02 Danger Ranger

03-25-2007, 08:33 PM	#9
iceman_k Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 8	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Thanks Guys the tires are 265/35/22. I don't know what the offset is on the wheels. Attached Images

03-25-2007, 09:47 PM	#10
pcmcobra Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 1,684	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? wow that truck would look sick on the ground, I would be scared to "use it as a truck" with those 22's and rubber band tires, hit a pot hole and BAM, bent rim. good luck. It's got potential! __________________ 1986 C10 SWB 6.0/6l90e Miami...Flee it like a native

03-25-2007, 11:14 PM	#11
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,522	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? I would go 2/4 with a 22" wheel unless the offset was figured properly because you may be cutting up tires like N2TRUX is thinking of.

03-25-2007, 11:35 PM	#12
fourty1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: washington state Posts: 144	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Is this what you mean / .. i mean need ? sorry to hijack your thread, but this is too funny Attached Images __________________ 1941 Chevy 1/2 ton Street Rod: 327 cu,/350 auto, 'Stinger ' - JULY 2007 CUSTOM CLASSIC TRUCK magazine. 1967 Chevy 3/4 ton standard bed, 350 cu./400 auto, w/ 83 - 3:43 rear end...sips gas....

03-26-2007, 09:34 AM	#14
hiway Mad Scientist Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Enola Arkansas Posts: 380	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? For god sake, keep the factory paint scheem! Red trucks everywhere(no offense) and no one keeps the sport paint. Put the top of the tire to the fender opening and it'll be perfect. My .02c __________________ Everythang relates to Beer! 86 1/2ton on tons! sbc/465/208/D60/14/35's 81 Postal....with 468 bbc 97 Merc Marq comuter 07 Suburban 02 Danger Ranger

03-26-2007, 11:39 AM	#16
iceman_k Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 8	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Thanks again guys. I will keep doing more research before I take the plunge. There are a few suspension shops around town so, I will try to go around there and get their advice as well. I don't want to do all this work then end up with a mess. Also, do I need to recalibrate my speedometer? If yes, how do I do it? I have a speedometer cluster that I got at a salvage yard and I haven't put it in yet.

03-26-2007, 08:19 PM	#17
fourty1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: washington state Posts: 144	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Iceman_k,. again sorry to post the photo-but was weird. anyway , Up her in Wa. state, there should be a local shop that all the Police/ State Patrol, have theirs' calibrated at. I'd check yellow pages or call the SP., or Licensing dept. -41- __________________ 1941 Chevy 1/2 ton Street Rod: 327 cu,/350 auto, 'Stinger ' - JULY 2007 CUSTOM CLASSIC TRUCK magazine. 1967 Chevy 3/4 ton standard bed, 350 cu./400 auto, w/ 83 - 3:43 rear end...sips gas....

03-26-2007, 08:40 PM	#18
iceman_k Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 8	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Thanks for the advice. I didn't think about getting help from anything related to the police department. Usually, I don't want their kind of help. I went to a local suspension shop (Cutten Customs) during lunch. They recommended that I go with a 2"/4" drop since the truck is my daily driver. They said that I should go with coil springs and shocks in the front and shackles and shocks in the rear. Do you guys agree?

03-26-2007, 08:56 PM	#19
87 STEPPER STILL PLAYS WITH TRUX Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Melbourne, Fla. Posts: 2,764	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? To re calibrate your speedo first you need to figure how far off it is then go to any chevy dealer and figure out what gear you need. The speedo's calibration is altered by changing the small plastic gear thats in the tail shaft housing at the rear of the tranny. They come in differant colors and each color has a differant amount of teeth on it so to slow it down you would get a gear with more teeth and vice versa. This is how the speedo shop would do it. Good luck. __________________ ~~Bruce~~ MY 87 STEPPER MY 99 2D/WD TAHOE



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03-26-2007, 08:58 PM	#20
hiway Mad Scientist Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Enola Arkansas Posts: 380	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? It'll probably be hangers and shackles in the rear for 4". Sounds good thoug, __________________ Everythang relates to Beer! 86 1/2ton on tons! sbc/465/208/D60/14/35's 81 Postal....with 468 bbc 97 Merc Marq comuter 07 Suburban 02 Danger Ranger

03-26-2007, 10:03 PM	#21
iceman_k Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 8	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Who makes the most economical (not garbage) lowering kits? Are Eibachs any good? From surfing the net it looks like Eibachs and Beltechs are the least expensive. Is this correct? Thanks.

03-26-2007, 10:18 PM	#22
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Eibach and Beltech both make good stuff. Eibach is noted for making good quality springs. Beltech has been making dropped suspension parts for a really long time. I have had good results with DJM as well. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

03-27-2007, 09:27 AM	#23
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? You could go with Western Chassis spindles in the front for 2.5" drop. You wouldn't have to buy drop shocks, which would help pay for the difference in cost, and you would keep your full suspension travel for a better ride. I have been running those spindles for a couple of years with zero problems. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

03-27-2007, 05:05 PM	#24
iceman_k Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Houston Posts: 8	Re: Houston: Help with Suspension? Thanks guys. I will keep you posted on my progress. So, far it has been a fun project. Next I've gotta find someone with a cutting torch or saw that can cut through the a/c compressor bracket. I need to modify it to fit around my hooker headers. It is already getting warm here in Houston.

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