When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying ability? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**70cst** · 04-18-2008, 03:36 PM

My truck is dropped 2 1/2" in front (Drop Spindles) and 4" in the rear...how much will this drop affect the ability to carry stuff in the bed? I will only carry odds and ends such as bagged mulch etc. Thanks in advance.

**Tom Vogel** · 04-18-2008, 05:40 PM

Buy the ECE air bag kit. You will thank me.

Brad · 04-18-2008, 06:00 PM

You'll have no problems carry just as much as you would without the drop. I would suggest that you trim the bumpstops so that they're 3/8" or so taller than the frame so that the axle doesn't come in contact with the frame at any time. Also you'll need the adj. panhard bar to keep the rearend centered. Shock relocators will help as well but not critical.

lts70 · 04-18-2008, 06:23 PM

I was wondering the same thing. My 4" drop springs look kind of wimmpy compared to my original springs. Would you guys use the helper bags inside of the springs or replace the back springs with a full size air bag?

What are the pros and cons of swithching to air bags in the back?

cdowns · 04-18-2008, 06:23 PM

no problems at all /i ran that drop and still loaded beyond reasonable capacity to go to spawmeets,in fact i managed once to load 3modet t coupe bodys into the bed and still drive it a thousand miles

**70cst** · 04-19-2008, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brad

You'll have no problems carry just as much as you would without the drop. I would suggest that you trim the bumpstops so that they're 3/8" or so taller than the frame so that the axle doesn't come in contact with the frame at any time. Also you'll need the adj. panhard bar to keep the rearend centered. Shock relocators will help as well but not critical.

Thanks for the info. I have a Panhard bar and shock relocators installed already.

72 Cheyenne402 · 04-20-2008, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom Vogel

Buy the ECE air bag kit. You will thank me.

He is right. I have the same drop on my truck and used rear springs and front spindles. I am moving to a rear airride setup. when I put a load on my truck it hits the deck in the rear. I recoment rear bags because that is what I plan to do.

**special-K** · 04-20-2008, 02:27 PM

I`m assuming these are 4" drop springs we`re talking and not cut or heated springs.Cut or heated springs will lessen payload rating.

matthufham · 04-20-2008, 04:37 PM

i have 5 inch springs and the springs are wimpy. a 250 pound guy on my tailgate makes it bottom out. i could use a c notch. however i've still hauled a lot of fencing materials and concrete and trash while riding on frame.

04-18-2008, 03:36 PM	#1
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,374	When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying ability? My truck is dropped 2 1/2" in front (Drop Spindles) and 4" in the rear...how much will this drop affect the ability to carry stuff in the bed? I will only carry odds and ends such as bagged mulch etc. Thanks in advance. __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

04-18-2008, 05:40 PM	#2
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying abili Buy the ECE air bag kit. You will thank me.

04-18-2008, 06:00 PM	#3
Brad Out of the carpool lane. Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Clark Co, WA Posts: 5,672	Re: When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying abili You'll have no problems carry just as much as you would without the drop. I would suggest that you trim the bumpstops so that they're 3/8" or so taller than the frame so that the axle doesn't come in contact with the frame at any time. Also you'll need the adj. panhard bar to keep the rearend centered. Shock relocators will help as well but not critical. __________________ 1968 C-10 SWB, 5.7 Vortec/700R4/3.73 posi, Torch Red 1968 Camaro, 250/Powerglide, all original (No, I'm not gonna drop a 350 in it!...Jeez!) 2000 Honda VFR in the faster yellow! 2008 Husqvarna TE-610 1967 C-10 SWB 'Six Appeal'-Gone but not forgotten...

04-18-2008, 06:23 PM	#4
lts70 1970 Daily Driver Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Glenns Ferry IDAHO Posts: 1,038	Re: When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying abili I was wondering the same thing. My 4" drop springs look kind of wimmpy compared to my original springs. Would you guys use the helper bags inside of the springs or replace the back springs with a full size air bag? What are the pros and cons of swithching to air bags in the back? __________________ It's not truly yours if you didn't build it yourself or if you don't do your own maintenance.

04-18-2008, 06:23 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying abili no problems at all /i ran that drop and still loaded beyond reasonable capacity to go to spawmeets,in fact i managed once to load 3modet t coupe bodys into the bed and still drive it a thousand miles __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

04-20-2008, 02:27 PM	#8
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying abili I`m assuming these are 4" drop springs we`re talking and not cut or heated springs.Cut or heated springs will lessen payload rating. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

04-20-2008, 04:37 PM	#9
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: When you drop your truck 2 1/2-F & 4" rear-How much does it affect carrying abili i have 5 inch springs and the springs are wimpy. a 250 pound guy on my tailgate makes it bottom out. i could use a c notch. however i've still hauled a lot of fencing materials and concrete and trash while riding on frame.



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