New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

19GMC63 · 07-13-2008, 02:43 PM

Well, I finally got around to getting new wheels and tires...

But as you can probably tell, it's WAY to high in the front, so it's time to take action. Now, I know some of you guys will cringe when I say this, but I'm thinking about cutting the coils... maybe between 1 and 1 1/2. So what's the step by step procedure to do this? I.E. How do I measure the coils, and do the ends need to be in the factory position? Do I cut the bump stops?... and anything else I need to know.

No for the rear; I like rake, so my goal is to go only an inch or two in the rear. What's the easiest and cheapest route? I found these on brothers...
http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodin...number=RES6372
Opinions?

thanks

TimE · 07-13-2008, 03:19 PM

What size wheel/tire combo is that? It looks good on there.

As far as lowering on a budget, I think Joe231 cut 1 coil and 3 inches on the front for around a 3" drop. Search for some of his posts for more info. For the rear, those shackles look like an easy way to get a 2" drop.

Good luck!

protrash64 · 07-13-2008, 03:31 PM

Cool man.......finally got it together!!!

What size did you end up w/ as far as your tires go?

For all the work to cut coils and make a sh***y ride, wait and get some conversion spindles and do your brakes at the same time.....you will take it apart again, cuz you'll hate the ride or want it lower.......probably both.

The shackles are easy.....you could also do a flip w/ some new axle perches to weld on.......little more work though.

19GMC63 · 07-13-2008, 03:55 PM

I actually went with a smaller tire than I originally thought...
245/50's on Wheel Vintique 16x8 steelies. They seem wider than 245, so maybe Sumitomo measures their tires differently.

joe231 · 07-13-2008, 04:34 PM

TimE is correct
i got somewhere between 2-3" from 1 coil plus 3 inches
the ride isn't bad
i do need to cut my bumps though,
the is only about a half inch of travel before touching the bumps
i did this "for now"
going to use 2.5" spindles and bags eventually

oh and btw, love those wheels and tires!!!

19GMC63 · 07-13-2008, 05:18 PM

thanks Joe.
I might go ahead and cut the coils... I've got nothing to lose.

Any certain way I gotta do it Joe? I don't have a spring compressor, so I'll have to split the ball joint right?

scotts62 · 07-13-2008, 05:45 PM

Sweet love the wheels! They look good on it! Ya you will have to take spindle loose from control arm. You can rent spring compressors from the parts stores and when you get done you get your money back when you take it back.. or split the ball joint, and use the weight of the truck and a good floor jack and STAND clear and lower it slowly to take tention off spring.. either works but compressor is a bit safer

Lane · 07-13-2008, 05:45 PM

I would anchor the spring somehow before you loosen the ball joint - so it doesn't jump out at ya...

Mine were cut so much they fall out when I jack up the front and hang the tire. lol

BTW - I love your truck!

19GMC63 · 07-13-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotts62

or split the ball joint, and use the weight of the truck and a good floor jack and STAND clear and lower it slowly to take tention off spring.. either works but compressor is a bit safer

Wait... I'm confused. Can you write a step by step on how to remove the springs without a compressor? I just want to make sure I don't F' up.
thanks a lot

kdrodworks316 · 07-13-2008, 08:05 PM

I just lowered my burban, I used a floor jack and jack stands. I lifted the truck up under the coil cup on the control arm and then put the stands under the frame behind the front end. Then popped the ball joint and the shock and the swaybar off. Then I lowered the jack slowly until there was no pressure on the coil. I had to whack mine with the BFH once or twice, but they just fell out with no trouble and were under no pressure. Put the new 3" coils in and jacked it back up into position and put it back together. Just take your time and be carefull, make sure to properly support your rig before you get under it. I dont care how tough you are, you cant lift a chevy (or a jeep pickup in my case) off your legs when your honky stands collapse.

19GMC63 · 07-13-2008, 09:43 PM

ah, makes total sense now. thanks a bunch... I'll give it a go tommorow.

scotts62 · 07-13-2008, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kdrodworks316

I just lowered my burban, I used a floor jack and jack stands. I lifted the truck up under the coil cup on the control arm and then put the stands under the frame behind the front end. Then popped the ball joint and the shock and the swaybar off. Then I lowered the jack slowly until there was no pressure on the coil. I had to whack mine with the BFH once or twice, but they just fell out with no trouble and were under no pressure. Put the new 3" coils in and jacked it back up into position and put it back together. Just take your time and be carefull, make sure to properly support your rig before you get under it. I dont care how tough you are, you cant lift a chevy (or a jeep pickup in my case) off your legs when your honky stands collapse.

couldn't have said it better

kdrodworks316 · 07-13-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotts62

couldn't have said it better

Why thank you.

soba_03 · 07-13-2008, 11:40 PM

TIre and Wheel Combo Looks GOOD!!!

Iron-Butt · 07-14-2008, 05:52 AM

I like those wheels.

**ChiefRocka** · 07-14-2008, 09:23 AM

KDrod is absolutly correct. These coils do not have that much tension. When you cut the 1 to 1 1/2 (max), position the cut end into the lower a-arm as it was stock. Make sure the coil stay correctly positioned as you raise the jack...this will prevent coil rubbing noise when driving.

You could cut the bumpstop, or remove it all together and install a low profile urethane style.

Another option would be to remove the bumpstop mount all-together, but for sure run shorter shocks, this will give you more travel, and a better ride.

As for the rear goes, as a rule of thumb, for every 2" of longer shackle, it drops the truck 1". So I'm assuming those shackles are 4" longer than stock (bolt center to bolt center) ??

Those wheel look really, really nice on your GMC, BTW !!!

Later

apachedaddy · 07-14-2008, 09:44 AM

love the wheel/tire combo, but just my 2 cent by looking at the pic i would watch how much you lower the rear because it looks as if the tires will rub the outer finder lip if you drop it to much. backspaceing issue maybe or just the way it looks in the pic.

19GMC63 · 07-14-2008, 12:51 PM

thanks a lot guys, and thanks for info Chief.

The rears will be super close, but they should tuck up under. That's one reason why I'm planning to go only 2 inches in the rear. It may rub when I really jam it into a pothole, but I'm not too worried about it. The wider late model reaend doesn't help either.

originalJD · 07-14-2008, 02:57 PM

Hi, I just want to ask if you would post pics of the process when you are finished. I will be doing this same thing here very soon as I too cannot afford to purchase a lowering kit at this time. Thanks.

19GMC63 · 07-21-2008, 09:28 PM

Finnaly got around to it today... wasn't to bad at all, the ball joints gave me a little trouble but a scissor jack made quick work of them. Pic is a little dark, but here ya go.

Next are the shackles... I'm sure I'll hafve a few questions abot those when they come in.

originalJD · 07-21-2008, 09:41 PM

Did it throw out the wheel alignment at all?

19GMC63 · 07-21-2008, 09:54 PM

it definitely threw the camber in a bit... enough to get it aligned, but not enough that i'm in no rush to do so.

originalJD · 07-21-2008, 09:58 PM

Ok. After taking a close look at mine I was thinking it might cause tow out. The camber I'm not to worried about.

joe231 · 07-21-2008, 10:55 PM

looks nice, how much did you cut?
i have a slight camber issue also, but like was said it isn't so bad that i'm worried about it

19GMC63 · 07-21-2008, 11:10 PM

thanks. I cut about the same as you did... 1 & 2-3 inches.

07-13-2008, 02:43 PM	#1
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s Well, I finally got around to getting new wheels and tires... But as you can probably tell, it's WAY to high in the front, so it's time to take action. Now, I know some of you guys will cringe when I say this, but I'm thinking about cutting the coils... maybe between 1 and 1 1/2. So what's the step by step procedure to do this? I.E. How do I measure the coils, and do the ends need to be in the factory position? Do I cut the bump stops?... and anything else I need to know. No for the rear; I like rake, so my goal is to go only an inch or two in the rear. What's the easiest and cheapest route? I found these on brothers... http://www.brotherstrucks.com/prodin...number=RES6372 Opinions? thanks Last edited by 19GMC63; 07-13-2008 at 09:46 PM.

07-13-2008, 03:19 PM	#2
TimE Hey Y'all!! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bay Minette, Alabama Posts: 1,755	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s What size wheel/tire combo is that? It looks good on there. As far as lowering on a budget, I think Joe231 cut 1 coil and 3 inches on the front for around a 3" drop. Search for some of his posts for more info. For the rear, those shackles look like an easy way to get a 2" drop. Good luck!

07-13-2008, 03:31 PM	#3
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,519	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s Cool man.......finally got it together!!! What size did you end up w/ as far as your tires go? For all the work to cut coils and make a sh*y ride, wait and get some conversion spindles and do your brakes at the same time.....you will take it apart again, cuz you'll hate the ride or want it lower.......probably both. The shackles are easy.....you could also do a flip w/ some new axle perches to weld on.......little more work though. __________________ 64 CHEVY PICK-UP > http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...otrash+re-hash 64 CARRYALL >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1964+suburban 66 LB** >http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=427852 STRENGTH/DETERMINATION/MERCILESS/FOREVER .......posted via stationary device

07-13-2008, 03:55 PM	#4
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s I actually went with a smaller tire than I originally thought... 245/50's on Wheel Vintique 16x8 steelies. They seem wider than 245, so maybe Sumitomo measures their tires differently. Last edited by 19GMC63; 07-13-2008 at 03:58 PM.

07-13-2008, 04:34 PM	#5
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s TimE is correct i got somewhere between 2-3" from 1 coil plus 3 inches the ride isn't bad i do need to cut my bumps though, the is only about a half inch of travel before touching the bumps i did this "for now" going to use 2.5" spindles and bags eventually oh and btw, love those wheels and tires!!! __________________ *CHEVY ONLY* Last edited by joe231; 07-21-2008 at 10:54 PM.

07-13-2008, 05:18 PM	#6
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s thanks Joe. I might go ahead and cut the coils... I've got nothing to lose. Any certain way I gotta do it Joe? I don't have a spring compressor, so I'll have to split the ball joint right? Last edited by 19GMC63; 07-13-2008 at 05:27 PM.

07-13-2008, 05:45 PM	#7
scotts62 One day... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Tuttle, Ok Posts: 9,240	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s Sweet love the wheels! They look good on it! Ya you will have to take spindle loose from control arm. You can rent spring compressors from the parts stores and when you get done you get your money back when you take it back.. or split the ball joint, and use the weight of the truck and a good floor jack and STAND clear and lower it slowly to take tention off spring.. either works but compressor is a bit safer __________________ Scott 93 crew cab build Project 62

07-13-2008, 05:45 PM	#8
Lane Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 172	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s I would anchor the spring somehow before you loosen the ball joint - so it doesn't jump out at ya... Mine were cut so much they fall out when I jack up the front and hang the tire. lol BTW - I love your truck! __________________ My junk - http://s117.photobucket.com/albums/o60/Lane40/ www.wheelpros.com Last edited by Lane; 07-13-2008 at 05:45 PM.

07-13-2008, 08:05 PM	#10
kdrodworks316 KOFFIN DRAGGER Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: st.anthony Idaho Posts: 864	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s I just lowered my burban, I used a floor jack and jack stands. I lifted the truck up under the coil cup on the control arm and then put the stands under the frame behind the front end. Then popped the ball joint and the shock and the swaybar off. Then I lowered the jack slowly until there was no pressure on the coil. I had to whack mine with the BFH once or twice, but they just fell out with no trouble and were under no pressure. Put the new 3" coils in and jacked it back up into position and put it back together. Just take your time and be carefull, make sure to properly support your rig before you get under it. I dont care how tough you are, you cant lift a chevy (or a jeep pickup in my case) off your legs when your honky stands collapse.

07-13-2008, 09:43 PM	#11
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s ah, makes total sense now. thanks a bunch... I'll give it a go tommorow.

07-13-2008, 11:40 PM	#14
soba_03 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Fairdale, Kentucky Posts: 561	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s TIre and Wheel Combo Looks GOOD!!!

07-14-2008, 05:52 AM	#15
Iron-Butt 454 club Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,348	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s I like those wheels. __________________ David 1965 Chevrolet c-10 454 automatic Custom bbw swb. 1965 Chevrolet C-10 swb (Sold) 1963 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl automatic with dual exhaust, pb, ps and 17's. R.I.P "I will miss you. 1967 Chevrolet C-10 6 Cyl Custom lwb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, 350 v8 automatic. 1935 Chevrolet 2 Dr Standard in the works. 2015 Harley Davidson Street Glide. 2023 Chevrolet Stingray Z51 Convertible. I never want to grow up.

07-14-2008, 09:23 AM	#16
ChiefRocka Hollister, CA. Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 6,147	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s KDrod is absolutly correct. These coils do not have that much tension. When you cut the 1 to 1 1/2 (max), position the cut end into the lower a-arm as it was stock. Make sure the coil stay correctly positioned as you raise the jack...this will prevent coil rubbing noise when driving. You could cut the bumpstop, or remove it all together and install a low profile urethane style. Another option would be to remove the bumpstop mount all-together, but for sure run shorter shocks, this will give you more travel, and a better ride. As for the rear goes, as a rule of thumb, for every 2" of longer shackle, it drops the truck 1". So I'm assuming those shackles are 4" longer than stock (bolt center to bolt center) ?? Those wheel look really, really nice on your GMC, BTW !!! Later __________________ John What the Heck is that ?? CURRENT BUILDS: 62 BurbMaster Other Builds: My '63 C-10,LWB,CC,BBW '06 HD StrAight Axle Swap Father/Son '67 C-20, LQ9,4L80,Bagged,8-Lugger !!Good Friend Richard's Build AMERICAN CUSTOMS & CLASSICS (831) 630-1965 www.ACCHOLLISTER.com ACC on FACEBOOK "Rest in Peace, Mom & Dad ... I will see you again someday!" Last edited by ChiefRocka; 07-14-2008 at 09:51 AM.

07-14-2008, 09:44 AM	#17
apachedaddy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: pooler, GA Posts: 213	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s love the wheel/tire combo, but just my 2 cent by looking at the pic i would watch how much you lower the rear because it looks as if the tires will rub the outer finder lip if you drop it to much. backspaceing issue maybe or just the way it looks in the pic.

07-14-2008, 12:51 PM	#18
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s thanks a lot guys, and thanks for info Chief. The rears will be super close, but they should tuck up under. That's one reason why I'm planning to go only 2 inches in the rear. It may rub when I really jam it into a pothole, but I'm not too worried about it. The wider late model reaend doesn't help either. Last edited by 19GMC63; 07-14-2008 at 12:52 PM.



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07-14-2008, 02:57 PM	#19
originalJD James Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dayton, WA Posts: 455	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s Hi, I just want to ask if you would post pics of the process when you are finished. I will be doing this same thing here very soon as I too cannot afford to purchase a lowering kit at this time. Thanks. __________________ Never crush'em. Restor'em or recycle'em. The payoff is always worth it in the end. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=1709080 http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/h...e_top_view_all

07-21-2008, 09:28 PM	#20
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s Finnaly got around to it today... wasn't to bad at all, the ball joints gave me a little trouble but a scissor jack made quick work of them. Pic is a little dark, but here ya go. Next are the shackles... I'm sure I'll hafve a few questions abot those when they come in. Last edited by 19GMC63; 07-21-2008 at 09:30 PM.

07-21-2008, 09:41 PM	#21
originalJD James Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dayton, WA Posts: 455	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s Did it throw out the wheel alignment at all? __________________ Never crush'em. Restor'em or recycle'em. The payoff is always worth it in the end. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=1709080 http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/h...e_top_view_all

07-21-2008, 09:54 PM	#22
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s it definitely threw the camber in a bit... enough to get it aligned, but not enough that i'm in no rush to do so.

07-21-2008, 09:58 PM	#23
originalJD James Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dayton, WA Posts: 455	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s Ok. After taking a close look at mine I was thinking it might cause tow out. The camber I'm not to worried about. __________________ Never crush'em. Restor'em or recycle'em. The payoff is always worth it in the end. http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...lbumId=1709080 http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/h...e_top_view_all

07-21-2008, 10:55 PM	#24
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s looks nice, how much did you cut? i have a slight camber issue also, but like was said it isn't so bad that i'm worried about it __________________ *CHEVY ONLY* Last edited by joe231; 07-21-2008 at 10:56 PM.

07-21-2008, 11:10 PM	#25
19GMC63 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 1,510	Re: New wheels/tires & some lowering ?'s thanks. I cut about the same as you did... 1 & 2-3 inches.

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