torsion bar lowering - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

62 apache · 01-24-2009, 12:29 AM

I was wondering if anyone here could guide me on a inexpensive way to lower the back of my 62. I am planning on cranking down the torsion bars as low as i can and would like the back sit level or a little lower than the front. I have done alot of searches but can seem to find one specific to the torsion front end. Seems like some relocate there shocks some dont some use a adj panhard some dont etc. Thanks ....And yes i will be posting some pics asap

protrash64 · 01-24-2009, 01:11 AM

When you crank down the torsions, make some measurements to track how low ya go.....then get new coils for the rear matching your front.

62 Bowtie · 01-24-2009, 01:15 AM

cranked my torsion bars with 2&1/2 drop spindles in front and for the rear I changed out the coils

**slepysal** · 01-24-2009, 03:40 AM

cranked mine down, and used "cheep" jeep rear springs total cost 20.00

fleetsidelarry · 01-24-2009, 02:25 PM

slepysal: you got my attention when you used the word "cheep"! are you saying that jeep has a coil spring that is a direct replacement for our rear coils but is shorter? I may have misunderstood.

**slepysal** · 01-25-2009, 08:27 PM

check this post out
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=jeep

fleetsidelarry · 01-25-2009, 09:44 PM

Thanks for the info, I will check it out!

forestb · 01-29-2009, 11:55 PM

Do you know how many inches you lowered it with the torsion bars. I lowered mine the same way with 2 1/2 inch drop spindles and by loosening the torsion bards but I have now idea how much I lowered it. Also how does it handle now that you have loosened the bars

**slepysal** · 01-30-2009, 02:19 AM

I think I got about 3" on mine It handles ..............well like an old truck.No realy it handles fine

retodd7711 · 01-30-2009, 04:05 AM

I really like the Jeep rear idea.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/rear-...Q5fAccessories
Can the Jeep front springs be used for the same purpose?
I'd like to see pics of the torsion bar trick.
Can you still use the stock spiindles?

forestb · 01-30-2009, 10:01 PM

Speaking of torsion bars. Mine are hitting a trans crossmember that the previous owner fabricated? so that a 350 trans could be installed does anybody know of a trans crossmember that clears lowered torsion bars and also hold up a 350 trans? I can't seem to find anybody that sells a crossmember for a 62 c-10 1/2 tun.

rss396 · 02-13-2009, 01:43 AM

I have the CPP 4 inch drop springs in the rear of mine. Wish I would have gone with the 5 inch and cut the top off my bump stops. I cranked down the torsion bars to match the rear. I do not know who makes drops spindles for the 60-62. Put my name at the top of list for a set. If you install the rear drop springs 4 or 5 inch and do not crank the torsion bars down and you will have the rake.

**slepysal** · 02-13-2009, 12:15 PM

I got my drop spindels from Maguphys ( sp ) cpp has them so does early classic. Make sure you get the 60-62 and not 63-66

**Corts60** · 02-13-2009, 02:29 PM

Hey got a question: Can you still use the factory drum brakes with the new drop spindles?

**slepysal** · 02-13-2009, 07:07 PM

as far as I know no you can not.

Slingnutt · 02-13-2009, 08:22 PM

Wow..I was just out cranking mine down and came in and saw the thread. Mine doesn't look like it moved much. I plan on going with bags anyway. Can I just take the bars off and weld cups on? I'm pretty sure it's not that easy, but in theory... I'm gonna cut the springs in back and crank down as much as possible till I get my kit.... any suggestions would be appreciated...62 model

01-24-2009, 12:29 AM	#1
62 apache Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: bay area Posts: 10	torsion bar lowering I was wondering if anyone here could guide me on a inexpensive way to lower the back of my 62. I am planning on cranking down the torsion bars as low as i can and would like the back sit level or a little lower than the front. I have done alot of searches but can seem to find one specific to the torsion front end. Seems like some relocate there shocks some dont some use a adj panhard some dont etc. Thanks ....And yes i will be posting some pics asap

01-24-2009, 01:11 AM	#2
protrash64 Resistance is Futile Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mesa,Arizona Posts: 3,519	Re: torsion bar lowering When you crank down the torsions, make some measurements to track how low ya go.....then get new coils for the rear matching your front. __________________ 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

01-24-2009, 01:15 AM	#3
62 Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Elk Grove Ca Posts: 629	Re: torsion bar lowering cranked my torsion bars with 2&1/2 drop spindles in front and for the rear I changed out the coils Last edited by 62 Bowtie; 01-24-2009 at 01:15 AM.

01-24-2009, 03:40 AM	#4
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: torsion bar lowering cranked mine down, and used "cheep" jeep rear springs total cost 20.00 __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

01-24-2009, 02:25 PM	#5
fleetsidelarry Senior Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: shellman bluff, GA Posts: 1,411	Re: torsion bar lowering slepysal: you got my attention when you used the word "cheep"! are you saying that jeep has a coil spring that is a direct replacement for our rear coils but is shorter? I may have misunderstood.

01-25-2009, 08:27 PM	#6
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: torsion bar lowering check this post out http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...highlight=jeep __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

01-25-2009, 09:44 PM	#7
fleetsidelarry Senior Car Nut Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: shellman bluff, GA Posts: 1,411	Re: torsion bar lowering Thanks for the info, I will check it out!

01-29-2009, 11:55 PM	#8
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,592	Re: torsion bar lowering Do you know how many inches you lowered it with the torsion bars. I lowered mine the same way with 2 1/2 inch drop spindles and by loosening the torsion bards but I have now idea how much I lowered it. Also how does it handle now that you have loosened the bars

01-30-2009, 02:19 AM	#9
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: torsion bar lowering I think I got about 3" on mine It handles ..............well like an old truck.No realy it handles fine __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

01-30-2009, 04:05 AM	#10
retodd7711 chrome makes it go FASTER! Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Tennessee Posts: 2,884	Re: torsion bar lowering I really like the Jeep rear idea. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/rear-...Q5fAccessories Can the Jeep front springs be used for the same purpose? I'd like to see pics of the torsion bar trick. Can you still use the stock spiindles? __________________ She can't cook and she won't clean. But she looks good in a skirt and she brings me beer. She can stay for now. EDIT:: But she left me anyway, So forget her. 1962 GMC Stepside V6 4 speed My rolling resto thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324226 My old farm truck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post3465005 Last edited by retodd7711; 01-30-2009 at 04:09 AM.

01-30-2009, 10:01 PM	#11
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,592	Re: torsion bar lowering Speaking of torsion bars. Mine are hitting a trans crossmember that the previous owner fabricated? so that a 350 trans could be installed does anybody know of a trans crossmember that clears lowered torsion bars and also hold up a 350 trans? I can't seem to find anybody that sells a crossmember for a 62 c-10 1/2 tun.

02-13-2009, 01:43 AM	#12
rss396 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Amity Oregon Posts: 70	Re: torsion bar lowering I have the CPP 4 inch drop springs in the rear of mine. Wish I would have gone with the 5 inch and cut the top off my bump stops. I cranked down the torsion bars to match the rear. I do not know who makes drops spindles for the 60-62. Put my name at the top of list for a set. If you install the rear drop springs 4 or 5 inch and do not crank the torsion bars down and you will have the rake. Attached Images __________________ 1950 Chevy 1/2 ton 283 Mustang II 1961 SWB 2x4 235 six 2007 Silverado 1/2 ton Z71 4x4 1968 Camaro SS 396 / 502 Last edited by rss396; 02-13-2009 at 01:46 AM. Reason: no pic

02-13-2009, 12:15 PM	#13
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: torsion bar lowering I got my drop spindels from Maguphys ( sp ) cpp has them so does early classic. Make sure you get the 60-62 and not 63-66 __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "

02-13-2009, 02:29 PM	#14
Corts60 Just here to tinker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Holland, MI Posts: 3,689	Re: torsion bar lowering Hey got a question: Can you still use the factory drum brakes with the new drop spindles? __________________ 78 C10 SWB Diesel #1 (wrecked)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...1978+silverado 78 C10 SWB Diesel #2 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=650751 60 GMC Suburban (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=445526 60 GMC 1000 (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=298235 67 GMC 1500 (sold) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=803695 86 Suburban(summer unit) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=810697 88 Suburban 4x4(winter unit)https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...25#post8900725

02-13-2009, 07:07 PM	#15
slepysal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Jose NOR*CAL Posts: 3,080	Re: torsion bar lowering as far as I know no you can not. __________________ 1960 Apache long bed fleet L6 250 Clifford intake 2 bbl carb. Langdon cast headers with dual exhaust and bellflower tips. T-5 5 speed, power steering and power disc brakes. "Over, Around or through it... "



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02-13-2009, 08:22 PM	#16
Slingnutt Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Scurry, Texas Posts: 21	Re: torsion bar lowering Wow..I was just out cranking mine down and came in and saw the thread. Mine doesn't look like it moved much. I plan on going with bags anyway. Can I just take the bars off and weld cups on? I'm pretty sure it's not that easy, but in theory... I'm gonna cut the springs in back and crank down as much as possible till I get my kit.... any suggestions would be appreciated...62 model __________________ The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done~~~George Carlin When you step on the brakes your life is in your foot's hands~~~George Carlin Have you thanked a VET today???

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