Budget bag system

[G-REX]

New to forums and I own a 64 stepside.Three kids,old lady,bills,just like every one else.My question is ,does anyone know or can help out on how to build a budget bag system for my stepside?Example...compressor,tank,bags from other equip or cars that can be used or retrofitted.Also if I went with springs.what is the lowest I could go without too much problem...3.5/5'' or 4/5.Thanks for the welcome and any help.

[kizer]

Welcome to the insanity.

You sound pretty much like a lot of us here. As well you can check out the suspension area because well thats all they talk about there.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...splay.php?f=25

[Strodder]

If your capable you can build your own kit. These guys have great prices.
http://www.airbagit.com/

[protrash64]

Ive seen this question quite a bit, and I have put together a bagged suspension. I personally think budget and bags dont go together......the exception being if you want to forgo the compressor, tanks, valves and associated wiring and assorted clips, bolts, nuts, and stuff to protect tubing. The only cheap way to do bags is to use bags with schrader valves.....Im not trying to be discouraging, but trying to illustrate the reality of all the stuff needed to put together a system. I feel that I scrounged up as much stuff as possible, bought what I felt was good to have new, and got stuff cheep or free from people I know.....the system was well over a grand when said and done. Hope this helps.....with springs and spindles you should be able to lower your truck 5/5 with not much problem, except for whats hanging too low on the truck.

[G-REX]

Is that 5'' spring in the rear and 2.5'' spindle and 2.5'' spring in front,and will it sit level?And where is a good place to purchase?Thanks

[protrash64]

I run a 3'' spring with 2.5'' spindle. Its pretty damn low, so be prepared. Ive driven lowered vehicles for 15years, so its not new to me...... but NO, it would not be level, it would be raked. Like other trucks, you must lower the rear more to level the truck.

My pick-up has a leaf rear end and was flipped when I bought it so I cant accurately tell you about the rear with coils. Ive read that at 5'' drop in the rear, some feel they need to notch and some report no problems. Could be variance in springs or trucks for that matter....I ran 4'' HD springs in the rear of my 'burb and it had no notch and no problems bottoming.

I get my stuff from a dealer I know, so I dont really have a good suggestion where to buy...be sure to check up on the shipping/handling charges!!!!!

[G-REX]

I was thinking of 4/5'' with drums all the way around,to keep the old shop truck look,with a 6 and three on tree.So spindles might not be in the future.Is 4'' in front too low,or should I go with3/5?Thanks for the info.

[Rattle Can Joe]

I'm working on a buget as well. I cut a ring and a third off the stock front coils. Which brought the front end down a hair over 3 inches. But I went ahead and bought 5 inch dropped coils for the back. I also removed the rubber stoppers and have had no issues bottoming out. It still has a decent ride too.

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by G-REX

I was thinking of 4/5'' with drums all the way around,to keep the old shop truck look,with a 6 and three on tree.So spindles might not be in the future.Is 4'' in front too low,or should I go with3/5?Thanks for the info.

I have never seen a 4'' coil for the front of the trucks...I dont know if you would have any suspension left let alone the extreme negative camber. You mite shoot for the set-up that Rattle Can Joe mentioned above, his avitar pic looks pretty good.

You can also go to Early Classics web site and they have some comparison shots of lowered trucks showing different drops.

[snacks]

iv got a 4"coil in the front of mine picked it up online at western chassis look at the pics of my truck under new guy old truck its the orange one 4" spring with 2 1/2 spindles

[Raider Rudy]

Originally Posted by Rattle Can Joe

I'm working on a buget as well. I cut a ring and a third off the stock front coils. Which brought the front end down a hair over 3 inches. But I went ahead and bought 5 inch dropped coils for the back. I also removed the rubber stoppers and have had no issues bottoming out. It still has a decent ride too.

Get outta there

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by snacks

iv got a 4"coil in the front of mine picked it up online at western chassis look at the pics of my truck under new guy old truck its the orange one 4" spring with 2 1/2 spindles

Cool man......didnt know they made 'em!!! I havent been looking for awhile as I have most of my stuff covered. There ya go G-REX......

[G-REX]

Thanks guys,wow,awsome site,great help and info,thanks again.

[G-REX]

Ok.,Thinking 4'' spring in front,%-6'' in rear,probably 6''.From western chasiss I can notch frame if needed,not a big dealWhat else do I need except for reworking my track bar?.Do I go with shocks from them or relocate or both?Any help.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by G-REX

Ok.,Thinking 4'' spring in front,%-6'' in rear,probably 6''.From western chasiss I can notch frame if needed,not a big dealWhat else do I need except for reworking my track bar?.Do I go with shocks from them or relocate or both?Any help.

Most likely shorter shocks only.

[slepysal]

Originally Posted by G-REX

Ok.,Thinking 4'' spring in front,%-6'' in rear,probably 6''.From western chasiss I can notch frame if needed,not a big dealWhat else do I need except for reworking my track bar?.Do I go with shocks from them or relocate or both?Any help.

yup you will need shorter shocks I went with Doetsch they have them for stock , 2-4 inch or 5 inch for the rear and stock,1-2 inch and 3 inch for the front. They ride good and are cheep.

[Strodder]

Measure for the shock with the rear suspension fully extended, and with weight on it. Then call Mac's Spring Shop. 800-585-5117 They handle Doetsch Tech Shocks, and have all the dimensions you need.
http://www.macsspring.com/home.aspx

[snacks]

i like the early classic shock relocaters and adj. track bar you get to run full lenghth shocks instead of the short ones that ride like s...t . and at 6'' drop your rear axle will be off . my truck is low and rides better than stock

[protrash64]

Im with slepysal on this.....Doetsch here too. I like them due to the rebound valving. Important when lowered.

[Strodder]

Originally Posted by protrash64

Im with slepysal on this.....Doetsch here too. I like them due to the rebound valving. Important when lowered.

And they have a life time warranty