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Old 02-04-2010, 03:29 AM   #1
spinem
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Lowest possible drop?

can some one please tell me how low i can possibly go before im forced to cut my fenders on some 275/60/15's?

I want low, not doors+ground... some springs, drop spindles... you know.
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Old 02-04-2010, 09:32 AM   #2
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

Anyone?
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Old 02-04-2010, 10:20 AM   #3
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

I have a 5.5 inch front drop on my '77, and tire clearance with the stock inner fender is pretty tight...I rub frequently. I would say 6" would be MAX, and you would need to be careful driving and aware of your surrounding and where you want/need to go. Five inch front drops are about perfect for DD's IMO.
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Old 02-04-2010, 10:33 AM   #4
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

hey big block im just curious but hows the ride in that bad boy!!
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Old 02-04-2010, 11:21 AM   #5
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

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hey big block im just curious but hows the ride in that bad boy!!
It rides really nice, except the Doestch (or however they are spelled) shocks suck...too stiff IMO. I'll get some better shocks and put them on, and be happier.
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Old 02-04-2010, 02:59 PM   #6
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

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Originally Posted by bigblock73 View Post
I have a 5.5 inch front drop on my '77, and tire clearance with the stock inner fender is pretty tight...I rub frequently. I would say 6" would be MAX, and you would need to be careful driving and aware of your surrounding and where you want/need to go. Five inch front drops are about perfect for DD's IMO.
what size tires do you have?
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Old 02-04-2010, 03:10 PM   #7
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Re: Lowest possible drop?


i have a 5" in front and i think it sits too high up front so im getting a 2" drop spring from mcgaughy to bring it down one more inch.
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Old 02-04-2010, 03:37 PM   #8
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

I love that truck!
I run a 245/60/15 on mine and get slight rubbing occasionally. I am dropped about 5-5.5 as well.
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Old 02-04-2010, 03:55 PM   #9
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

I dont understand the "buy a 2 inch spring to bring it down 1 more inch" is it just me or am I missing something. And before this hurts anyones feelings, I am just asking a honest question. I've been doing this for years and always got pretty darn close to the specifide drop. Is it something with their springs specifically?
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Old 02-04-2010, 06:12 PM   #10
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

i have a 1" drop spring in now....and im replacing it with a 2" spring giving me another 1" of drop...sorry i wasnt clear.
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Old 02-04-2010, 07:01 PM   #11
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

where is a good place to buy front and rear suspension kits. i just bought a stock '86 and the suspension needs built. i might as well as drop it why i have everything apart.
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Old 02-04-2010, 11:01 PM   #12
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

hummmmmmmm.....im going to have to ponder this, i think my 275's will rub with one fat girl... i dont know about 2.....
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Old 02-04-2010, 11:05 PM   #13
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

jwa quick question how did you get the other 4 inches of drop in the front, i know there is a 3" spindle, do you have the control arms? how much clearance do they give you? I have 3" spindles and i would like to go a bit lower in the front too.
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Old 02-04-2010, 11:14 PM   #14
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

You can do drop springs too. That's what I have. Or if you are going for 1 more inch or so, trim off some spring.
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Old 02-04-2010, 11:44 PM   #15
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

mine is 5.5 infront > 2.5 spindles --3 in spring

rear is approx. 6.5 - 7 in. tires are 255x50x17 on front
275x50x17 on rear

on front tires scrub on hard turns > but 5.5 is about as low as you want to go unless you want to hit your wallet pretty hard.


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Old 02-04-2010, 11:54 PM   #16
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

Man I love that truck. Every time I see it it makes me want to paint mine two tone. Maybe something subtle like black and charcoal?? Who knows, maybe finish the 6.0 4l80 swap first huh?
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Old 02-05-2010, 12:03 AM   #17
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

My 74 is right about 5.5. Still need to notch the rear.

If someone could tell me how to post a picture, Id be glad to.

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Old 02-05-2010, 12:24 AM   #18
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

slugish i love the way that truck sits, do you have any more pictures? how did you lower the back? man i cant wait till i get my truck sitting where i want it.
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Old 02-05-2010, 12:43 AM   #19
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

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slugish i love the way that truck sits, do you have any more pictures? how did you lower the back? man i cant wait till i get my truck sitting where i want it.
back is lowered with shackles & hangers --4 in --& springs were dearcked another 2.5 - 3 in .> no c notch .

If Ihad to do it over again , would do a flip kit & 2in hangers. You live & learn .



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Old 02-05-2010, 02:47 AM   #20
spinem
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

Quote:
Originally Posted by slugish View Post
mine is 5.5 infront > 2.5 spindles --3 in spring

rear is approx. 6.5 - 7 in. tires are 255x50x17 on front
275x50x17 on rear

on front tires scrub on hard turns > but 5.5 is about as low as you want to go unless you want to hit your wallet pretty hard.



solid answer! thankyou
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Old 02-05-2010, 11:27 AM   #21
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

Each truck is different. Mount the tire then measure. 6" is about max. Take into account, speed!!
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Old 02-07-2010, 06:18 PM   #22
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

heres my old truck 6/8 drop with lower control arms, it will be hard to run a 6in in the front with drop spindles since they push the wheels out.


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Old 02-07-2010, 07:51 PM   #23
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

about 5-7 3" djm spindles and 3" ground force coils, and beltec flip kit and 2" drop shackles I didn't want to worry about any side to side rubbing so I went with 215/ 70 in front and 275/60 in back
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Old 02-07-2010, 08:21 PM   #24
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

I solved the inner fender rubbing problem by raising them 4".....cut inner fender structure, moved inner up trim as needed
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Old 02-08-2010, 12:28 AM   #25
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Re: Lowest possible drop?

6/8 drop here...
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