Help with my new suspension dilema

[Constructor1]

I have the cash right now to upgrade my suspension and breaks but not my wheels/tires. I am thinking it might be better to go with 5 lug but if I did this, I would have to leave the frame on jack stands until I can afford new 5 lug wheels and I'm not sure how long that will be. Any opinions? Is there a way to go with 5-lug rotors and utilize some type of "plate" that will allow me to use my 6 lug wheels untill I can afford new wheels?

And while we are on the subject, is there a better "complete suspension/brake kit" that is the best value and/or product? I have a 1970 C-10 and am still on the fence about leaving original stance or just a small drop - no bags. Not looking for really high performance, just looking for a good overall package that will give me good steering and handling.

[N2TRUX]

If your planning on going with aftermarket wheels, your better of changing to 5 lug now. The selection in 5 lug is far greater than 6 lug that are designed to fit your truck properly. If your going to do it, may as well do it once and be done.

[Clyde65]

Look at one or more of the vendors here on this part of the forum, email a few of them the questions you have and they will shoot you straight and with prices, they can also give you the characteristics of the options too.

[Constructor1]

I agree that 5 lug is probably the way to go, I just do not see new wheels coming my way any time soon, and I would like to get this back together and drive it. I have my frame ready to blast and paint (chassis saver or something??) and would like to get the suspension done and install the engine and body. I do want to do this right and do not want to spend money twice, but it could be a year before I am able to get new wheels. Do I just leave the drums on the front for now? hate to do that but may be my only option.

I will contact some of the vendors and pick there brains. I am not sure if this can be answered, but is there a better front suspension kit than most? What have you guys and gals used and were you happy with the end result and expense?

[robnolimit]

There is lots of good honest help here. Most will need a bit more info to get you the right parts. How much do you want to lower it? Driving style? Wheel & tire size? Engine/trans combo & HP?

[tubbedII]

Originally Posted by robnolimit

There is lots of good honest help here. Most will need a bit more info to get you the right parts. How much do you want to lower it? Driving style? Wheel & tire size? Engine/trans combo & HP?

Need these answers to help!

But...as for wheels you could probaby pick up a real cheap set of 5 lugs off craigs list to get ya rollin...may not be your ideal wheel, but you could be rollin and not have to compromise the disc brakes or anything else.

[firedog]

is the real question here if you can run a 15" wheel with the suspension set up you are planning? we just need to know what the set up is factory control arms and a drop spindles or is it full out custom with tubular a arms and bags?

[Constructor1]

First, thanks for the responses. I guess I need to do a little more planning of my build prior to asking these questions. The plans for my 1970 C-10 LWB fleetside truck have changed greatly since I first picked the truck up. I was only going to make it safe and dependable, and then found this forum. Now I have the bug and am doing a frame off, not a complete nut and bolt restoration, but new suspension, brakes, and drive train with the paint and interior some point down the road. My wife is not sure if she should thank you guys or curse you . I also was not a big fan of drops, but am now thinking a small drop in the front will be good, but I am still on the fence about a slight rake or level the truck out. So, below is what I am thing at the moment.

1) I am thinking of going with a drop spindle in the front, what drop spring in back to level?

2) The wheel and tire combo I am still not sure about. Thinking 17" wheels with decent meat. Maybe staggered front to back.

2) My driving style/plans are to have a nice weekend or night out street cruiser with some muscle. Will be building a 383 to about 400 +/- HP, TH400 and would like to put in a DANA 60, but that also is down the road.

3) I do want to go disk in front and agree that 5 lug is the way to go. I will find some wheel/tire combo to make drivable till the funds become available.

What opinions are there for a small static drop? IS there a better product than others, or do they all pretty much compair to each other in the same price ranges?

As you can probably tell, this will be my first restoration, so I have a million questions all swirling in my mind. I hope I don't long wind you to death.

[robnolimit]

Tell your wife this - "Better to spend it on a car, than spend it in a bar", rm

[Constructor1]

Firedog, the plan is to stay with the factory control arms and a small drop spindle in front - unsure on whether to level truck or keep a slight rake. No bags. Do not have to keep the 15" wheels, and have heard that I may have to enlarge the wheel with the drop. Is this correct? New wheels are a must to "finish out" the truck. Would not want to keep the existing wheels.