Which way to go??

[IndyNova]

So I have my 70 stepside that currently rides on its stock suspension, and wheels. Ive got a set of 20x10 and 18x8 ridlers to put on it, but it needs to come down....a lot...lol I don't necessarily want it to lay frame, but I would like to tuck the rear wheels.to some better susp. components). This will be a cruiser, but I also wouldn't mind auto-Xing it eventually(after upgrading So, since i have zero experience with air ride, and I'm on a shoestring budget, should I do:

Piece together an airbag setup, and If I go this route, what all do I need to buy(other than bags and compressor)?

Use drop spindles and springs for the front and bag the rear only? Again, which components are best?

Any advice or help to steer me in the right direction, is much appreciated!!

[lolife99]

Hey IndyNova,... here's a good thread to look at.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=414742
This is member n2billet's sweet '71 stepside.

I see a few items that may cause you some issues.
1) the stepside bed is the biggest issue.
These rear fenders are actually tiny.
There isn't much room to stuff a very wide wheel under these, without cutting the bedside out and tubbing the bed.

2) The 20x10's can be made to work,... but since you already purchased them,... you are stuck with the wheel backspacing that you have.
Will the rearend be the correct width?

3) Rearend width.
Since your truck is a 1970 model,... it could have either the earlier 67-69 width rearend,... or the later 71-72 rearend.
Some say the '70 trucks could come with either,... but most that I have seen,... have the same width rearend as the 71-72 truck, except with 6-lug axles.

You are correct, a mild drop will be accomplished with drop spindles, drop shocks and air bags installed in place of the coil springs.
Also choose a set of rear shock relocators and an adjustable track bar, to help re-center the rearend.

Here's a picture of n2billet's truck,...

[lolife99]

n2billet's truck is running 22x9 and 20x8.5 Coys wheels.
The rearend is also the narrower 67-69 version with aftermarket 5-lug axles.

Here's a picture of my '70 stepside,... that I am trying to lay frame with.
This picture shows a 29" tall tire with a stock 15x8 truck ralley wheel.
(I also have the narrower 67-69 rearend)
These tires just barely fit,... they actually rub the lip of the fender.

Also,... the fenders set on the tires way before the frame lays out.

[Indycar1]

Well that settles it, away with the stepside and on the hunt for a fleetside! Thanks guys
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[Jimbabwe]

Keep the stepper if you like it, just narrow your rear like I'm doing. If you don't mind cutting the bedsides, that is.
I don't mind...because it's gonna look so damned good.

[Indycar1]

I like the look of the fleetside better, I just got a sweet deal on this truck, 2100 for rust free running truck with an extra running 250 and 3 spd trans. By the time I cut the rear down and get it to fit the wheels, I'll prob have the same money as a new bed
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[Jimbabwe]

I hear you. I was more a fleetside fan myself. Had one before this, but like you got a nice deal on a stepside. I figured everyone has a fleet so I'd give the stepside a try, and , if you're not familiar with it, RustSpot's stepside "Made Bail" definitely swayed me. Give it a look...

[502ms]

I am tubbing my stepper...it lays frame....all the best
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[Indycar1]

502ms, Are you just cutting the outer fender well out and putting tubs in the bed? Do u have any pics?
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