Help me figure out what I need please.

[jorgensensc]

Ok guys,
I've researched and am confused and just need some simple answers. I've got a 1972 c20 suburban that is currently stock height, and originally had a big block in it. It is a daily driver. I installed a l92/6l80e combo (so it's lighter than the original big block combo). I would like to lower about 2" in front, about 3" in back. My wheels stick out a little so I really don't want to go much lower, and I still want to be able to tow. I have an airbag setup I planned on using in the rear(coil spring rear), and keeping coils up front. I planned on cutting one coil off of the front. I don't really want to change out spindles. But since the truck was originally a big block, would I be better served with different front springs? Especially with the lighter engine/trans combo?
Also, I was interested in using Monroe shocks, not necessarily lowered shocks specifically. With my minimal lowering could I use stock height shocks? If so, does the regular vs heavy duty shock make much of a difference in ride quality?

I know this horse has been beaten to death, resurrected, and beaten again. But I have researched and researched and am now more confused than ever.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Shawn

[SCOTI]

The l92/4l80e combo is lighter so different springs would prob be best if within the budget. If the budget isn't that loose, cut a coil & see how you like it. Move forward from there.

Bags in back are definitely the way to go. Better ride & easily adjusted for working loads or all the extra gear a burb can carry.

Stock height shocks would work fine w/just 1-coil removed. Worst case you could slightly raise the upper shock mount if it was too close of a compromise on shock stroke length available. The Monroe-Matic gas shocks are pretty decent. For the rears, I would check w/Rob & the crew @ NoLimits to see if their shock relocation brackets can be used w/stock length shocks. That set-up seems to be well thought out as far as shock stroke & angles vs the OE truck-arm location.

[jorgensensc]

Thanks for the reply! I will look into the rear shock relocation brackets. I have seen them mentioned before. As for the front springs, if I go with lowered 1/2 ton springs then I might as well spend the money for airbags up front, right? Should I go with heavy duty Monroe shocks or just the regular duty? Do you think the heavy duty shocks will make for a stiffer ride, negating the value of the air ride?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by jorgensensc

Thanks for the reply! I will look into the rear shock relocation brackets. I have seen them mentioned before. As for the front springs, if I go with lowered 1/2 ton springs then I might as well spend the money for airbags up front, right? Should I go with heavy duty Monroe shocks or just the regular duty? Do you think the heavy duty shocks will make for a stiffer ride, negating the value of the air ride?

Too much pressure will impact ride quality so there is a balance to be found... Monroes are decent shocks. Any of there 'better' quality units should work well. If you have a CarQuest near you, their 'house' brand shocks are re-labled KYB GR-2's which are very decent as well (& offer better ride quality vs their Gas-a-Just series).

Air bags up front will prob offer better ride quality vs a cheap drop spring (cheap = any company that don't/can't tell you what the actual spring rate is). But, bags up front require more expense (compressors, tank, gauges (or sensors).... it escalates so it might be budget driven in most cases.

Again.... I would start w/cutting a coil of the bbc springs & see how it goes. If the stance or ride quality isn't what you want, move forward to the bags.

[jorgensensc]

Thanks again for the info. I will have to look into it. I've got the rear airbags and compressor, tank, etc already. I even have the cups and plates for the front already( as I was going to do it before, but chickened out and sold the airbags I had because I had the big block and thought I needed bigger bags, which I read would rub). I would hate to pop the spindle off, cut a coil, then not like it and do it again. So it really comes down to cost of good lowered springs vs two airbags.