How Low Can I Go??

[specks70]

Looking to see how much I can safely lower my 1970 step side truck by only changing the springs.
I'm not into the real low riders but would like to lower my truck a little plus level it out. What can I do safely???

[19GM71]

Based on your statement I would say a 2-4 drop using coil springs front and rear would be safe and still very usable. This would slightly lower your truck and level it out.

[specks70]

What would be a good combination to lower and level?

[special-K]

2" lower in rear puts a truck pretty much level. 3" springs in front is the max,so 3/5 drop for lowest all spring and level. 5" is also the practical lowest for rear to maintain proper travel. Yes,you can "get away" with 6" but I said practical. 2/4 is a very nice look for those not hung up on way low. It improves handling and gives a pleasant stance without screaming out,"I'm lowered!". Subtle is always cool in my book.

[19673ontree]

My truck is lowered 3" front 5" rear with spring's and in the rear it pulled the rear end to one side slightly , probly could have left it alone but I put an adjustable rear trac bar in mine cause ,,, well cause that's just the way I am LOL

[Omaha68C10]

Can you still haul 5 to 6 hundred pounds in a LWB with the 3/5 drop and still have enough clearence between the axle and the frame without a C notch?

[CST10]

I did a 2/3 drop. I like a small rake.

[19673ontree]

Originally Posted by Omaha68C10

Can you still haul 5 to 6 hundred pounds in a LWB with the 3/5 drop and still have enough clearence between the axle and the frame without a C notch?

No !

[special-K]

Originally Posted by CST10

I did a 2/3 drop. I like a small rake.

That looks fantastic!

[Already Gone]

Originally Posted by special-K

2" lower in rear puts a truck pretty much level. 3" springs in front is the max,so 3/5 drop for lowest all spring and level. 5" is also the practical lowest for rear to maintain proper travel. Yes,you can "get away" with 6" but I said practical. 2/4 is a very nice look for those not hung up on way low. It improves handling and gives a pleasant stance without screaming out,"I'm lowered!". Subtle is always cool in my book.

So in your opinion a 2 1/2 Drop Spindle up front with a 4 inch drop spring would level a long box out nicely and give it that subtle look that I too really like. Would you need an adjustable track bar with a set up like that?

[Hawghauler]

I'm going to bag the back on my truck. This allows me to haul a trailer, carry a load, and set the stance where I like, when I like, including when I'm loaded. I'm making an adjustable panhard bar and am only running individual schrader valves for now. All for the cost of bags and fittings and a little labor.
Then I can also lower it to the bottom for loading bikes, lawn mower, wheel barrows, etc.

[leddzepp]

This is the lowest you can go with a static drop, 5/7. It needed notching at even 5" in the rear.

[19673ontree]

My 3/5

[Duvall]

With a 3/5 spring and a adjustable panard bar, you will bottom out. I would use a combination of springs and drop spindles to keep as much travel as you can. The rear of my truck needs a C-notch. They make notches that you won't have to modify your bed. When I do get the notch I am going to two more inches in the front and rear. jmho.

Have fun.

[specks70]

Thanks everyone for your input, 2/4 sounds like what I want to do.
Does anyone out there have a pic of a step side with that combination?

specks70

[brad_man_72]

4-6 no notch spring only drop. Is it right, no. Does it work, yes.
I couldn't imagine anybody running this setup and still using it as a truck. Lol
Probably the same kinda guy who would haul wood with a swb and tow with gasp* peep mirrors.

[sstaten69]

looks nice. Love it.

[19GM71]

Originally Posted by specks70

Thanks everyone for your input, 2/4 sounds like what I want to do.
Does anyone out there have a pic of a step side with that combination?

specks70

This is as close as I have for an example for you. This is 3-5 all springs. Custom made track bar to center rear end. No notch. Don't haul anything except my but, and I personally have not bottomed out any. Tires are 245/45/20 and are about 28.6 inches tall. I have plenty of ground clearance and I can drive this thing as I like with no worries. This is a little lower than you are asking for but maybe a good reference.

[19GM71]

Here is another.

[specks70]

Wow 19GM71, I do like that. Very impressive. Good looking truck.
A question though. . . How would I know what length "track bar" I would be needing??

[19673ontree]

Originally Posted by specks70

Wow 19GM71, I do like that. Very impressive. Good looking truck.
A question though. . . How would I know if I need a "track bar"? What exactly does it do for the truck when using shorter springs?

The length of the factory trac bar holds the rear end in line right to left stock height , when you lower the truck the trac bar will pull the rear end off center , the aftermarket trac bars are adjustable so you install it and measure your rear end to make sure it is centered easy as turning the bar left or right ,

[specks70]

Thank You 19673ontree, I understand now, I guess I had some what of a stupid question and realized it once I posted. Thanks again.
I do believe that I'm going to move forward with the 2/4 combo. And am actually looking forward to it. I still have a long ways to go before my truck is complete so it may be awhile before even I see what it will look like with the shorter springs.

[MashTheGas 72]

Not trying to highjack your thread specks70, I'm getting ready to do the same thing. Where's the most reasonable place to get all the springs and Trac bar that will be needed. Great question specks70, thanks for letting me highjack your thread for just a minute.

[19GM71]

Originally Posted by MashTheGas 72

Not trying to highjack your thread specks70, I'm getting ready to do the same thing. Where's the most reasonable place to get all the springs and Trac bar that will be needed. Great question specks70, thanks for letting me highjack your thread for just a minute.

I bought all my stuff from CPP through eBay. I was on a tight budget so at the time it was the cheapest. All good stuff and worked out very well.

[Trucolur]

Originally Posted by 19GM71

Here is another.

I love fleet side trucks but I have too say that's a nice step there !!