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04-03-2014, 10:48 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 300
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Question about converting to 80's suspension
My brother and I went and found an '83 1/2 ton truck and gutted all of the front suspension. I've already bought new tie rods, ball joints etc but now I want to lower the front of my dads truck while we rebuild it.
Should I just buy some 73-87 drop spindles or buy the 3" lowering springs? I was tempted to buy tubular upper control arms as well. I'm about to have all of these suspension pieces sandblasted and painted so I thought I should before I blast and paint the spindles. Thanks guys
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04-03-2014, 11:37 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Rathdrum ID
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Re: Question about converting to 80's suspension
Depending on how low you want to go you should use both springs and spindles. Spindles so you can keep a good ride and not have alignmet issues and the springs to get it down. I'm going to be using 2 1/2 inch spindles and 3 inch springs.
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04-04-2014, 01:08 AM | #3 |
60-66 Nut
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,252
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Re: Question about converting to 80's suspension
I would start with just the dropped spindles, and maybe 1" springs at the most. Then see how you like the ride height.
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04-04-2014, 04:23 AM | #4 |
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Anderson, Texas
Posts: 535
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Re: Question about converting to 80's suspension
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04-04-2014, 06:41 AM | #5 |
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Hayes Va
Posts: 4,569
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Re: Question about converting to 80's suspension
All comes down to the truck. Do it in stages and see what you think. Spindles first. If you need just a little more you could cut half a wrap of the springs.
Jimmy
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60 to 66 Chevy and GMC window decals http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=661131 Good friends, good food and a hotrod what else do you need? 1966 BBW long fleet Daily driver 1965 BBW short fleet Sold and going to a good home 1965 Suburban 2003 3500 Duramax 2005 Ultra Classic |
04-04-2014, 02:25 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 300
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Re: Question about converting to 80's suspension
Thanks guys. So I'm guessing I just buy drop spindles for a 73-87? And If I want tubular control arms, I buy those for the 73-87 as well?
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My mother is a recent cancer survivor and this truck build is for her |
04-04-2014, 11:47 PM | #7 |
60-66 Nut
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Posts: 23,252
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Re: Question about converting to 80's suspension
Yes, assuming that the ball joints that you bought are for the '83.
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Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE |
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