Getting it lowered - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

pinky350 · 08-26-2003, 08:43 PM

I have a 71 short wide and I want to lower it 2" in the front
and 4" in the back from stock. What is the best spring to use?
And where do I get them? And shock relocators?
I want the truck to still ride good but, closer to the ground.

FuelCellGuy · 08-26-2003, 08:49 PM

I would go with a drop spindle. That is what I went with on mt truck. I also have air bags. This is a really simple setup. Where in Texas are you??? Here's mine.

ChevLoRay · 08-26-2003, 08:51 PM

I used spindles to lower the front of mine (2.5 inches), and springs to lower the rear (4.0 inches).

I have read where some have lowered theirs with springs, but my opinion is that it causes problems with the alignment, etc., but there are those who will say it doesn't.

In my earlier days, working in a shop, sagging springs were either replaced, or "spring raisers" were inserted in the coils to restore the stock ride height, thereby affording a proper front end alignment. That is the basis for my opinion.

Some folks have used lower control arms that are modified to re-position the spring in a pocket, to effectively lower the truck.

As for the rear, if you lower it 4 inches, you will find that the track bar will pull the rear end to one side. Your option is cut/weld the existing track bar to a proper length, or buy/install an adjustable track bar to allow you to reposition the rear end properly.

I am sure that others will reply and you'll have a lot more info.

Good luck on your project.

still w.i.p '68 · 08-26-2003, 11:02 PM

fuel cellguy,
i'm about 30 min from you, that truck is sweet as hell

67cst · 08-27-2003, 03:03 AM

cell guy, damn that sits perfect...one day ill have bags...one day

FuelCellGuy · 08-27-2003, 09:12 AM

I have got the entire suspension setup the right way. I have no problem with alignment. Yes, the rear panhard bar has been modified, or I should say completely refabricated, to keep the rear end centered. Also, I just pulled the front bags out of my truck and put the springs back in just for a long distance cruise we are taking in October. (I don't have the compressor and all required accessories I want). After the cruise, I will reinstall the bags as well as all the other components that I haven't purchased yet. The spring I have in there now have one coil cut off and it rides fine. How you cut the coil, is the critical factor in whether or not the spring survives or collapses. If you simply put the coil in a 5 gallon bucket of water with just the coil(s) sticking out that you want to remove, then cut with a high-speed cutoff wheel, nothing of the spring integrity is lost. (Except for the coil.) There is more than one way to skin a cat. Later, FCG

FuelCellGuy · 08-27-2003, 09:15 AM

still w.i.p '68 & 67cst,
Thanks for the compliments. still, will you be attending the car show in Emory?? Maybe we can meet up and shoot the, well you know. These trucks are the easiest trucks in the world to bag. Ever need any tips or tricks, give me a holler. Later, FCG

*Randy70C-10* · 08-27-2003, 09:55 AM

That's sweet! Do you have any pics of it in the sun? I want a better look at that color.

still w.i.p '68 · 08-27-2003, 02:11 PM

fcg,
Yeah i will be at the show, probably about 2:00,
I have to work that day, The parts house that I work for is the
major sponsor, I would like to meet you, are you gonna have your truck there? If you see a yellow "68 parked around there somewhere, I will be there, Let em know..

FuelCellGuy · 08-27-2003, 09:45 PM

I will be there. I think mine is easy enough to spot. There are quite a few of us from Mineola coming to the show. Is there a pre-regisrtation of any kind?? FCG

FuelCellGuy · 08-27-2003, 09:47 PM

My camaera is not the best in the world. This picture is the closet to the color I can get in a photo. Oh, by the way, despite what many may think, the Blazer, belongs to my wife. It's pretty cool. I get the best of both worlds. FCG

still w.i.p '68 · 08-27-2003, 09:57 PM

fuelcellguy,
yes there is a pre-registration, @ www.classicsroundthesquare.com
or you can come by my work J&R autosupply on 69 in emory,
and we have the forms, i look forward to seeing your truck!!
John

Fred T · 08-27-2003, 10:04 PM

I'm almost through lowering my 69. Went with drop spindles and disc brakes up front, 3" drop springs on the rear. Got the adjustable panhard bar, also gas shocks all around. I'm going to bleed the front brakes and hopefully test drive tomorrow, then its of for four wheel alignment and new exhaust. PO ran exhaust on top of the differential, so out came the torch. Dang.

As far as vendors, I believe GMCPaul has most everything in stock. And he is honest, usually ships the next day.

*Randy70C-10* · 08-27-2003, 10:47 PM

Thanks for posting, that's one awsome looking truck!

08-26-2003, 08:43 PM	#1
pinky350 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: TX Posts: 91	Getting it lowered I have a 71 short wide and I want to lower it 2" in the front and 4" in the back from stock. What is the best spring to use? And where do I get them? And shock relocators? I want the truck to still ride good but, closer to the ground.

08-26-2003, 08:49 PM	#2
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	Low.... I would go with a drop spindle. That is what I went with on mt truck. I also have air bags. This is a really simple setup. Where in Texas are you??? Here's mine. Attached Images

08-26-2003, 08:51 PM	#3
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	I used spindles to lower the front of mine (2.5 inches), and springs to lower the rear (4.0 inches). I have read where some have lowered theirs with springs, but my opinion is that it causes problems with the alignment, etc., but there are those who will say it doesn't. In my earlier days, working in a shop, sagging springs were either replaced, or "spring raisers" were inserted in the coils to restore the stock ride height, thereby affording a proper front end alignment. That is the basis for my opinion. Some folks have used lower control arms that are modified to re-position the spring in a pocket, to effectively lower the truck. As for the rear, if you lower it 4 inches, you will find that the track bar will pull the rear end to one side. Your option is cut/weld the existing track bar to a proper length, or buy/install an adjustable track bar to allow you to reposition the rear end properly. I am sure that others will reply and you'll have a lot more info. Good luck on your project. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

08-26-2003, 11:02 PM	#4
still w.i.p '68 Dreams are free Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hogansville Texas Posts: 546	fuel cellguy, i'm about 30 min from you, that truck is sweet as hell __________________ '68 swb fleetside originally w.i.p '68 member since 1-01 w.i.p = ( work in progress )

08-27-2003, 03:03 AM	#5
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,302	cell guy, damn that sits perfect...one day ill have bags...one day __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

08-27-2003, 09:12 AM	#6
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	Lowering.... I have got the entire suspension setup the right way. I have no problem with alignment. Yes, the rear panhard bar has been modified, or I should say completely refabricated, to keep the rear end centered. Also, I just pulled the front bags out of my truck and put the springs back in just for a long distance cruise we are taking in October. (I don't have the compressor and all required accessories I want). After the cruise, I will reinstall the bags as well as all the other components that I haven't purchased yet. The spring I have in there now have one coil cut off and it rides fine. How you cut the coil, is the critical factor in whether or not the spring survives or collapses. If you simply put the coil in a 5 gallon bucket of water with just the coil(s) sticking out that you want to remove, then cut with a high-speed cutoff wheel, nothing of the spring integrity is lost. (Except for the coil.) There is more than one way to skin a cat. Later, FCG

08-27-2003, 09:15 AM	#7
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	still w.i.p '68 & 67cst, Thanks for the compliments. still, will you be attending the car show in Emory?? Maybe we can meet up and shoot the, well you know. These trucks are the easiest trucks in the world to bag. Ever need any tips or tricks, give me a holler. Later, FCG

08-27-2003, 09:55 AM	#8
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	That's sweet! Do you have any pics of it in the sun? I want a better look at that color.

08-27-2003, 02:11 PM	#9
still w.i.p '68 Dreams are free Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hogansville Texas Posts: 546	Fuelcellguy fcg, Yeah i will be at the show, probably about 2:00, I have to work that day, The parts house that I work for is the major sponsor, I would like to meet you, are you gonna have your truck there? If you see a yellow "68 parked around there somewhere, I will be there, Let em know.. __________________ '68 swb fleetside originally w.i.p '68 member since 1-01 w.i.p = ( work in progress )

08-27-2003, 09:45 PM	#10
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	Bells on..... I will be there. I think mine is easy enough to spot. There are quite a few of us from Mineola coming to the show. Is there a pre-regisrtation of any kind?? FCG

08-27-2003, 09:47 PM	#11
FuelCellGuy FUEL CELL GURU Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Mineola, Texas Posts: 993	Here you go, Randy.... My camaera is not the best in the world. This picture is the closet to the color I can get in a photo. Oh, by the way, despite what many may think, the Blazer, belongs to my wife. It's pretty cool. I get the best of both worlds. FCG Attached Images

08-27-2003, 09:57 PM	#12
still w.i.p '68 Dreams are free Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hogansville Texas Posts: 546	fuelcellguy, yes there is a pre-registration, @ www.classicsroundthesquare.com or you can come by my work J&R autosupply on 69 in emory, and we have the forms, i look forward to seeing your truck!! John __________________ '68 swb fleetside originally w.i.p '68 member since 1-01 w.i.p = ( work in progress )

08-27-2003, 10:04 PM	#13
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	I'm almost through lowering my 69. Went with drop spindles and disc brakes up front, 3" drop springs on the rear. Got the adjustable panhard bar, also gas shocks all around. I'm going to bleed the front brakes and hopefully test drive tomorrow, then its of for four wheel alignment and new exhaust. PO ran exhaust on top of the differential, so out came the torch. Dang. As far as vendors, I believe GMCPaul has most everything in stock. And he is honest, usually ships the next day. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

08-27-2003, 10:47 PM	#14
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Thanks for posting, that's one awsome looking truck!



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