72 C10 Suburban lowering questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-11-2016, 04:25 PM

We just got a 72 C10 burb that will be getting a heavy 6 cylinder engine. (1250lbs) We'd like to drop the burb 3" in the rear and at least 2" in the front. What are the best springs (brand) to do this without loosing some holding weight due to our heavy engine. There seem to be several out there with no real feed back on quality. Would drop spindles be better in the front rather than drop springs? Thanks Ryan.

**LockDoc** · 05-12-2016, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher

We just got a 72 C10 burb that will be getting a heavy 6 cylinder engine. (1250lbs) We'd like to drop the burb 3" in the rear and at least 2" in the front. What are the best springs (brand) to do this without loosing some holding weight due to our heavy engine. There seem to be several out there with no real feed back on quality. Would drop spindles be better in the front rather than drop springs? Thanks Ryan.

It seems like most of the drop springs look to be made out of a lighter material. Maybe they are a better grade of spring steel though. I think I would go with the drop spindles.

LockDoc

**Advanced Design** · 05-13-2016, 05:49 AM

Eaton Spring could design and build a set of springs to do what you want. It might be pricey, though it would eliminate the guesswork of trying and replacing springs.

https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/p...pes/resto-mod/

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-13-2016, 03:22 PM

Thanks guys. I think I might put the engine in it and then see how it sets. I've read that stock C10 springs settle about 3/4" with the engine I'm going to use. So maybe I'll wait to take measurements before I get springs.

**HO455** · 05-13-2016, 04:12 PM

I am assuming that your talking about a Cummins conversion. If so upgrading to 1 ton front end components would make the conversion better over the long run. The springs are what hold the vehicle at the ride height, but the ball joints and bushings are the wear points and they have to be rated to the increased load or they will fail prematurely. Dodge put 1 ton front ends under all of the Cummins equipped trucks when they first came out. I don't know if that is still true today but back in the 90's that was the case. The parts should easy to get and as far as custom springs there are lots of places that can make you springs. (You never mentioned if it was coils or leafs) If I went with dropped spindles I would have a conversation with the manufacturer about the plan and I would get a written warranty that includes the increased loading, just for my own piece of mind that they were confident the spindles would hold up. I know you used to be able to get 1 ton dropped spindles for 73-87's if they are still around that may be the way to go. Also look into the other forums here as this has been done by others.

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-13-2016, 08:48 PM

Yes, it is a cummins engine and coil springs front and rear. I'm not worried at all about the front end components of the half ton suspension being able to carry the load. I know a fellow board member that has a compound turbo'd duramax with a heavy allison trans in a 72 C10 burb and he has put several thousand miles on it traveling all over. He has been on several power tours and the burb is 930hp to the rear wheels. (Granted he can change power levels via a switch) It runs 11's and hauls gear on the trips etc. I also have another friend whom has a 72 C10 truck that has had a cummins in it for years without any problems.

My concern is that there are so many different places selling drop springs, but no one wants to give real info on them in their ads. I figured there would be some good info here. As far as drop spindles, they all seem to be forged steel, and I can't imagine anyone would be selling them long if they are prone to failing. But i have been wrong before.

4shongo · 05-16-2016, 09:46 AM

I've been running my 3/4 CPP spring drop for 3 years with no issues. The 4" rear spring is the heavy duty one. Just in case I want to tow. I agree that maybe you should get the engine in there first, take before and after measurements with your stock setup and then go from there. Just my $.02! Good luck!

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-16-2016, 01:54 PM

Thanks for the help guys!

05-11-2016, 04:25 PM	#1
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,143	72 C10 Suburban lowering questions We just got a 72 C10 burb that will be getting a heavy 6 cylinder engine. (1250lbs) We'd like to drop the burb 3" in the rear and at least 2" in the front. What are the best springs (brand) to do this without loosing some holding weight due to our heavy engine. There seem to be several out there with no real feed back on quality. Would drop spindles be better in the front rather than drop springs? Thanks Ryan. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-13-2016, 05:49 AM	#3
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,028	Re: 72 C10 Suburban lowering questions Eaton Spring could design and build a set of springs to do what you want. It might be pricey, though it would eliminate the guesswork of trying and replacing springs. https://www.eatondetroitspring.com/p...pes/resto-mod/ __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

05-13-2016, 03:22 PM	#4
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,143	Re: 72 C10 Suburban lowering questions Thanks guys. I think I might put the engine in it and then see how it sets. I've read that stock C10 springs settle about 3/4" with the engine I'm going to use. So maybe I'll wait to take measurements before I get springs. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-13-2016, 04:12 PM	#5
HO455 Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Portland Oregon Posts: 11,605	Re: 72 C10 Suburban lowering questions I am assuming that your talking about a Cummins conversion. If so upgrading to 1 ton front end components would make the conversion better over the long run. The springs are what hold the vehicle at the ride height, but the ball joints and bushings are the wear points and they have to be rated to the increased load or they will fail prematurely. Dodge put 1 ton front ends under all of the Cummins equipped trucks when they first came out. I don't know if that is still true today but back in the 90's that was the case. The parts should easy to get and as far as custom springs there are lots of places that can make you springs. (You never mentioned if it was coils or leafs) If I went with dropped spindles I would have a conversation with the manufacturer about the plan and I would get a written warranty that includes the increased loading, just for my own piece of mind that they were confident the spindles would hold up. I know you used to be able to get 1 ton dropped spindles for 73-87's if they are still around that may be the way to go. Also look into the other forums here as this has been done by others. __________________ Thanks to Bob and Jeanie and everyone else at Superior Performance for all their great help. RIP Bob Parks. 1967 Burban (the WMB),1988 S10 Blazer (the Stink10 II),1969 GTO (the Goat), 1970 Javelin, 1952 F2 Ford OHC six 4X4, 29 Model A, 72 Firebird (the DBP Bird). 85 Alfa Romeo If it breaks I didn't want it in the first place The WMB repair thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=698377

05-13-2016, 08:48 PM	#6
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,143	Re: 72 C10 Suburban lowering questions Yes, it is a cummins engine and coil springs front and rear. I'm not worried at all about the front end components of the half ton suspension being able to carry the load. I know a fellow board member that has a compound turbo'd duramax with a heavy allison trans in a 72 C10 burb and he has put several thousand miles on it traveling all over. He has been on several power tours and the burb is 930hp to the rear wheels. (Granted he can change power levels via a switch) It runs 11's and hauls gear on the trips etc. I also have another friend whom has a 72 C10 truck that has had a cummins in it for years without any problems. My concern is that there are so many different places selling drop springs, but no one wants to give real info on them in their ads. I figured there would be some good info here. As far as drop spindles, they all seem to be forged steel, and I can't imagine anyone would be selling them long if they are prone to failing. But i have been wrong before. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-16-2016, 09:46 AM	#7
4shongo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Arlington, TN Posts: 315	Re: 72 C10 Suburban lowering questions I've been running my 3/4 CPP spring drop for 3 years with no issues. The 4" rear spring is the heavy duty one. Just in case I want to tow. I agree that maybe you should get the engine in there first, take before and after measurements with your stock setup and then go from there. Just my $.02! Good luck!

05-16-2016, 01:54 PM	#8
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,143	Re: 72 C10 Suburban lowering questions Thanks for the help guys! __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*



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