Need Help!! For some reason I am thinking of lowering my truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sameyrasmea72 · 10-03-2003, 09:29 PM

I need some opinions as to my options. A couple days ago I decided to take the top off my blazer for a few reasons. I have had 4 blazers and always wanted to do it and now seemed like a good time since I don't really need the AC any more. But mainly because I want to check an area where I feared some hidden rust.

Anyways, After I took the top off, for some reason I am thinking about lowering it. The problem is I have no idea how to or what would be the best way to go about doing it. If I do lower it, I think I need to do it quickly because I think the urge to do so will diminish when I put the top back on. I figure I have 5-6 weeks max weather wise to leave the top off.

What are some ways or the best ways in your opinions to lower it. What is the most reverseable way because I am not sure I will like it after I do it. I would like to lower it 1 or 2 inches at the most and maybe just level it a bit. What are some guestiments on the cost to do it. Also, do ya'll think the tires on it would look ok if I did it. They are like new 235/75 and came off a new Jeep.

I am also thinking about putting some of those 20' things on it also. JK

, the rallys will have to work for now.
Thanks for any info or sugestions in advance........JD

sameyrasmea72 · 10-03-2003, 09:31 PM

2

**old Rusty C10** · 10-03-2003, 09:42 PM

why??????
looks sweet as she is

*1FaastC10* · 10-03-2003, 10:50 PM

do yourself a favor and dont waste the money on such a small drop. go at least 3/5 if you do decid to drop it. never fails, once someone does a small drop they always want more. i have a 5/7 drop kit, and 2 days after it arrived, i started thinking about bags.

bigblock73 · 10-03-2003, 10:50 PM

1. Drop spindles in front and a shackle/hanger kit out back. This will give you a 3/4 drop and it is pretty straightforward and will retain the factory ride quality.

2. The cheapest and easiest would be drop coils in front and drop leafs out back. You could do a 2/2, 2/3, or 2/4 drop I believe (depending on leaf springs, I would never use more than a 2" drop coil). This setup will not ride as nice as option #1 but is much cheaper.

No matter what anyone says...don't drop the front by heating the coils..this actually weakens them and might cause it to ride "funny"...especially if done by a non-professional. I also wouldn't cut coils either for similar reasons. Both these methods ruin the chance to put the truck back to stock without having to buy new coils.

Hope this helps some.

I say drop that bioach!

-Jeff

*1FaastC10* · 10-03-2003, 11:09 PM

anybody got a link to the pic that Izzy had of why we shoudlnt heat coils?

1974ChevyC10 · 10-03-2003, 11:40 PM

i think it looks good as it is.maybe add some custom wheels to liven the truck up a bit

*1FaastC10* · 10-04-2003, 06:16 AM

this is why you shouldnt heat coil springs.

87 Shortwide · 10-04-2003, 11:03 AM

Ive got 3" spindles and 2" springs in the front, and 4" in shackle and hanger along with 3" de-arched springs....and I want mine lower. Its just too bad that I need traction and everyone knows that a lowered truck doesnt hook all that well.

These are both 5/7

Prerunner1982 · 10-04-2003, 12:52 PM

these guys are all right, but to add my $.02... if you think the urge/desire might diminish, then you might wait, dont want you to regret anything.

sameyrasmea72 · 10-04-2003, 12:57 PM

Thanks for the ""sweet"" comment Old Rusty C10. She does look pretty good right now, however the pics make it look like it sits lower that it actually does. I am not positive I will do it yet, but if I do it will be mild. Something about like 87 shortwide's first pic looks about right.

I think I will look a litle closer at your #2, I am not too concerned with the ride. Most Every thing I've owned hasbeen a litle rough.Thanks for the warning and pics about heating the coils, someone locally might have sugested it and knowing me I might have gone for it. As far as bags are concerned, baby steps-baby steps. Lowering it will be a huge leap for me

.

I do think some custom wheels would liven it up some. And with that beautiful Camel metalic paint it cuold use some help. I'll just save the rallys for when I restore it later on.

Oh, side note. Its rained once all summer, and now that I have taken the top off it looks like it is going to rain once a day. I should of known better......JD

sameyrasmea72 · 10-04-2003, 01:04 PM

That's true Prerunner, but I won't do any thing permanent, Just first step away from totally stock. That way it won't be so difficult to drop in that 400sb that I want to do.

78' Silverado · 10-04-2003, 03:24 PM

Hey 87 Shortwide...How much did ur 5/7 drop cost you? Just Wondering...Cuz....It looks hott HAHA!!!!

*1FaastC10* · 10-09-2003, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 78' Silverado
Hey 87 Shortwide...How much did ur 5/7 drop cost you? Just Wondering...Cuz....It looks hott HAHA!!!!

i've got one you can have for $600 plus shipping...

**N2TRUX** · 10-09-2003, 08:36 AM

If you want something mild and quick, start with a shackle in the rear. Most come with 2-3 holes so you can raise or lower it a notch if you like. They are $50 or less, and you may even find a used set somewhere for less. It takes about an hour to do.

If you put the shackle on, and start to get all twitchy inside, then you have been bitten by the mod bug. Now you can justify a set of lowering coils for the front. If I were you, I would go ahead and buy them now, and have them on standby.

This should give you what you want, and is pretty cheap, and simple to reverse.

I will warn you, once bitten by the mod bug, there is no known cure. You will never be able to drive a stock vehicle again.

Please do not show me pics of it lowered. It will further reinforce my desire to buy it from you...

**N2TRUX** · 10-09-2003, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 87 Shortwide
... Its just too bad that I need traction and everyone knows that a lowered truck doesnt hook all that well.

Who told you that crap? If the suspension is set up properly, it will hook up just as well as a stock truck...or better

**N2TRUX** · 10-09-2003, 08:39 AM

That pic was killing me. I had to clean it up a bit...

Low87 · 10-09-2003, 11:50 AM

I'd go with spindles up front and shackles and hangers in the back. I used to hate lowered trucks, then I bought one with the intention of raising it back up. I began to like it, then sold it and bought my 87 in stock shape. I thought maybe I'd lower it a couple inches, then did a 3/4 drop. That lasted a couple years then I did a 6/8. Now I want bags!

10-03-2003, 09:42 PM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,288	why?????? looks sweet as she is __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

10-03-2003, 11:40 PM	#7
1974ChevyC10 Overworked and Underlaid Join Date: May 2002 Location: Flagstaff,Arizona Posts: 1,279	i think it looks good as it is.maybe add some custom wheels to liven the truck up a bit __________________ I'd rather push a Chevy than drive a Ford The Beast-1978 C10 LWB Red-1978 C10 LWB (Uncle Mike)Michael Henry Millett 11/5/1957 to 03/08/2012 Gone but will never be forgotten-RIP (Uncle Chuck)Charles Manning Gulbronsen Sr 1956-2012 Taken from us to soon but you will live on in our hearts-RIP

10-04-2003, 11:03 AM	#9
87 Shortwide Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Wichita Ks Posts: 536	Ive got 3" spindles and 2" springs in the front, and 4" in shackle and hanger along with 3" de-arched springs....and I want mine lower. Its just too bad that I need traction and everyone knows that a lowered truck doesnt hook all that well. These are both 5/7 __________________ Daily Driver: 1992 Blazer dropped on rallys Project: 87 GMC shortwide, About to get a little boost

10-04-2003, 12:52 PM	#10
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	these guys are all right, but to add my $.02... if you think the urge/desire might diminish, then you might wait, dont want you to regret anything. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

10-04-2003, 12:57 PM	#11
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Thanks for the ""sweet"" comment Old Rusty C10. She does look pretty good right now, however the pics make it look like it sits lower that it actually does. I am not positive I will do it yet, but if I do it will be mild. Something about like 87 shortwide's first pic looks about right. I think I will look a litle closer at your #2, I am not too concerned with the ride. Most Every thing I've owned hasbeen a litle rough.Thanks for the warning and pics about heating the coils, someone locally might have sugested it and knowing me I might have gone for it. As far as bags are concerned, baby steps-baby steps. Lowering it will be a huge leap for me . I do think some custom wheels would liven it up some. And with that beautiful Camel metalic paint it cuold use some help. I'll just save the rallys for when I restore it later on. Oh, side note. Its rained once all summer, and now that I have taken the top off it looks like it is going to rain once a day. I should of known better......JD Last edited by sameyrasmea72; 10-04-2003 at 12:59 PM.

10-03-2003, 09:29 PM	#1
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	Need Help!! For some reason I am thinking of lowering my truck I need some opinions as to my options. A couple days ago I decided to take the top off my blazer for a few reasons. I have had 4 blazers and always wanted to do it and now seemed like a good time since I don't really need the AC any more. But mainly because I want to check an area where I feared some hidden rust. Anyways, After I took the top off, for some reason I am thinking about lowering it. The problem is I have no idea how to or what would be the best way to go about doing it. If I do lower it, I think I need to do it quickly because I think the urge to do so will diminish when I put the top back on. I figure I have 5-6 weeks max weather wise to leave the top off. What are some ways or the best ways in your opinions to lower it. What is the most reverseable way because I am not sure I will like it after I do it. I would like to lower it 1 or 2 inches at the most and maybe just level it a bit. What are some guestiments on the cost to do it. Also, do ya'll think the tires on it would look ok if I did it. They are like new 235/75 and came off a new Jeep. I am also thinking about putting some of those 20' things on it also. JK , the rallys will have to work for now. Thanks for any info or sugestions in advance........JD Attached Images

10-03-2003, 09:31 PM	#2
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	top off 2 Attached Images __________________ 72 Cheyenne Super 80 Silverado Blazer 2wd

10-03-2003, 10:50 PM	#4
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	do yourself a favor and dont waste the money on such a small drop. go at least 3/5 if you do decid to drop it. never fails, once someone does a small drop they always want more. i have a 5/7 drop kit, and 2 days after it arrived, i started thinking about bags.

10-03-2003, 10:50 PM	#5
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	1. Drop spindles in front and a shackle/hanger kit out back. This will give you a 3/4 drop and it is pretty straightforward and will retain the factory ride quality. 2. The cheapest and easiest would be drop coils in front and drop leafs out back. You could do a 2/2, 2/3, or 2/4 drop I believe (depending on leaf springs, I would never use more than a 2" drop coil). This setup will not ride as nice as option #1 but is much cheaper. No matter what anyone says...don't drop the front by heating the coils..this actually weakens them and might cause it to ride "funny"...especially if done by a non-professional. I also wouldn't cut coils either for similar reasons. Both these methods ruin the chance to put the truck back to stock without having to buy new coils. Hope this helps some. I say drop that bioach! -Jeff

10-03-2003, 11:09 PM	#6
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	anybody got a link to the pic that Izzy had of why we shoudlnt heat coils?

10-04-2003, 06:16 AM	#8
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,400	this is why you shouldnt heat coil springs.

10-04-2003, 01:04 PM	#12
sameyrasmea72 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,443	That's true Prerunner, but I won't do any thing permanent, Just first step away from totally stock. That way it won't be so difficult to drop in that 400sb that I want to do.

10-04-2003, 03:24 PM	#13
78' Silverado \/ My Loves \/ Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Midland,Texas Posts: 462	Hey 87 Shortwide...How much did ur 5/7 drop cost you? Just Wondering...Cuz....It looks hott HAHA!!!! __________________ 78' Silverado - Blue - (In a Coma) 04' Silverado -Red- 383 Stroker in progress for the 78'!!!

10-09-2003, 08:36 AM	#15
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	If you want something mild and quick, start with a shackle in the rear. Most come with 2-3 holes so you can raise or lower it a notch if you like. They are $50 or less, and you may even find a used set somewhere for less. It takes about an hour to do. If you put the shackle on, and start to get all twitchy inside, then you have been bitten by the mod bug. Now you can justify a set of lowering coils for the front. If I were you, I would go ahead and buy them now, and have them on standby. This should give you what you want, and is pretty cheap, and simple to reverse. I will warn you, once bitten by the mod bug, there is no known cure. You will never be able to drive a stock vehicle again. Please do not show me pics of it lowered. It will further reinforce my desire to buy it from you... __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

10-09-2003, 08:39 AM	#17
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	That pic was killing me. I had to clean it up a bit... Attached Images



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10-09-2003, 11:50 AM	#18
Low87 been here longer than Liz Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Broken Arrow, OK Posts: 2,437	I'd go with spindles up front and shackles and hangers in the back. I used to hate lowered trucks, then I bought one with the intention of raising it back up. I began to like it, then sold it and bought my 87 in stock shape. I thought maybe I'd lower it a couple inches, then did a 3/4 drop. That lasted a couple years then I did a 6/8. Now I want bags! Attached Images __________________ ~Greg~ Mac's Garage '87 SWB 6/8 drop "Piso" '08 CCSB Silverado DD the departed '89 GMC K5 Jimmy 4x4 "Rusty Nuts" '77 Chevy K5 Blazer 2wd '83 Chevy stepside "You get what you pay for" - Mike 'swervin ervin' Ervin

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