11-30-2016, 06:17 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 548
|
72 Too Low
A number of years ago I dropped my 72 LWB using 2 1/4" drop spindles and 2" drop springs. I looks cool but in reality with only about 3 1/2" clearance I have problems with any type of speed bump or driveway lip. I need to gain a bit more clearance. I have been asking locally but not getting a specific answer as to the best solution. The truck is a BB so there is some extra weight involved. I want to retain some front drop but don't want to do a spring change and have too much lift. I am going to swap my tires from back to front. 295's in back and 265's in front and see how that works. Would then go to all 295's of it solves the problem. Any thoughts on how much lift I would actually get with a 1" drop spring? Would I actually gain an inch or are there other factors to consider? Any thoughts appreciated.
|
12-01-2016, 03:05 AM | #2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 548
|
Re: 72 Too Low
Here is a picture of the truck as I described.
|
12-01-2016, 11:51 AM | #3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 3,228
|
Re: 72 Too Low
Swapping front to rear wheels probably will not buy you much. If those are 17" or 18" wheels you're running, you could gain an inch by going +2 on the wheel size ( I wouldn't go beyond a 20" wheel in the front though ).
The return from going with a 1" drop spring ~should~ be about and inch too, but no way to know for sure until you try it. If you go this route, just make sure you get the same manufacturer's springs that you put in to begin with. Seems like I've seen a product that was a rigid "pad" that sits in the spring well below your existing spring. Sort of a spacer to raise it up a bit. Maybe you could fabricate something like this to raise it up a bit? -klb
__________________
67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold |
12-01-2016, 01:01 PM | #4 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2013
Location: WEST PALM FLORIDA
Posts: 1,174
|
Re: 72 Too Low
Maybe try some helper spring shocks
__________________
68 Long Fleet , ly6 , turbo 350 , 3-5 drop , original paint , front discs 67 Small window , 7 foot bed , tweaked 6.0 LSX 2004R Medium Olive 58 Apache fleet , 235 , offy intake , dual exhaust , 4 on the floor , red/white 69 Long Fleet , Custom , 6.0, 4l60 , AC , Medium Olive |
12-01-2016, 01:16 PM | #5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Dallas Texas
Posts: 3,228
|
Re: 72 Too Low
Here's the spacer that would be quick and easy... This particular one is 22bucks and is 1.5 inches.
These SPC Performance coil spring spacers are designed to allow shock absorbers to operate through their normal range for longer life and proper response ratios. They can restore your vehicle to its original height, correct front-end component relationships, and improve ride and handling characteristics. SPC Performance coil spring spacers are manufactured from durable aluminum and are available in different thicknesses to suit your specific vehicle application.
__________________
67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold |
12-01-2016, 07:26 PM | #6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,728
|
Re: 72 Too Low
Fix it right or don't fix it...
New springs make the most sense, just get 1" less drop. But that does cost money and requires work. I assume you have 15" rims? What series are your tires? I assume 50's. If that is the case, then the 265 tire in the front is only 25.5" tall and the 295 in the rear is 26.7. I have 2 1/2" spindles and 2" springs front of my truck and a 7" rear drop with a leaf spring flip in the rear. I have no issues with clearance. Front tires are 235 55 17 and rears are 275 55 17. 27" tall fronts and 29" rears. Super please with look, ride, and clearance and would do exact same again. I am planning a big block swap on my truck and will change to the 2" drop big block springs from ECE when I do it.
__________________
44 Willys MB 52 M38A1 64 Corvette Coupe 68 Camaro 'vert LT1 & TH700 69 Z/28 355 12.6's @110 69 Chevy Short Step 4 1/2"/7" drop 72 Jimmy 4WD 4spd 4" & 35's 02 GMC 2500HD 4x4 Duramax |
12-01-2016, 07:37 PM | #7 | ||
"I ain't nobody, dork."
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington
Posts: 8,971
|
Re: 72 Too Low
New springs, a floor jack, jack stands, remove front wheels, disconnect the lower control arm at the ball joint, remove old springs, install new springs, bolt lower control arm to ball joint, install front wheels, lower truck off of jack stands...boom.... take an afternoon and a 6-pack... done.
If a buddy is there to help... all day and a half rack! LOL! A pair of front springs is what... 80 bucks? Gary
__________________
'cuz chicks dig scars... My 1972 GMC 1500 Super Custom (Creeping Death) "long term" build thread. The Rebuild of Creeping Death after the wreck Quote:
Quote:
|
||
12-01-2016, 11:21 PM | #8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Bothell, WA
Posts: 548
|
Re: 72 Too Low
Good stuff. Many thanks for the input.
|
Bookmarks |
|
|