71 shortbed swb factory height

[redbowtie74]

I just picked up a 71 swb and I like the height the previous owner has it at, they just went about the wrong way and just cut the springs so im trying to determine what the factory frame height is or ground to fender lip is so I can determine how much lower it is now then factory so I can order the parts to lower it the right way, ive searched without any luck so far

thanks

[68Stepbed]

Give us a photo of how it looks now and we can help determine an approximate drop. In the meantime, check out this ECE stance comparison. Maybe it'll help.

[redbowtie74]

tire size is 255/35r22 front
285/35r22 rear

[hewittca]

If you're running 22s, stock measurements aren't going to be of much use in determining the correct parts to get to match the current drop. From your picture, if the only thing done is cut springs, I'd say the fronts have 2 coils cut out (which is a lot) to give you a 4" drop. For the rear, I'm not sure how he cut those springs, but it appears to be a 4" drop as well. If I were you, I'd start with 2.5" drop spindles with 2" springs up front and 4" springs out back. If that's not enough drop, you could swap to 3" or 4" springs up front, and add 2" block in the rear.

I am also in the same boat, actually. My truck has 22s with similar sized tires and is very close in height to what yours is now. My stock springs have been violated and I want to replace them with the correct lowering springs, spindles, blocks, etc.. Here's my truck for reference. 4" front drop (two coils cut) and 4.5" rear drop (combination of heated springs and stepped frame).

[68c10airstream]

I had a ece spring sag a little and called them. He said "measure from the center of the wheel UP to the fender lip". Mine was sagged and they gave a free replacement, (excellent service). If you get with ece and as stated look at their stance photos get this measurement from them that they use for reference. This lip measurement is not influenced by tire/wheel size, only spring and spindle layout. If you take the time and look at various members trucks and find the ones you like and pm them for this measurement you will know for sure where you want to be!!

[hewittca]

Originally Posted by 68c10airstream

I had a ece spring sag a little and called them. He said "measure from the center of the wheel UP to the fender lip". Mine was sagged and they gave a free replacement, (excellent service). If you get with ece and as stated look at their stance photos get this measurement from them that they use for reference. This lip measurement is not influenced by tire/wheel size, only spring and spindle layout. If you take the time and look at various members trucks and find the ones you like and pm them for this measurement you will know for sure where you want to be!!

That is a great point and a much more valid measurement to look for.

[68c10airstream]

Originally Posted by hewittca

That is a great point and a much more valid measurement to look for.

Looking at the green truck in the post above i take a mental note of a horizontal line through both front and back hubcaps and where does the line end up at?? looks like it goes to the middle of both the front and the back bumpers as an example!!