Lowering rear with blocks - ??s - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

72c10step · 01-19-2004, 06:13 PM

I've got a 72 Chevy with a coil rear end and I'd like to even out the stance a bit. I've been reading some of the posts on the board, and have a few questions. A lot of people are using thick walled square stock and boxing the ends, then getting longer U-bolts. Is this all that needs to be done? Are there any other concerns, like panhard bar, shocks, bumpstops, etc., that I should worry about? I'd lower it a bit with springs, but I eventually (hopefully in a few years) will go to airbags, so I don't want to waste the money on springs. Thanks for the help, here's my truck right now as it stands. I'd like to get it almost even or just a slight rake, only maybe a 1-2" drop in the rear.

Tx Firefighter · 01-19-2004, 06:32 PM

2 inch blocks are a straight in deal. It won't offset the rear enough to warrant adjustable panhard bar or pinion angle problems. Build the blocks and buy the u bolts and that's it.

Almost too good to be true isn't it?

neonlarry · 01-19-2004, 06:38 PM

Lowering your truck 1-2in you don't need to worry about panhard bar, shocks or bump stop. When you get to 4in or more then its time to get an adjustable panhard and maybe some shorter shocks bump stop will still be fine.

**smitty62** · 01-19-2004, 07:47 PM

Anyone tried lowering more than 2" this way? Say 4"?---sure would make for long u bolts!

Tx Firefighter · 01-19-2004, 08:16 PM

You shouldn't lower one that low with blocks. It puts the lower shock mounts below the scrub line.

Here's a picture of one I did awhile back. Now, imagine if the shock was 2 inches closer to the ground.

It would place the shock lower than the bottom of the wheel. That way, if you ever had a flat, it would allow the shock to dig into the pavement.

Very unsafe.

**smitty62** · 01-19-2004, 08:30 PM

What you say is very true, but then I think the shock mounts should be relocated regardless of the amount lowered--they don't work right even with 2".

DUBURBAN · 01-19-2004, 08:53 PM

Try running some stock 68-70 chevelle springs. They'll fit perfect and they're made for a car not a load. You should drop about 2 1/2" or 3".

zenish · 01-20-2004, 10:00 PM

firefighter,did you make or buy those spacers?

Tx Firefighter · 01-21-2004, 01:39 AM

The blocks? I made them

MellowYellow70 · 01-21-2004, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by smitty62
Anyone tried lowering more than 2" this way? Say 4"?---sure would make for long u bolts!

3.75" with 2" dropped truck springs. Had to use " Toxic " brand dropped shocks, adjustable panhard rod, and no problems when I used to haul my dirtbike.

01-19-2004, 06:13 PM	#1
72c10step WHYBYNU when old will do? Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Loudon, NH Posts: 876	Lowering rear with blocks - ??s I've got a 72 Chevy with a coil rear end and I'd like to even out the stance a bit. I've been reading some of the posts on the board, and have a few questions. A lot of people are using thick walled square stock and boxing the ends, then getting longer U-bolts. Is this all that needs to be done? Are there any other concerns, like panhard bar, shocks, bumpstops, etc., that I should worry about? I'd lower it a bit with springs, but I eventually (hopefully in a few years) will go to airbags, so I don't want to waste the money on springs. Thanks for the help, here's my truck right now as it stands. I'd like to get it almost even or just a slight rake, only maybe a 1-2" drop in the rear. Attached Images __________________ -72 Chevy C10 Stepside -2002 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 4x4 -1984 Jeep CJ7 -1995 Polaris XCR600 Custom -2003 Honda 300ex

01-19-2004, 06:32 PM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	2 inch blocks are a straight in deal. It won't offset the rear enough to warrant adjustable panhard bar or pinion angle problems. Build the blocks and buy the u bolts and that's it. Almost too good to be true isn't it? __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-19-2004, 06:38 PM	#3
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Lowering your truck 1-2in you don't need to worry about panhard bar, shocks or bump stop. When you get to 4in or more then its time to get an adjustable panhard and maybe some shorter shocks bump stop will still be fine. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

01-19-2004, 07:47 PM	#4
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	Anyone tried lowering more than 2" this way? Say 4"?---sure would make for long u bolts! __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

01-19-2004, 08:16 PM	#5
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	You shouldn't lower one that low with blocks. It puts the lower shock mounts below the scrub line. Here's a picture of one I did awhile back. Now, imagine if the shock was 2 inches closer to the ground. It would place the shock lower than the bottom of the wheel. That way, if you ever had a flat, it would allow the shock to dig into the pavement. Very unsafe. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

01-19-2004, 08:30 PM	#6
smitty62 Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,234	What you say is very true, but then I think the shock mounts should be relocated regardless of the amount lowered--they don't work right even with 2". __________________ Stepsides look like real trucks! Smitty

01-19-2004, 08:53 PM	#7
DUBURBAN Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 83	Try running some stock 68-70 chevelle springs. They'll fit perfect and they're made for a car not a load. You should drop about 2 1/2" or 3".

01-20-2004, 10:00 PM	#8
zenish Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: stallings,nc Posts: 401	firefighter,did you make or buy those spacers?

01-21-2004, 01:39 AM	#9
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	The blocks? I made them __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin



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