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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: 4chevyman on October 04, 2009, 05:46:05 pm

Title: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: 4chevyman on October 04, 2009, 05:46:05 pm

I'm almost sure you can bolt in a 86 front k-member/suspension to a 76 frame but I just want to make sure before I order bushings and ball joints.  I think I remember that when I was looking at parts, they were different between the 76 and later models.

Title: Re: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: choptop on October 04, 2009, 06:04:54 pm

I believe it will just bolt right in, but havent changed any personally. Someone h who has will chime in shortly, just be patient.

Title: Re: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: 4chevyman on October 04, 2009, 06:25:41 pm

I've already got the 86 took apart.  It came with a cab I bought for 100 bucks.  It also had the power steering sector and pump.  I don't feel like taking the 76 front end apart if the 86 will work.  I also cut 1 coil off the 86's springs and made my rear shackles 2" taller and am planning to take the overload leaf out of my rear springs.  With what I have read on this forum, this should give me about a 2/3 or 2/4 drop.  Does anyone have pictures of their trucks with a 2/4 drop?

Title: Re: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: Captkaos on October 05, 2009, 09:51:03 am

If we are talking 1/2T 2WD, the only difference would be the spindles. 
73-80 came standard with 1.25" rotors.  1981-1987 came with either 1" or 1.25. 

You problably won't get 3" out of the rear.  I would have cut the coils AFTER you had some weight on them.

Title: Re: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: Flamingbig10 on October 05, 2009, 02:26:54 pm

I had a cut coil on week spring, 2"  drop shackles, and couple leafs removed which which was almost a 3/4
(http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r316/flamingc10/Truck86-1.jpg)

Title: Re: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: 4chevyman on October 05, 2009, 04:23:19 pm

Thanks Capt. for the info.  Yeah, it's a 1/2 ton.  I don't understand what you said about not cutting the coils until after I put weight on them.  These were the stock 86 springs, not new. hey flamingbig10 the truck is cool---I love the stance.  If the automotive manufacturing market ever picks back up and I get 40 hrs again, I will have to invest in some drop spindles!

Title: Re: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: Captkaos on October 05, 2009, 04:31:39 pm

I wouldn't cut more than about 1 coil out of a set of old springs to hope to get 2" of drop unless the truck was completely together will all the weight on it.  Otherwise you may get it to around say 1.9" drop the motor in and now it is at 3"....

Title: Re: 86 front suspension used in a 76
Post by: 4chevyman on October 05, 2009, 04:41:33 pm

I assumed that the coils were stock.  being that the cab was already cut off and no motor or trans. I couldn't be 100%, but it looked as though it had never been taken apart and that truck had the same type motor and trans that I am going to use.  2 or 3 in drop--I don't care.  if i don't like it i've got the 76's springs.