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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => Topic started by: svnty7 on July 01, 2011, 09:28:21 pm

Title: Front suspension too high
Post by: svnty7 on July 01, 2011, 09:28:21 pm

Hello,
Need some advice on my 79 c10 sb.  I cnanged from a 250/6 with 3 speed man to a 383 with alum heads and a 700r4.
The front end sits about 3 inches higher then it did and the suspension is so tight it bounces horribly over bumps like it has no spring travel.
Id like to get to stock height or even a couple inches lower with a decent ride.   Any advice on springs would be greatly appreciated

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: Irish_Alley on July 02, 2011, 12:12:58 am

i wouldn’t think that swap would cause that much difference granted your using alum heads but there is 2 of them not to mention the little bit more of a motor and 700. im just confused as heck cause that set up should have lighter coils and all so it shouldn’t be that bad. take some pics

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: rwhit57 on July 02, 2011, 12:05:40 pm

That is weird. How long did it sit without a motor? The only thing I can think of is the control arms stuck, the bushings could be bad. You might try loosening all the control arm nuts and drop it off a floor jack. if it goes back tighten it back up with the weight on it.

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: svnty7 on July 02, 2011, 03:00:13 pm

Thanks for the replies. All new suspension , did a frame off resto.  I let the suspension settle with the contol arms loose .  I found specs where the old 250/6 weighed 680lbs without emmisions.  My 383 is around 475 and has no smog.  I bought a set of summit 3" drop springs, but this are so stiff the thing will ride worse the a tank?  Ill try and get a pic on this evening.  Thanks again

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: beastie_3 on July 02, 2011, 03:12:42 pm

They will take awhile to settle, faster when driving it for awhile.

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: zieg85 on July 02, 2011, 04:06:20 pm

Another option would be to find a set of springs from a 1985-87 with a 4.3L V-6.

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: svnty7 on July 02, 2011, 11:42:27 pm

Zieg85,   I didnt know they put 4.3 in the mid 80s trucks??  That might be real good option.  Any idea who might sell those??  I see your in hebron. Im in valpo

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: zieg85 on July 03, 2011, 09:17:17 am

I'd check Napa and ask if they have a listing for a 1986 C10 non-ac with a 4.3L V-6 other wise see if Paul's Pick-n-pull in Westville has a V-6 truck. 

Title: Re: Front suspension too high
Post by: heavychevy91 on July 19, 2011, 08:55:31 pm

i have a set of stock coils from a 4.3 C10 you can have if you want to pay shipping from maryland