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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: Canadian 4X4 on May 29, 2012, 01:56:05 pm

Title: dropping my truck
Post by: Canadian 4X4 on May 29, 2012, 01:56:05 pm

I have an 85 swb Chev. i am looking at a 5/7 drop.  my truck has 275/60/15 tires all around. i want to keep the 15" rallies. i assume these tires are to big for the front end. what size tire is recommended? i have heard you have to trim the lca to keep the 15' rim, this is fine. does anyone have a pic of how much has to be trimmed? which brand kit is preferred? is a 2.5 spindle 2.5 shock a better set up than a 3 in spindle 2" spring? i have read that 3" springs are not recommended due to ride, so i will stay away from those. any more info or opinions from people who have 5/7 drops is appreciated. if there is any other major complications with this setup? this truck is a weekend cruiser.
(http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee435/canadian4x4/IMG-20120505-00028.jpg)

Title: Re: dropping my truck
Post by: bake74 on May 30, 2012, 09:24:33 pm

     http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,20957.msg171239.html#msg171239

     http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,9869.msg67665.html#msg67665

     http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,10431.msg74018.html#msg74018
     
     http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php/topic,2377.msg10102.html#msg10102

     Here is a few for you to look over until someone else chimes in, I am a 4x4 guy, next truck is going to be a lowered 2wd.

Title: Re: dropping my truck
Post by: Novadiecast on May 30, 2012, 10:02:22 pm

I suggest you get a project truck to do the drop on. I will be more than willing to supply you with a perfectly trashed project truck to work on and in exchange I will pick up your truck and get it out of your way so you have more room for the project. 8)

That truck will be beautiful with a 5/7 drop, heck it's beautiful now!!!

Title: Re: dropping my truck
Post by: Canadian 4X4 on May 31, 2012, 06:49:05 am

thanks truck is my baby. I would love to have a second perfectly trashed project truck to try some different ideas on. but every one up here thinks there rust buckets are made of gold. what is the preferred brand for spindles and springs? 235/70/r15 the best suited tire for the front end? how low can i go with out notching the frame? i will remove the bumpstops. truck will never see a load over a couple cases of beer. i have some farm trucks for that.

Title: Re: dropping my truck
Post by: Canadian 4X4 on July 04, 2012, 12:24:37 pm

i have ordered the 4.5/6 belltech kit with drop shocks. it came with a c notch. is it necessary to notch it if i am not hauling with it? has any one else installed one? i will be doing the whole think on the shop floor. have access to alot of tools. i will rent a spring compressor is anything else necessary? any tips are appreciated

Title: Re: dropping my truck
Post by: slammed79 on July 04, 2012, 04:51:50 pm

C notching the frame is a good idea, any extra clearance helps. Did they supply you drop shocks? If not, I like toxic shocks. You can get them from summit.

Title: Re: dropping my truck
Post by: Canadian 4X4 on July 04, 2012, 05:02:18 pm

they supplied the drop shocks, i think they are nitro 2's? i would rather not notch it so i can still take it back to original if i was to sell or hated the drop. but if its necessary obviously it has to be done

Title: Re: dropping my truck
Post by: Captkaos on July 07, 2012, 11:08:04 pm

Some people will say you don't have to, but everyone that I have ever dropped with a flip kit in the back will eventually bottom out on the frame.  If you can live with that, you don't have to.  Putting anything relatively heavy in the back is going to make it sit on the frame though. 

I ran a 4/6 drop for years with 275/60/15's.  you may rub on bumps on the fronts with a 5/7.

BTW, any current drop company sells quality pieces.  Belltech included.