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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: bigred on February 09, 2007, 08:44:00 am

Title: Lowering questions
Post by: bigred on February 09, 2007, 08:44:00 am

I was thinking of lowering my 85  and I've got some questions for you guys that actually know what you're doing- since I don't lol. I've got the factory 15x8 ralleys with 29in.  255/70 tires and I was thinking off stuffin em in the fenders a bit. I know a lot of people use flips kits but I was gonna go something  with easier and less work. I was thinking of using shackles and hangers in the rear. I've heard this was good for about 4 inches.Is this a good method? Are there any mods that need to be done to accomodate this? Will I have to notch the bed at the shackles? I know the rivets from the old hangers will need ground off and knocked out. Summit sells the hangers and shackles for around $150 in their brand and others. Is that a good deal?
  Now for the front. What about some 2.5 drop spindles? Do they work out pretty good? What besides realigning the front will I have to do? I know this would be a sacrificing some ride quality, but  how about cutting a little off the factory coil? Any of you guys done this?  

Title: Re: Lowering questions
Post by: JAG66 on February 09, 2007, 09:51:00 am

bigred,
I lowered my 78 SWB 454 using shackles/hangars, 2.5" drop spindles. Pretty simple, but some work. You have to notch your bed support to clear the longer shackle, I also added some 3 degree pinion shims to help with the drive shaft angle because of a little vibration/shimmy feel. Align the front end. I used the same shocks, pressed out the rear leaf spring bushings, and installed new ones. The ride is awesome. The shackles/hangers are advertised as 4" drop, but it's more like 3" if you're lucky. Replaced ball joints and brake lines while I was at it. If I lower another, I will use this same kit, it's just right for me. Jeff
i4.photobucket.com/albums...erado9.jpg

Edited by: JAG66 at: 2/9/07 9:57 am

Title: Re: Lowering questions
Post by: roundedline on February 09, 2007, 11:02:00 am

only 2 things to add and that is if you go with spindles in the front and don't change the springs you won't change the ride of the truck at all.  Plus, some spindles require some clearancing of either the lower control arm or the caliper on 15" rims.

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project

Title: Re: Lowering questions
Post by: bigred on February 09, 2007, 12:27:00 pm

Thanks guys for the tips. Nice ride Jeff, looks good. Where did you get your spindles & how much? What size tires are ya running?

Title: Re: Lowering questions
Post by: Uno99 on February 09, 2007, 08:43:00 pm

I just did a 3/4 drop on my 81 GMC I am kind of a novice and it was one @#%$ of a job for me.  I used

Summit Shackles and Hanger Kit  149.99
4 Belltech nitro drop shocks          80.00
3 inch summit lowering springs       75.00

I'll try to get some pics up soon 4 you.

Title: Re: Lowering questions
Post by: shaved80 on February 10, 2007, 03:59:00 am

flip kits are a lot easier than hangers. then since you're already pulling off the spindle, might as well do drop spindles and drop springs. just my opinion, the shackles only take about 15-20 minutes to replace, but the hangers are a pain if you don't have something to take off the rivets easily

Edited by: shaved80 at: 2/10/07 4:00 am

Title: lowering
Post by: JAG66 on February 10, 2007, 12:47:00 pm

bigred, I'm running BFG T/A 255/70/15's. I installed DJM suspension. I think I paid ~ $400 for the kit. I compared with Bell Tech and heard some issues with the BT spindles, and offset, or turning radius issues and am happy with the DJM kit. I had minor grinding to do on the caliper and lower control arm, no big deal. I used a 6" grinder with a cut off wheel to cut the rivits off the rear spring hanger and then punched them out. Be careful on the gas tank side. Use card board or something to redirect your sparks and don't nick the tank. I did everything from jack stands and had a close call when the truck shifted at the rear when removing leaf springs. The spare tire luckily kept the jack stand from rolling out. Just a few things I remember. As always, take your time and safety first. You will be pleased when it's done. Jeff

Edited by: JAG66 at: 2/10/07 2:54 pm

Title: drop
Post by: pcmcobra on February 10, 2007, 12:47:00 pm

i114.photobucket.com/albu...mall-1.jpg
3" djm springs, 2" coils, djm rear flip kit
20x8.5 245/40/20 front
20x10 295/40/20 rear

Title: Re: drop
Post by: JAG66 on February 10, 2007, 02:00:00 pm

pcmcobra, Love your truck, lowered but otherwise stock appearing. What year is your truck and would you consider selling? Would like to see more pics. Jeff

Title: drop
Post by: pcmcobra on February 10, 2007, 03:48:00 pm

it's an 86.
No way I'm selling it. Bought it off original owner in July. Looked long and hard for the right one. Had to fly to get it, and drive it home.
Had 106k miles, and almost mint condition. I love this truck and plan on keeping it for awhile. But thx for the interest.
i114.photobucket.com/albu...mall-2.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albu...mall-1.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albu...0Small.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albu...mall-1.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albu...mall-2.jpg
i114.photobucket.com/albu...mall-1.jpg

Title: your truck
Post by: pcmcobra on February 11, 2007, 04:57:00 pm

jag66,
your truck is sweet too!
Keep it rollin'!

Title: 86
Post by: JAG66 on April 04, 2007, 09:28:00 pm

pcmcobra,
Changed your mind yet? How close are you to Goldsboro, NC? I sold my mint white 87 SWB in Nov. and got my eyes open for another.  

Title: Re: Lowering questions
Post by: DrPepper1010 on April 11, 2007, 11:29:24 am

pcmcobra,
Do you have any issue w/ the front tires hitting the fenders? I have 18's on my 82 and was afraid to use the drop springs. I thought it put the tires too close to the fenders. So I cut SB springs. Ended up w/ about 2.5" between the tire and the fender.

Title: Re: Lowering questions
Post by: pcmcobra on May 02, 2007, 07:38:16 pm

Keeping my truck...keep looking :)
I have not had any issues with rubbing up front. I did get some more new wheels, same ones, just different backspace up front, so it will tuck when bagged.
As it sits now, if I went another inch lower up front it would rub, I am hoping this backspace will fix that.