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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: Ivan_Block on July 08, 2016, 09:36:36 am
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New suspension, need your opinions
Guys, needing some guidance on my suspension rebuild to try and get everything done at once while its torn apart. Summary so far, truck is 87 R10, Sierra deluxe, 305/700R4 with recently installed 3.73s. Previous owner cut 2 coils off the stock springs, flip kit and generic big box store shocks. To say the least, it rides horrible. Severe bump steer, squeaks at every corner and low speeds. The UCA/LCA have recent ball joints replaced so I am going to leave them until its time for tubular arms. I am running 15x8 rallies with 275/60/15 fronts and 15x10 with 275/60/15 rear, yet ordering 295/50/15 during this process. I want it to roughly sit 4/5 or 4/6 and clear the 275/60 fronts.
My plan:
2.5 McGaughy or Suspension Source Spindles (I have a set of 3 spindles, yet unsure if I want to trim the LCA)
1 McGaughy springs with ½ coil cut to settle down to 1.5 (opinions wanted here)
Belltech Street Shocks front/rear
I am going to leave the rear alone for now, see how it sits with the front, can always add a shackle and notch if needed
I am wanting to change out as many bushings as possible to hopefully fix the squeaking issue.
Replacing as of right now:
Cab/body mounts
Bed mounts
Sway Bar bushings
I am sure I am missing stuff, please chime in with your $.02 of what else should be done!
First pic is with 15x10 rear. Second is with 15x8
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160708/977eb2993b8adfbfb7a83a5919041ffc.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160708/8ce49996b3c071f42fd94a5b5ce518cf.jpg)
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Sounds like a good plan.
Back looks perfect.
Check on the price of Moog 1-ton coils vs lowering coils, and if the Moog are cheaper, just get a pair of those and trim them to the height you want.
If you go poly bushings, they will still tend to squeak, even if well lubed, especially below freezing. I've had poly on my last five vehicles (spanning 15 years).
With spindles, you don't really need fancy shocks. If you have extenders for the back axle, stock shocks will be fine both front and rear. Monroe, KYB, Gabriel, Bilstein... let your wallet be your guide.
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1 tons are cheaper. Would half a coil equal a 1" drop?
Sounds like rubber bushings are the way to go then.
I want to get correct length shocks. May find a Monroe or bilstein
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Theoretically, yes.
Since they are stiffer than half-ton springs, you might need to cut more. I ended up lopping a coil and a half off mine to get the height I wanted. I think I did a full coil from the get-go (plus 3" BellTech spindles), then began trimming 2" off the end of the coil at a time until I was happy with the height.
It's easier to sneak up on it, than to try and put it back.
I don't find the ride too stiff at all, but ride quality is a subjective thing.
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moog basically lists 4 springs for trucks,burb's,crew etc.. 847 to1500 lb per inch- can trim to desired ride height,just depends how stiff you want to go.
Stock,after market non adjustable type shocks you're stuck with the factory valving,once again just depends on ride and what you're planning on doing with the truck,cruising or performance,or a balance in between.
Budget has everything to do with choices as well. Personally, i like softer ride ,but with some handling and confidence so i went with middle road lb spring, middle valving on shock choice and big sway bars. Balance on alignment for good tire wear and handling.