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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: Pike1915 on July 27, 2016, 06:01:46 pm

Title: Lowering front end
Post by: Pike1915 on July 27, 2016, 06:01:46 pm
What do people recommend to use or how to lower the fromt end of the truck.  I have a 1974 K10.  I am 6'2 and still have to stand on step stool to reach some parts of the engine and it is killing my back.  So any ideas or suggestions?
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 27, 2016, 07:46:48 pm
Well, i guess an easy way would be to run smaller front tires but i don't know if you're into that.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Pike1915 on July 27, 2016, 09:30:02 pm
Lol that is true that is a way of lowering the front.  Honestly never thought about that but it is an  option
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: SMURff on July 27, 2016, 10:46:47 pm
Better question how low are you trying to go.?
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Captain Swampy on July 28, 2016, 05:09:36 pm
Leave the air out of the tires (if you have an air compressor). Build a couple  boxes to stand on. I've seen platforms that hang on the front tires. Installing a tilt front end would be awesome. What you need is a platform to lay on and reach the engine. The engine is a long way from the grill and fenders. The bending and reaching, I'm guessing is killing your back. 
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Captain Swampy on July 28, 2016, 05:31:12 pm
Something like this.  8)
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: morrow07 on July 30, 2016, 12:13:17 am
Something like this.  8)
My uncle has very bad back problems. Multiple surgeries, you name it. He has a similar platform and swears by it.

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Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: FlatBlack77 on July 30, 2016, 07:09:37 am
build yourself a little step like i did. you could make it however you want even if you dont have a brush guard/push bar on the front.

it doesnt do well for long term use like working on the engine but just to check fluids and such it works great
(http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp153/trailertrashtransam/SAM_0781.jpg)
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Chuck Step-a-side on July 30, 2016, 03:27:03 pm
This is what I use and it's cost $30 at Northern Tools
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: roundhouse on July 31, 2016, 09:43:44 am
I use the clear storage tubs

Get two of them , spray a little expanding foam in one and nest the other one inside the first

Makes a lightweight step
Or you can build some plywood boxes


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Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Pike1915 on July 31, 2016, 01:19:38 pm
All prety cool ideas..... I havnt decided what I want to do.  I don't really go off roading in it.  I use it in bad weather and when I need to haul or carry big items.  So I could just lower the whole truck... Guess I need to decided what is better long term for me..

Thanks guys great ideas.  I thought being 6'2 would help but find my self climbing in the engine compartment and sitting on the side more then I want lol .. 
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 31, 2016, 02:01:30 pm
Something like this.  8)

Yes, i was also going to recommend a topside creeper:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-NNX8Sx2SE

A tilt frontend would be great but i don't have enough experience/time to do it. 

i am not a small guy either, but the only way i could work on the engine was to sit on either fender.......Until i did the v-6 swap.  Now i can stand in the engine compartment!   And that was one of the reasons why i did it.
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on July 31, 2016, 09:37:21 pm
P.S.
If you want something easy to work on, get a 73-77 monte carlo or grand prix cos they had like a mile of space under the hood.  i'm sure that if you take the stock fan and shroud off and install an electric fan, you could stand inside there.

Going a step further, if you install a 4.3 you could probably sit down in there----and close the hood!
Title: Re: Lowering front end
Post by: jon.fyock.7 on August 02, 2016, 01:11:20 am
The front tire step is pretty cool.I have seen another that you lay on ,it will pivot over the top of the engine.or you can do my hillbilly tool bin a good piece of plywood with foam on the bottom long enough to span the fenders.it works.foam on both sides of you are older and require the comfort option.