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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: jseifert on April 27, 2007, 04:44:27 am

Title: 3/5 drop on '86 short wide
Post by: jseifert on April 27, 2007, 04:44:27 am

A couple questions here:

1.) I am running 275/60-15's all the way around. This makes my my tire height right at 28"... If I'm correct the stock height of my truck (to the fender opening) is 32"... So If I put 3" drop coils on, would that 1" gap allow me enough room to where I will not rub??? I'msure if I hit a good bump, it will hit, but can I get by for a few weeks?


2.) On the rear I have a hanger/shackle kit... For me to achieve a total of 5" can I just take out the "load" leaf without sacrificing too much?? I rarely haul anything over 500lbs... 

Any advice would be great!!!

Thanks

Title: Re: 3/5 drop on '86 short wide
Post by: Captkaos on April 28, 2007, 12:17:08 am

1.) They shouldn't rub unless you hit a serious hole.  I ran the same size tires on mine with a 4/6" and normal driving mine never rubbed (mounted on stock wheels)


2.) You won't get another 1" out of just 1 leaf, Is the overload still on it?  You can pull it and the last spring, but don't go less than 3 total on the pack.

Title: Re: 3/5 drop on '86 short wide
Post by: jseifert on April 28, 2007, 12:21:45 am

Great!!! I was planning on doing this in the morning, I am glad you replied...

I plan on getting some 265/50's to puton front, just for a little more clearance...

What about shocks... Can I stick with my stocks for now??

Thanks for the info btw!!

Title: Re: 3/5 drop on '86 short wide
Post by: Captkaos on April 28, 2007, 12:25:30 am

I probably wouldn't worry about the front with just 3" of drop.  I would drive it and see before I got new tires.  Again, I drove mine like that for 7 years.

I would look into some different shocks, but the stock will suffice for now...

You WILL need an alignment after the spring drop though.

Title: Re: 3/5 drop on '86 short wide
Post by: jseifert on April 30, 2007, 11:16:27 pm

OK... So I got the rear lowered, I will post pic tomorrow when I get home from work... BUT!!! The front, well.... Is there a better way than what the instructions on www.73-87.com (http://www.73-87.com) has... ??? It says to take the u-bolts off, that mount the lower control arms to the frame...Judging by the room, and the bloody knuckles... That will not be the road that I take... Would it not be better to take the spindle off???

I about said "forget it" and had the local shop do it... Til they told me $160... I cant pay that... Can somebody help me out???

Thanks...

Title: Re: 3/5 drop on '86 short wide
Post by: Captkaos on May 03, 2007, 12:03:12 pm

In general I remove the lower ball joint from the spindle, but make sure you chain the spring to the control arm so it won't fly out and hit you.