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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: vince311 on October 16, 2008, 02:00:23 pm

Title: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: vince311 on October 16, 2008, 02:00:23 pm
Rookie question...so bare with me.

My 82 SWB seems to be lowered a bit....but I'm not really sure of a couple things. 1) how it was lowered and 2) how much it was lowered.

Much like other posts, I'm looking to replace shocks....and want to know what I have before ordering. I have coil springs in front, leaf springs in back. All four shocks look to be fairly well worn and the ride is pretty rough. Based on the chart in the   mag...to me, it looks like its lowered 2" front and rear.

I can post pics if needed, just let me know what specifically needs to be identified or measured.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: Captkaos on October 16, 2008, 03:00:03 pm
Post a side shot of the truck.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: VileZambonie on October 16, 2008, 05:02:06 pm
If it's lowered only 2" you can run stock shocks.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: vince311 on October 16, 2008, 05:04:30 pm
If it's lowered only 2" you can run stock shocks.

both front and rear?
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: VileZambonie on October 16, 2008, 05:08:04 pm
yeah
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: eventhorizon66 on October 16, 2008, 06:04:33 pm
For the front, lower springs will affect installed shock length, but not lowering spindles.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: vince311 on October 16, 2008, 06:06:33 pm
For the front, lower springs will affect installed shock length, but not lowering spindles.

this is what some of other posts seem to indicate. From what I gather, 2" front drop may benefit from drop shocks...but 2" rear drop can still use regular shocks.

Anyone have issues with the Monroe Sensatrac shocks? good/bad?
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: ms4972 on October 16, 2008, 11:40:54 pm
Measure the distance between the shock mounts at ride hieght and you will take all of the guesswork out of choosing the correct shocks.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: vince311 on October 18, 2008, 01:51:57 pm
here's a pic of the side. the front fender is measuring 31" and the rear is 32"

(http://www.ewertdesign.com/chevy/side_truck.jpg)
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: VileZambonie on October 18, 2008, 09:21:19 pm
It doesn't even look lowered. what size tires do you have? You can run stock shocks.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: vince311 on October 18, 2008, 09:46:25 pm
It doesn't even look lowered. what size tires do you have? You can run stock shocks.

235/60/15
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: Captkaos on October 18, 2008, 10:12:06 pm
Your truck isn't lowered.

This is my 87R10 completely stock:
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/87R10-Driver/wheelsb4_2.jpg)
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: vince311 on October 18, 2008, 10:41:51 pm
interesting. ok then...that helps. for some reason it just feels a bit lower than other 2wd trucks i've been in. that and the ride is so rough, i just figured it had been lowered a couple inches. thanks guys for setting me straight.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: eventhorizon66 on October 18, 2008, 10:48:46 pm
It may not be lowered but it sure looks clean.  Nice truck.

I've heard over and over that the reason these trucks ride so rough relative to other trucks is inadequate shocks.  The actual reason is the high unsprung to sprung weight ratio.  The more the moving suspension components, brakes, wheels, and tires weigh relative to everything else (body, frame, drivetrain), the worse the ride quality will become.  This is why a big block truck almost always rides nicer than a small block, even with slightly stiffer springs.  A high quality shock that can better control the unsprung weight would conceivably improve ride quality.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: Captkaos on October 18, 2008, 11:12:14 pm
The Short wheelbase trucks rides rougher also.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: HAULIN IT on October 20, 2008, 09:28:22 am
Vince, Good looking truck. One thing I noticed in your picture....The Right front wheel appears to be back, this may just be an illusion, however looking at the picture that the Capt. posted (from nearly the same placement) that truck looks normal. If the truck doesn't pull to the Right or wear tires, I wouldn't be to concerned. Compare the other side & see if there is a difference. Lorne
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: eventhorizon66 on October 20, 2008, 10:48:14 am
I think that's an optical illusion.  It looks like vince took his pic centered on the gap between body and bed, while Capt's pic is more centered on the middle of the door.
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: vince311 on October 20, 2008, 10:54:10 am
I think that's an optical illusion.  It looks like vince took his pic centered on the gap between body and bed, while Capt's pic is more centered on the middle of the door.

i believe it is an optical illusion. in person, both sides appear to be symetrical. Thank goodness, as my fix-list is getting longer every day. :-)

Anyone have a shock suggestion? A couple folks have mentioned the Monroe Sensatrac...
Title: Re: slightly lowered SWB - shock help
Post by: Captkaos on October 20, 2008, 11:35:47 am
I have heard good things about Edelbrock IAS shocks.