Author Topic: Front suspension too high  (Read 5850 times)

Offline svnty7

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Front suspension too high
« on: July 01, 2011, 09:28:21 pm »
Hello,
Need some advice on my 79 c10 sb.  I cnanged from a 250/6 with 3 speed man to a 383 with alum heads and a 700r4.
The front end sits about 3 inches higher then it did and the suspension is so tight it bounces horribly over bumps like it has no spring travel.
Id like to get to stock height or even a couple inches lower with a decent ride.   Any advice on springs would be greatly appreciated

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2011, 12:12:58 am »
i wouldn’t think that swap would cause that much difference granted your using alum heads but there is 2 of them not to mention the little bit more of a motor and 700. im just confused as heck cause that set up should have lighter coils and all so it shouldn’t be that bad. take some pics
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Offline rwhit57

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #2 on: July 02, 2011, 12:05:40 pm »
That is weird. How long did it sit without a motor? The only thing I can think of is the control arms stuck, the bushings could be bad. You might try loosening all the control arm nuts and drop it off a floor jack. if it goes back tighten it back up with the weight on it.
Randy from Okla

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Offline svnty7

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #3 on: July 02, 2011, 03:00:13 pm »
Thanks for the replies. All new suspension , did a frame off resto.  I let the suspension settle with the contol arms loose .  I found specs where the old 250/6 weighed 680lbs without emmisions.  My 383 is around 475 and has no smog.  I bought a set of summit 3" drop springs, but this are so stiff the thing will ride worse the a tank?  Ill try and get a pic on this evening.  Thanks again

Offline beastie_3

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #4 on: July 02, 2011, 03:12:42 pm »
They will take awhile to settle, faster when driving it for awhile.

Offline zieg85

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #5 on: July 02, 2011, 04:06:20 pm »
Another option would be to find a set of springs from a 1985-87 with a 4.3L V-6.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline svnty7

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #6 on: July 02, 2011, 11:42:27 pm »
Zieg85,   I didnt know they put 4.3 in the mid 80s trucks??  That might be real good option.  Any idea who might sell those??  I see your in hebron. Im in valpo

Offline zieg85

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #7 on: July 03, 2011, 09:17:17 am »
I'd check Napa and ask if they have a listing for a 1986 C10 non-ac with a 4.3L V-6 other wise see if Paul's Pick-n-pull in Westville has a V-6 truck. 
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline heavychevy91

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Re: Front suspension too high
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2011, 08:55:31 pm »
i have a set of stock coils from a 4.3 C10 you can have if you want to pay shipping from maryland