wanna lower my 85 step side

[project85]

hey everyone, i have an 85 c-10 stepsside. i wanna lower it some. what is the best / most cost efficent way? i found some flip kits for around $100 to lower the rear 5". i think i wanna dropped the front down 3" so i was looking at the 3" drop spindles around $275. is there much else i have to change, shocks or anything? is this the best way to go about this or is there a better way?

thanks for your help

[project85]

sorry i meant to ask if i do the flip kit would i still be able to add traction bars after or do they not fit whe you use a flip kit? just curious, trying to look at what might be next.

thanks again

[HAULIN IT]

 Cal-trac makes a kit just for our trucks with "flipped" axles. Chris is a distributor for them last I knew...check with him for the details. Lorne

[VileZambonie]

http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=7&Category_Code=SUSP

[N2TRUX]

Do you want the cheapest, the best or somewhere in between way to lower it. The cheapest way up front is cut one loop off the stock coil for 1.5-2" drop. In the rear, remove the rivits from the stock spring hanger and raise it up on the frame. Drill new holes and bolt it on. Add a lower shackle and you have 3.5-4" in the rear for very little cost.

The method I prefer is a 3" spindle and a cut coil in front, along with a flip kit in the rear. The only thing to look out for is wheel clearence up front. If you are running a 15" wheel you might have to clearance your A-arm.

[project85]

i think i'm leaning towards doing the drop spindle up front and a flip kit in the rear.  should i cut the coil spring still or is it ok to just do the drop spindle.would clearance still a problem if i don't cut the springs? i'm running 15" tires now.

[N2TRUX]

What size are your front tires? The height will determine how much drop you need. I would do the spindle first then see how much more you need. It's really easy to cut a 1/2 loop off a coil. It's not so easy to put it back on if its too much...

[y2k_harley]

Im running a 3" drop spindle with 1 coil cut off stock coils and a flip kit with 2" shackles for a 5"/7" drop.  I am running 235/70-15 on the front and get rubbing if Im not careful.  There is clearance issues in the back without a c-notch.  I love the look, but hate the ride.  Oh well, the sacrifices you have to make!!!!

[project85]

Does it ride bad cause of the cut coil?? I've heard the coil being cut makes them floaty. Can you haeat the coils and compress the so the sit lower? Would that drop the front and not sacrifice ride?? My brother said that's how they would do it way back when.

[78 Chevyrado]

Does it ride bad cause of the cut coil?? I've heard the coil being cut makes them floaty. Can you haeat the coils and compress the so the sit lower? Would that drop the front and not sacrifice ride?? My brother said that's how they would do it way back when.

Heating a spring changes the spring rates (won't match side to side) and will take the spring out of the part thats heated.  theyre heat treated and heating them up will take the heat treating away.  It also weakens them.

[project85]

Sounds like I will skip the heating idea. Thanks

[N2TRUX]

Im running a 3" drop spindle with 1 coil cut off stock coils and a flip kit with 2" shackles for a 5"/7" drop.  I am running 235/70-15 on the front and get rubbing if Im not careful.  There is clearance issues in the back without a c-notch.  I love the look, but hate the ride.  Oh well, the sacrifices you have to make!!!!

I have cut coils on many vehicles over the years and it never hurt the ride. It was usually an improvement. If your getting a hash ride with a cut coil, you need to consider replacing your shocks. Going to a slightly smaller tire in front and a notch in the rear could help you enjoy your set up much more.

project85- Cutting a coil is just fine, heating is not. Never heat a coil to lower a vehicle, it will ruin the temper of the spring and cause sagging and potential for cracking.

[y2k_harley]

The bad ride is because I only have about 1 1/2 inches between the axle and the bump stops.  Gotta get a c-notch!!

[project85]

you have any pictures of yours? i'm trying to decide how much i wanna lower it. i'm leaning towards 3/5 but i've been trying to see as many differen rides to get an idea.

[y2k_harley]

I will put one up when I get home from work this evening.