easiest way to lower my C10

[dgordanier]

Hey all,
I am new here so please forgive me if my questions are silly. I am new to the truck hobby and want to learn as much as I can. I have a 1984 C10 and I want to either level it out a bit, or lower it 2" in the front and 2" in the back. What is the easiest way to do this? Can I level it out by just lowering the back 2"
 Thanks for all your help
DAVE

[bake74]

     Welcome to the site from California.  You can level it out by the back.  As far as easiest, are you looking for cheap and easy, or proper and easy ?

[dgordanier]

Hey,
I would like to do it the proper way. I dont mind spending some $, but I dont want to go over board. Is there some kind of shackle that lowers the springs 2"? Would I have to change the shocks if I go 2"
DAVE

[74GMC]

I lowered my 74 4" all around. Used a Belltech kit for the front and made a shackle for the rear. The only problem is I had to cut a hole in the bed. Not the proper way but it was cheap. I just used some flat bar steel and welded a shackle together. Can't remember the length I used for the shackle. It is a pretty easy way to do it but does kinda ruined the box.

[74GMC]

Forgot to say, If you only wanted to level it about 2". It might work where you wouldn't have to cut the box. I'm not a pro on this by any means but someone on here might know.

[bake74]

     To just level it out, 2" in the rear is the way to go.  They sell the 2" drop shackle for the rear, it is cheap and the right way to go, as far as your shocks, I do not know what you have or the travel on them.     
     After the drop, check your shock travel for full compression and full extension and make sure they will travel with the truck suspension in both directions.  If they will not, you need different shocks.

[keg87]

There are some really good shackle kits out there i have 4/ 3 drop my truck is pretty used a 3 inch drop spindle up front and a shackle and hanger kit in the back from ground force. The only cutting required is to the frame of the bed it isnt crucial in any way just a 4 inch section on each side. As far as shocks go i would go with a Nitro drop shock Jegs has go really good prices on these.

[mpullen66]

I just dropped my 87 lwb with 2 inch shackles in the rear. It's was and quick to do.

1. Use a jack on the bumper to lift the truck a little to relieve pressure on the springs
2. Remove old shackles
3. Use an angle grinder with a cut off wheel to remove some of the bed support for cleareance of the longer shackle.
4. Use the jack to lift/lower the truck into place and install new shackles

It is obvious where and how much of the bed support to cut off when you hold the shackle in place
You only have to use drop shocks if you lower more than 2 inches in the front and more than 4 inches in the rear

hope this helps
mike

[dgordanier]

Mike,
I appreciate your help! The sounds like even I could do it. Its winter here in Ontario Canada so all I am doing now is making a list and checkin it twice lol. Thanks for the tip...next question, how hard is it to change the springs in the front to lower it 2"??
DAVE

[mpullen66]

I have never removed the springs.  After splitting a ball joint I have heard of people chaining the spring and lowering the lower control arm with a floor jack to remove the spring.  I would rent a spring compressor to be safe.  I wouldnt want to get cracked with a spring between the eyes. 

I put 3 inch drop spindles on mine this weekend. I replaced ball joints and tie rods at the same time.  It took a while but wasn't real difficult. The ride is almost as good as before. 

[Captkaos]

For the front, I would recommend Lifting the truck on jackstands, removing the wheel, running a chain through the spring and lower control arm,  putting a jack under the control arm and lifting it up for some tension, splitting the lower ball joint and lowering the jack/control arm.  The chain keeps the spring and all other parts contained as a safety measure.

[feuano25]

some pictures

[PromiseKeeper]

I know I'm being a smart alec       but cant resist!  I've found that the easiest way to lower my C-10 is  to haul a load of mulch for my wife's flower beds    I can adjust the height for the look I want and make points with her at the same time!  Now.... listen to the guys who can give you GOOD advice!

Scott

[FlatBlack77]

I know I'm being a smart alec       but cant resist!  I've found that the easiest way to lower my C-10 is  to haul a load of mulch for my wife's flower beds    I can adjust the height for the look I want and make points with her at the same time!  Now.... listen to the guys who can give you GOOD advice!

Scott

this is actually a good way to see what your truck will look like after its been lowered