85 C10 SWB Lowering

[jbreeves85C10]

Apologies if I missed this elsewhere in the forum. I bought 2.5" drop spindles for the front and 4" drop shackles and hangers for the rear for my 85 C10. Questions not answered on ebay (I know...I ordered the cheap stuff :-)):
1. Says it will work with factory front shocks and A-arms but, do I need drop coil springs or will stock springs work with the spindles?
2. Says I will need shorter shocks for the rear. What size?

This is a first time project for me and I'm learning as I go so yes I'm pretty stupid at this point..!

Thanks in advance.
JB

[Johnny walnuts]

You can use the stock front coil springs either at stock height or you can cut them down to drop it lower if you want.  remember when you cut one full coil, that equals about a 2" drop.  It is not recommended that you cut more than one full coil (2") from your coil springs or it will screw up the geometry and ride quality of your front suspension.  Belltech recommends that if you lower the front of your truck 2" or more, that you will need to buy lowering shocks, and if you lower the rear 4" or more that you will need lowering shocks for it as well. I used 3" drop spindles on my truck and cut one full coil to drop the front 5" , and then I used a  parallel four bar suspension with a panhard bar and adjustable coil over shocks  for a 7" drop in the rear.  I also used belltech nitro 2 shocks up front, and it rides like a dream.  hope this helps

[Johnny walnuts]

Also I forgot to mention, but if you lower as much as I did you will likely run into issues of your lower control arms rubbing on your wheels if they are still the stock 15 x 8.  you will have to trim off some of the leading edge of your control arms .  I also had to notch the rear frame rails in order for my axle to clear

[jbreeves85C10]

Thank you. You are dropped way more than I am going :-) I think I have figured out that I can use the original coils for what I am doing in the front. Now I just need to figure out what "shorter rear shock" means with 4" drop hangers and shackles. I can do the math and guess that dropping four inches would mean a four inch shorter shock but it never works out that easily...haha.

[Johnny walnuts]

look up belltech nitro drop 2 shocks for a c10.  you will need the ones for the rear

[jbreeves85C10]

Awesome...thank you..!

[Johnny walnuts]

You're very welcome

[mmartin6]

I have the same drop on the back of my 77. I used DJM Calmax SuperShox #2200. They are cheaper then Bell Tech if you dont care about brands.

[Chappo]

Whatever you do, don't get McGaughy's they are junk mine lasted a month, and I didn't drive the truck everyday.
I would run Monroe Sensa-Trac up front they are amazing, and if you want comfort Monroe 727 Air shocks in back set to 40-45 psi. I got them from summit with free shipping for 65 bucks.

I have them on my 2.5/4 drop and the setup is great.  I will be running this until I can make up my mind on what air ride system to run.

[bh867]

just saw this old thread while searching for some shock info. i have a 82 swb with 4/6 drop. I wanna run the monroe sensa tracs but need to figure out which part number would be correct, if anyone knows i'd appreciate the help!

[Captkaos]

Need more info on your vehicle bh867,