spindles or springs

[Jerr-conn]

I'm a newbie to trucks. Want to cut 1coil out of front. Have 6 leaf springs in rear. Want to remove
2 coils from rear and also install 2" rear shackles. What can I expect for ride quality? How will
Truck set. I'm 79  and just want a cruiser.    Jerry

[gwcrim]

What rim size?  15's and McGaughys don't like each other much.

15x9 aluminum slots, 4-1/2 back space.  I was told I would have to do some 'modifications' to the lower arm.  Are there any that would work with such a rim? 

[82silverado]

Heating springs are a bad idea, it fatigues the spring and it will eventually collapse.  If you are doing it on the cheap and want about 2" drop just lop off 1 coil set it back in and drive it around the block and measure than go in small increments replace drive and measure.

I must have got lucky. Did it 6 years ago. Had them out a month ago for control arm bushings. No defects so far. If I tear it down again I will use your advice with another set I have. Thanks.

[gwcrim]

Well the spindles are not going to work.  Way too much interference with the tie rod mount and the rim.

So springs it must be.  The truck has about 65k miles on it and it's 37 years old.  Rear springs are new with a 4 inch drop.  As it sits, a 3" drop in the front would even out the edge of the wheel well front to rear.  However, the front has the original springs.  If they have worn to the point that they are sagging an inch from stock, then a 3" drop spring would only net me a 2" drop.

How much sag would the original coils springs have now?

[gwcrim]

I'm going with a 3" drop spring.  Just thought I'd relieve the suspense.

[Captkaos]

I'm a newbie to trucks. Want to cut 1coil out of front. Have 6 leaf springs in rear. Want to remove
2 coils from rear and also install 2" rear shackles. What can I expect for ride quality? How will
Truck set. I'm 79  and just want a cruiser.    Jerry

There is no coils in the back, did you mean leafs,  It should be slightly softer ride in the rear.  The front will come down about 1" or so, but it isn't just a matter of cutting the same amount off, you will need to sneak up on it to get it where it will be level.

15x9 aluminum slots, 4-1/2 back space.  I was told I would have to do some 'modifications' to the lower arm.  Are there any that would work with such a rim? 

Have to be bigger than 15's