OK guys, since a LOT of people ask the question "How low should I go with my C10" and "Where do I get the best parts for the best prices?" I thought that I would post a list of the best quality components, at the best prices, including tech tips to installing them. Then, other members will post their ride with certain drops to let everyone see how they look on a C10 (Such as a 2/4, 3/5, 4/6, 5/7)
||It's all from SummitRacing.com||
Front:
-3" DJM Drop Spindles (Part #DJM-DS2045H-3 for 1¼" Brake Rotors, Part #DJM-DS2045L-3 for 1") $219 or $259
-2" Summit Drop Springs (Same thing as Bell Tech's just different color; Part #SUM-G727) $87
-Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer Shocks (Part #DOE-4052G) $44 each (Need two)
Rear:
-5" DJM Flip Kit (Part #DJM-FK1024-5) $89
-2" Summit Shackles (Same thing as Bell Tech's just different name; Part #SUM-G756) $46
-Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer Shocks (Part #DOE-4095G) $36 each (Need two)
Also, you will need to order This (http://suicidedoors.com/products/c_notch.htm) C-Notch ($45)

Why did you list these parts, and not others?
From all of the data/information I have collected, this is the cheapest route to go, as well as it's the route you'd want to go if you want to get maximum ride quality out of your lowered Chevy.

What if I just want to go with the 3/5 drop now, then a 5/7 later or even just stay with the 3/5?
That's the beauty of these parts...If you wish to start out with a 3/5 drop, you can and it will use the shocks listed. Then, if you want to add the 2" Drop Springs/Shackles later, you just add them and you're set.

Will my 3" Rub on my factory 15" rims?
Yes with the 3" Drop Spindle, if you are still running your factory 15" wheels, you will need to grind a little off of the top of the A-arm, so it doesn't rub, nothing too hard though. (Although if you're running 16's or bigger, you won't have any problems)

Will I have to get a notch to clear the 5" flip kit?
No, for the 5" Flip Kit, the only thing you must do is remove the factory bumpstock/bracket, which is very straightforward and easy. You only need to install the notch if you're going with the 7" rear drop.

What size tires can I run with the 3/5 drop, how about the 5/7?
With a 3/5 Drop, it will allow you to run the factory size 29" overdall diameter tire. With the 5/7 drop, the maximum overall diameter tire you will be able to run is 27".

What if I have long tube headers, how low can I go?
If you happen to have Long Tube Headers (Hedmann, Hooker, Dynomax, or similar) you can safely run the 3/5 drop and not worry. However, once you go with the 5/7, long tube headers will MOST LIKELY scrape, although I do believe there's a select few companies that make long tube headers that will clear a 5/7 drop (I believe Thorley's and possibly Sanderson's)
:)

Thanks Tim. Answered a few questions I had.

Tim, You need to make a copy of this and post it in the suspension section, or maybe the FAQ forum, or both. This is really good info that can be used freaquently as a reference. I am bookmarking it now....:cool:

Where can you get a c-notch for $45?

If you wish to start out with a 3/5 drop, you can and it will use the shocks listed.
Wouldn't drop shocks be too short (or unnecessary, at least) if you used spindles and stock springs?

It is good information, but a few carriage returns would make it a lot easier to read. :)

Slonaker

The 2" shackles I got from Summit were actually made by Ground Force.

As for tire sizes, the width would be beneficial too since the overall diameter alone doesn't guarantee they will fit on a lowered truck.

For example, a 235/70-15 is approx. 27.95" and may fit, whereas a 275/60-15 is approx. 27.99" and may not fit due to the width on a lowered truck.

It should also be noted that the stock distance between the center of the hub to the fender lip is not always the same on all trucks since some have 4 leafs, some 5, some have sagged, etc.

The stock distances from hub center to fender lip on my truck are 30.4" on the front-driver's side, 31.0" on the front pass. side, 31.875" on the rear-driver's side, 32.4" on the rear-pass. side.

This would make a great sticky, since this seems to be asked by almost every new member to the board.

Originally posted by Slonaker

Wouldn't drop shocks be too short (or unnecessary, at least) if you used spindles and stock springs?

It is good information, but a few carriage returns would make it a lot easier to read. :)

Slonaker
Correct. With spindles all you're doing is moving the mounting position of the wheel up so you don't need to replace the shocks. :D

Originally posted by Slonaker
Wouldn't drop shocks be too short (or unnecessary, at least) if you used spindles and stock springs?
The front shocks I listed are stock size actually, DT Told me they will work with any spindle and up to 2" of spring drop. :)

Originally posted by 8t5Silverado
As for tire sizes, the width would be beneficial too since the overall diameter alone doesn't guarantee they will fit on a lowered truck.
It should also be noted that the stock distance between the center of the hub to the fender lip is not always the same on all trucks since some have 4 leafs, some 5, some have sagged, etc.
The stock distances from hub center to fender lip on my truck are 30.4" on the front-driver's side, 31.0" on the front pass. side, 31.875" on the rear-driver's side, 32.4" on the rear-pass. side.

Actually, tire width really doesn't matter as long as you get the correct backspacing (4" for 8" rim, 5" for 9" rim and so on)
95% Of all C10's have 4 leafs out back, hence me putting C10.

This list is nice, but supposing someone would rather use Western Chassis components? Why not do the list with either one and maybe the numbers and prices from http://www.performancesuspension.com/ or http://sporttruckdirect.com/

The way you have it listed is DJM are the only pieces to use. Besides, I would rather buy truck suspension components from people who know trucks. Summit don't know trucks, they just sell parts for them. If you need info on a truck related question, try asking one of their techs for help. Does the phrase "dumb as dirt" ring a bell? :D

Besides, the above places have complete packages setup so all the guess work is done. They can tell you on the phone what will work and what won't. Summit wouldn't have any clue.

Originally posted by swervin ervin
This list is nice, but supposing someone would rather use Western Chassis components? Why not do the list with either one and maybe the numbers and prices from http://www.performancesuspension.com or http://sporttruckdirect.com .
Originally posted by TIMSPEED
Why did you list these parts, and not others?
From all of the data/information I have collected, this is the cheapest route to go, as well as it's the route you'd want to go if you want to get maximum ride quality out of your lowered Chevy.

Originally posted by swervin ervin
If you need info on a truck related question, try asking one of their techs for help.
That's exactly the reason this topic is sticky...so you don't HAVE to ask Summit or SportTruck or anyone else. You can read it from people you trust (a fellow C10 owner)

Originally posted by TIMSPEED
Will my 3" Rub on my factory 15" rims?
Yes with the 3" Drop Spindle, if you are still running your factory 15" wheels, you will need to grind a little off of the top of the A-arm, so it doesn't rub, nothing too hard though. (Although if you're running 16's or bigger, you won't have any problems)
A little off the top of the a-arm or the bottom? I had to grind the bottom of mine in order to get my 15's to work.

If you look, www.performancesuspension.com is cheaper than Summit on some stuff, so don't discredit them.

Thanks Mike.

Tim,

I wasn't trying to start an arguement. Only saying this might mislead some folks to think Summit is the only place to buy the parts and be better parts on top of that.

Not true. We all know Western Chassis is the leader in drop components. They were the first to invent drop spindles, were they not?

Performance Suspension are truck guys. They have dropped trucks they drive. They know what works and have complete packages for a desired drop. NO guesswork.

All I'm saying is Summit is getting into every form of the parts business. This doesn't mean they know jack about trucks.

Sportruck Direct has the same deal, but I don't feel they know as much about trucks as Performance Suspension does.

Originally posted by gldevall
Where can you get a c-notch for $45?

Anybody??

Originally posted by gldevall
Anybody??
I edited the original post, check the top, the notch is from Suicide Doors.com

Tim provided a link to it.

http://suicidedoors.com/products/c_notch.htm

But once again, I'm not wild about the way it looks. Western Chassis all the way folks. :)

Originally posted by TIMSPEED
Will my 3" Rub on my factory 15" rims?
Yes with the 3" Drop Spindle, if you are still running your factory 15" wheels, you will need to grind a little off of the top of the A-arm, so it doesn't rub, nothing too hard though. (Although if you're running 16's or bigger, you won't have any problems)



Tim, Im confused here do you mean grind the top of the lower A arm or the top of the top A arm???

Cuz when i lowered my truck 16 yr's ago with 3" Belltech spindle's i had to cut ALOT of the lip off of the bottom of the lower A arm and i also had to grind some of the lower ball joint metrial away in order for my 15" rim's to clear.

I can't remember exactly, But I THOUGHT it was the top...might depend on applicaton though, but it's definately needing grindage.

I had to remove the "lip" from around the lower balljoint. Some trucks w/ 15" wheels may have to shave the caliper too.

I've purchased from almost every suspension company, except shAIM. I would recommend Western Chassis and DJM, with the ladder being my first choice. :cool:

Anyone have pics of a truck lowered 5/5?

Originally posted by boataddict26
Anyone have pics of a truck lowered 5/5?

:D

passenger side

That looks so SWEET!! What combination of parts did you use?

Originally posted by boataddict26
That looks so SWEET!! What combination of parts did you use?

Front:
-3" DJM Drop Spindles
-2" DJM Drop Springs
Rear:
-5" DJM Flip Kit
- TOXIC shocks on all four corners

I ordered everything through GodFather Customs here in Atlanta and performed the installation myself. It took 1 Saturday to do it all.

After looking at this title for a while, I sure wish someone would fix the spelling of comprehensive. :D

Originally posted by TIMSPEED
-2" Summit Drop Springs (Same thing as Bell Tech's just different color; Part #SUM-G727) $87


These are Summit G727 springs. Look closely, they aren't BellTech.....

close up.....

Originally posted by Tx Firefighter
These are Summit G727 springs. Look closely, they aren't BellTech.....
Same thing as BellTech though.

Originally posted by 8t5Silverado
I have found a cheaper route, although slightly different drop.

McGaughy's 2.5" Drop Spindles $199 (mcgaughys.com)
Summit 2" Drop Coil Springs $87 (summitracing.com)
or
1" Drop Coil Springs $104.95 (performancesuspension.com)
Western Chassis 5" Flip Kit $60 (performancesuspension.com)

This would net you a 3.5/5 or 4.5/5.

You could add adjustable shackles for a 4.5/6 for $32 from performancesuspension.com.

I don't know if shipping will cost more since everything will be from different sources.
If you have the 1¼" Brake rotors, summit has a 2½" Drop Spindle for around $200. :)

I ordered most of my stuff from www.macsspring.com (spoke with Eric), but got the shocks from Summit.

Front:
#2001 2.5" Drop Spindles (Western Chassis) - $220
(#2001 for HD 1.25" brake rotors only)
#63C1015 1.5" Drop Coils (Western Chassis) - $110
DOE-4052G Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer Shocks - $43

Rear:
#2104 5" Flip Kit (Western Chassis) - $63
#2004 Shock Extenders (Western Chassis) - $24
DOE-4095G Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer Shocks - $36

I found cheaper prices on spindles at mcgaughys.com ($199 for 2.5" drop) and springs at summit ($87 for 2" drop), but I went with macsspring because shipping was free on orders over $100.

Originally posted by 8t5Silverado
I don't think they do for our trucks...


I looked at Summit and only found a Summit 2" drop for about $250 and a Belltech 3" drop spindle for about $280. I will look again.

Anyway, McGaughy's is a small outfit and I would like to give them some business.

Look at the asterisk and the footnote in your Summit catalog. The heading says 2" drop, but the footnote indicates that it 2.5" for our trucks. It is misleading.

Slonaker

TTT this one needs to stay alive good stuff here.

Love to read about bagged rides as well. I know there are FAQ threads on bagging and whatnot, but I'm curious to know what people who bag their trucks are using otherwise - I mean...bag replaces spring...do people who are bagging use flip kits, notches, custom shocks, etc?

Cool FAQ, but what would work or what have people used with a 1972 C10 with a coil spring rear. Just wondering what parts (and cost) a 3/5 drop would involve on my C10.

Ron

with a 3/5 spring only drop will I be able to get the front end in alinement corrctly? And will stock skokes work? Or do I have to but shorter shockis ?

MARIOS68PANEL using 3" front lowering springs often requires very expensive off-set ball joints because there often is not enough stud space at upper a-arm where it attaches to the frame to get enough shims in to get it aligned, best route for a 3" front drop is spindles with 1" drop springs. 3" drop springs in the front also make it extremely prone to develope problem of bump steer which does not occur when using spindles.
GMCPaul

I want to lower my truck 2/2 from where it is now. my front and rear suspension is out of an 80' Silverado 1/2 ton.

Should I just buy the 2" coils, and 2 inch shackles?
Are my stocker type shocks ok?
Is this all I need?

Thanks!

After looking at this title for a while, I sure wish someone would fix the spelling of comprehensive. :D
Ask and ye shall receive.:D

chevy72blu front 2" drop springs & rear 2" drop shackles should be all you need, however after installing the rear shackles you should check rear pinion angle as you may need shims to ensure rear pinion angle is correct. At a 2" front and rear drop different shocks are not required. Stock will work just great.
GMCPaul

Will the part numbers listed for the 2" drop springs and 2" shackles listed above work on my 80' Silverado suspension?

Thanks for the help!

anyone know where to order just the shock relocaters for when you get done flipping the rear?