1972 level rear with blocks or drop coils?

[JAG66]

Have a stock 72 Cheyenne Super with stock suspension. Wanting to level the rear by lowering no more than 2". Truck has trailing arms. Not leaf springs. Is the best method drop coils or lowering blocks?
Thanks!

[notsolo]

I would say lowering blocks if your coils are decent. Cutting, or replacing coils can be a hassle to get enough strength to carry a load, and ride decent. Others have used helper bags in addition to drop coils for the best of both.

[68 P.O.S.]

Depends on how you plan to use the truck and the condition of your current coils.

[JAG66]

It's just a show/driver truck.

[68 P.O.S.]

Coils are the better way to go for a driver. Keep in mind, your current coils are probably worn and sagging, so new drop coils may raise the truck a bit until they settle.

[notsolo]

Looks good as is.

[HO455]

For a driver lowering blocks are the better way to go as you maintain more of the factory range of suspension travel. This equates to better ride quality. It also maintains the factory shock angle which isn't great but it is still better than the angle on a truck with lowering springs. If you do go with springs look into a shock relocation modification too.
The downside of blocks would be a loss of ground clearance under the trailing arms.

[CG]

Originally Posted by HO455

For a driver lowering blocks are the better way to go as you maintain more of the factory range of suspension travel. This equates to better ride quality. It also maintains the factory shock angle which isn't great but it is still better than the angle on a truck with lowering springs. If you do go with springs look into a shock relocation modification too.
The downside of blocks would be a loss of ground clearance under the trailing arms.

Agree on the trailing arm clearance. Two inch blocks with 15 inch wheels puts you darn close to dragging the arms if you get a flat.

That being said I would go with the blocks. A cheap way to see if its the look you really want.

[JAG66]

Originally Posted by HO455

For a driver lowering blocks are the better way to go as you maintain more of the factory range of suspension travel. This equates to better ride quality. It also maintains the factory shock angle which isn't great but it is still better than the angle on a truck with lowering springs. If you do go with springs look into a shock relocation modification too.
The downside of blocks would be a loss of ground clearance under the trailing arms.

This truck will probably be driven less than 500 miles per year and only on clean paved roads. It's a show truck. Just want to lower enough in the rear to get a more level look. With all that said, still don't want a vibration or drive shaft angle/pinion angle issue by adding blocks.
Can I still use the shocks that are on it now?
Lowered a lot of trucks, but never a 67-72 with trailing arms.

[HO455]

Either way you go the result will be the axle is no longer in the original position and you will have changes in the pinion and driveshaft angles which may of may not cause NVH issues

[68Gold/white]

stock shocks with 1 or 2 inch lowering blocks should still be OK.

Look where the bottoms of your control arms are now, that will help you with the block decision.

[JAG66]

Follow-up Results: I installed 1 1/2" blocks under the trailing arms with longer U-bolts and the look is perfect and rides good.

[weq92f]

.
Looks good! Where did you source your blocks?

Thanks,

-klb

[CG]

Perfect, good job.

[HO455]

Looks sharp!

[notsolo]

More better.....or is that...Super..More Better.....Beautiful truck red interior is extra sharp with a clean white truck.

[Gillnetter]

Looks great! I need to do that to mine as well.

[JAG66]

Bought blocks and u-bolt kit from Summit Racing. Item # WST 20415. Very straight forward job other than using 3 jacks and 2 com-a-longs.