Lowering of a squarebody

[Dirty South 504]

Want to lower my truck without doing and cutting of the frame or bed supports,what is the best way to go about this? Truck is a 85 gmc shortbed.

[blindbug]

The 'Best' way is a relative term. Depends on your budget and desired drop. Personally, I would recommend Drop Spindles and Coils in the front, and a spring flip with shackles in the rear. It's relatively inexpensive to go this route. Save money by cutting a coil in the front instead of using proper lowering coils. I would also recommend new shocks, assuming yours are old and soft.

Depending on your desired drop, you might not need to cut the frame for a c-notch. It might not be necessary if you will never haul any weight, even on a mild to medium drop. On a severe drop (6-8" in the rear) you might want to look into a C-Notch or you will bottom out on the back for every bump in the road.

Here's some other options:
Coil Over install (Ridetech):
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=745710

The 'Squarebody Syndicate Formula' (very good approach, although some will argue the brands used are not the 'best of the best'):
http://squarebodysyndicate.com/sbs-formula.html


(This is just my opinion... like I said, the 'Best' is a very relative term.

[Dirty South 504]

A mild drop is ok by me,just something I can bolt on,just a better look than factory height.The truck has a lift kit on it at the moment and I will be removing that along with changing the mud tires as well as installing new front and rear bushings,ball joints,etc.

[Project86]

mcgaugheys 2.5" drop spindles, and drop coils.
i also have a DJM flip kit
didnt have to cut anything

[blindbug]

Originally Posted by Project86

mcgaugheys 2.5" drop spindles, and drop coils.
i also have a DJM flip kit
didnt have to cut anything

Very similar to the 'Squarebody Syndicate Formula' I posted above.

One thing I will note. Depending on what drop spindle you use, it may limit your wheel choices because a 15" wheel on certain drop spindles (3" for instance) will typically rub, or be so close that the wheel weights will rub. In that case either you have to go to a larger wheel, or start grinding on the spindle. I THINK 16" and above wheels will work with most all drop spindles, but I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule (especially if using a wider wheel).

[SCOTI]

Backspacing also impacts interference related issues.

[stanski]

For me the easiest and most economical route was 2" drop spindles in front and 2 1/2" longer rear shackles. No spring changes, cuts flips, etc. Lengthened the shackles myself, easy cut and weld job. Drop spindles usually $200, shackle mod maybe $10 worth of new metal. This will provide a noticeable yet not radical drop from stock ride height.

[Dirty South 504]

Would like to keep the rims I have for now.I would like to make the truck a daily driver for a while,then I will put money into the interior,rims,engine bay,etc.

[swb85]

I did a 4/4 drop with 2.5" spindles and 1 coil cut off the factory springs, then shackles/hangers in the rear. Still rides like stock and can still use it as a truck when I want to but looks wayyyyy better. Still run 15" steelies all around too.

[bbbc10]

top 2 brands are belltech and western chassis then followed by mcgaughys I would avoid djm as their parts are junk an also seen bad reviews on them. but you can go low as 6" in the rear with a flip kit and don't have to notch the frame only if you don't plan to tow or haul anything and up front you can do spindles and springs they make spindles for 1" and 1.25" brakes so make sure you know what brakes you have also if you do a flip kit make sure to pickup shocks and shock extenders

[808_67C10]

Well, this one is pretty well covered. I have a 2.5 CPP spindle and drop spring with a flip kit in the back. Easy to do and get plenty drop - fits 15" stock wheels too. I haul stuff all the time and have a solid 4 inches of room before the axle hits the frame. Make sure you take out the bump stops and the brackets that hold them and you are set.