SBC to BBC Front Suspension - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

70-Chevy · 08-27-2019, 05:19 PM

I've read about 20 past posts on this subject, but get conflicting information, so I'm gonna ask again! Sorry for resurfacing this subject.

I have a 70 c-10 that had a small block in it. I put a 3/5 drop on it with new springs about 5 years ago (so the springs are relatively new). I am now going to a 496BBC and also I'm putting a Willwod disc brake kit on it with 2" drop spindles. Technically, the drop will now be a 5/5 going forward.

I want a slight rake to the truck, but not a lot.

Questions:
1) Do you think I should swap the front springs to a 2" drop BBC spring?
Or, can I leave it alone and expect a good ride with it with the SBC springs?

2) What do you think the rake will be with a 5/5 drop? Just curious how much I will need to bring the rear down.

As always with you guys, thanks in advance.

70-Chevy · 08-27-2019, 05:25 PM

Just realized I didn't put this in the suspension forum. Sorry mods.....

a.c.ward · 08-27-2019, 07:04 PM

I did almost the exact swap, except mines a 508 BBC from a small block 355.

i had to change the springs out, the 3" drop springs for SBC were sitting on the bump stops. I have the CPP modular spindles with 2.5" drop and CCP 12" big brake kit (at least it was the big brake kit 5 years ago when I bought it).

Could not drive with SBC springs in place, once I swapped in the 2" BBC springs, yielded almost same drop as before, but with suspension travel now and able to drive it.

post some pics and good luck

70-Chevy · 08-27-2019, 10:22 PM

Thanks for the info Sir. I went ahead and ordered the 2" BB springs.

**mkmc69** · 08-28-2019, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70-Chevy

Thanks for the info Sir. I went ahead and ordered the 2" BB springs.

I'm doing the same thing with my 70, except I only have a puny 454

Where did you order your springs from?

70-Chevy · 08-28-2019, 11:27 AM

Performanceonline.com

I ordered an adjustable rear track bar from them too.

**mkmc69** · 08-28-2019, 01:29 PM

Ok, thanks.

RenoKeene · 08-28-2019, 04:20 PM

I'm too late for this to help but factory 1/2 ton big blocks came with stock 3/4 ton front springs. I ordered new stock 3/4's and cut one half of a coil off along with 2-1/2" drop spindles, that and 6" drop rear coils, adjustable track bar, stock shocks and SHOCK RELOCATOR KIT got me about the perfect stance on 15" wheels.

**blap** · 01-29-2020, 11:53 PM

renokeene. is that gm factory 3/4 ton springs with a small block?

**Ironangel** · 01-30-2020, 12:08 PM

I'm running factory SBC coils with 1/2 a coil cut off, also 2-1/2" drop spindles, itty bitty 439 ci BBC LS killer motor...No issues, steers and rides like a Vette...

Skinny MT drag tires and wheels provide plenty of suspension clearance.

**70STOVEBOLT** · 02-01-2020, 11:12 PM

I went from a 250 to a 402 and did not change springs. I cannot tell the difference in ride height and it handles the same. Stock height though, not dropped.

08-27-2019, 05:19 PM	#1
70-Chevy -Chris Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Moyock, NC Posts: 622	SBC to BBC Front Suspension I've read about 20 past posts on this subject, but get conflicting information, so I'm gonna ask again! Sorry for resurfacing this subject. I have a 70 c-10 that had a small block in it. I put a 3/5 drop on it with new springs about 5 years ago (so the springs are relatively new). I am now going to a 496BBC and also I'm putting a Willwod disc brake kit on it with 2" drop spindles. Technically, the drop will now be a 5/5 going forward. I want a slight rake to the truck, but not a lot. Questions: 1) Do you think I should swap the front springs to a 2" drop BBC spring? Or, can I leave it alone and expect a good ride with it with the SBC springs? 2) What do you think the rake will be with a 5/5 drop? Just curious how much I will need to bring the rear down. As always with you guys, thanks in advance. __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 P/U, Shortbed, Fleetside - 5/7 drop, 496, TH400, 12 bolt. BUILD THREAD - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404481 2012 F250 Super Duty P/U - intake, exhaust, tuner, 4" lift with 35's 2017 Chevy Suburban (Wifes Car) - Fully Loaded & Stock "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

08-27-2019, 05:25 PM	#2
70-Chevy -Chris Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Moyock, NC Posts: 622	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension Just realized I didn't put this in the suspension forum. Sorry mods..... __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 P/U, Shortbed, Fleetside - 5/7 drop, 496, TH400, 12 bolt. BUILD THREAD - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404481 2012 F250 Super Duty P/U - intake, exhaust, tuner, 4" lift with 35's 2017 Chevy Suburban (Wifes Car) - Fully Loaded & Stock "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

08-27-2019, 07:04 PM	#3
a.c.ward Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: killeen tx 76542 Posts: 193	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension I did almost the exact swap, except mines a 508 BBC from a small block 355. i had to change the springs out, the 3" drop springs for SBC were sitting on the bump stops. I have the CPP modular spindles with 2.5" drop and CCP 12" big brake kit (at least it was the big brake kit 5 years ago when I bought it). Could not drive with SBC springs in place, once I swapped in the 2" BBC springs, yielded almost same drop as before, but with suspension travel now and able to drive it. post some pics and good luck Attached Images __________________ A C Ward Retired US Army 66 El Camino 67 SWB underwent major Surgery- http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=776475

08-27-2019, 10:22 PM	#4
70-Chevy -Chris Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Moyock, NC Posts: 622	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension Thanks for the info Sir. I went ahead and ordered the 2" BB springs. __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 P/U, Shortbed, Fleetside - 5/7 drop, 496, TH400, 12 bolt. BUILD THREAD - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404481 2012 F250 Super Duty P/U - intake, exhaust, tuner, 4" lift with 35's 2017 Chevy Suburban (Wifes Car) - Fully Loaded & Stock "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

08-28-2019, 11:27 AM	#6
70-Chevy -Chris Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Moyock, NC Posts: 622	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension Performanceonline.com I ordered an adjustable rear track bar from them too. __________________ 1970 Chevy C-10 P/U, Shortbed, Fleetside - 5/7 drop, 496, TH400, 12 bolt. BUILD THREAD - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=404481 2012 F250 Super Duty P/U - intake, exhaust, tuner, 4" lift with 35's 2017 Chevy Suburban (Wifes Car) - Fully Loaded & Stock "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the Marines don't have that problem." Ronald Reagan, President of the United States; 1985

08-28-2019, 01:29 PM	#7
mkmc69 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Logansport,In Posts: 544	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension Ok, thanks.

08-28-2019, 04:20 PM	#8
RenoKeene Florida Edition Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Fruitland Park, FL Posts: 4,008	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension I'm too late for this to help but factory 1/2 ton big blocks came with stock 3/4 ton front springs. I ordered new stock 3/4's and cut one half of a coil off along with 2-1/2" drop spindles, that and 6" drop rear coils, adjustable track bar, stock shocks and SHOCK RELOCATOR KIT got me about the perfect stance on 15" wheels. Attached Images __________________ 70 GMC Short Stepside "Rose"-An American Beauty: Factory 402/TH400, AM/FM, AC, Tilt, Tach, Buckets, Posi, PS, PB, 3-5 Drop, Complete Resto-Rod 67 C-20 Slant Back Wrecker "Mad Max" 67 C-10 Ratrod "Step-N-Wolf" 71 Serro Scotty Sportsman camper "Scotty" 97 LT1 Z28 "The Hornet" Link to more pics of "Rose" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...p?albumid=1684 Check out my "Cheap Tricks" thread and add to it if you can, lots of good info there. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489394

01-29-2020, 11:53 PM	#9
blap Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: bristol,CT Posts: 586	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension renokeene. is that gm factory 3/4 ton springs with a small block?

01-30-2020, 12:08 PM	#10
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension I'm running factory SBC coils with 1/2 a coil cut off, also 2-1/2" drop spindles, itty bitty 439 ci BBC LS killer motor...No issues, steers and rides like a Vette... Skinny MT drag tires and wheels provide plenty of suspension clearance. __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American"

02-01-2020, 11:12 PM	#11
70STOVEBOLT Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Winona Lake, IN Posts: 6,208	Re: SBC to BBC Front Suspension I went from a 250 to a 402 and did not change springs. I cannot tell the difference in ride height and it handles the same. Stock height though, not dropped. __________________ 70 C/10 SWB 402/TH400/3.73 "The Needy Beast" 200,000 Mile Club Disc Brake Club Owner installed options: Front Sway Bar Power Steering Power Brakes Cigar Lighter Courtesy Lights Deluxe Side Markers Wiper Delay Power windows Power Locks Coming soon: EFI 2015 Silverado 1500 LS 4.3/6L80/3.23



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