Questions about dropping my 69 SWB.

[birdistheword]

My truck is sitting on it's most likely original 45 year old springs. I just put a set of 275/60R15 tires on some 15x9 slots on the rear. And just ordered a set of 255/60R15 for the front for my 15x7 slots. I want to lower the truck just a little bit and give it a nice rake. What type of springs would I have to get? Would 3 in the front and 2 in the back do it? And would I also need the shock relocator kit and adjustable track bar? Thanks for any info. Here's a picture of the truck before the new wheels and tires and a pic of the new rear tires/wheels if it will help.

[Mikeeal33]

As you can see its raked now, they all were from the factory. If that's the amount of rake you want, and just want to lower it a "little" then I would do a 2/2 or a 2/3. With that amount you can use the factory tracbar and a shock relocation kit is unnecessary. Coil springs can be found on eBay super cheap or from one of the many sponsors on this site. I would replace all 4 shocks too, stock replacements will work.

Can be done for around 280 - 3 hundo off the top of my head.

[66 C10 383]

I'd do a drop spindle in the front. Most companies spindles are 2 1/2" drop. These don't affect your shock height or reduce your suspension travel. You also upgrade to disc brakes in the front at the same time.

If you decide to lower a bit more then I'd choose some available drop coil springs to get it where you want it. They are available in 1" - 3" drops. Remember your old springs are probably sagging more than you know so a 1" drop spring may actually raise it higher than it is now. A 3" spring is reportedly so short that if you lift the truck by the frame (letting the front tire droop unsupported) the spring will actually be loose in the pocket. You can relocate the shocks to use stock height springs.

For the rear, I'd use a 1" block (between the axle and trailing arm) since you are using 15" wheels. Like spindles, the blocks don't reduce your suspension travel. Then I'd Install rear drop coils to finish off your desired drop. A rear shock relocation can help with ride and handling also.

[Pro Performance]

There are a few options to lower the truck, and some more affordable than others.The drop spindle up front is a great way, since it doesn't reduce wheel travel or effect ride. However, a mentioned, it does require a disc brake swap at the same time. I would recommend the spindle and disc brake swap if funds allow. It is a great safety upgrade also.

In the rear, a drop spring is a good option. With a 2.5" spindle up front, I would recommend a 3" spring. Below are some links to the front disc brake conversion we offer, which includes a drop spindle, and a link for the rear springs.

Doing just springs is also an option, if the spindle and disc brake swap aren't in the budget. You can always upgrade later on and use a stock height spindle, if not wanting to lower more than your front drop spring does.

Hope this info helps.

- Travis

http://www.azproperformance.com/Pro1...60-72-C10.html

http://www.azproperformance.com/Mcga...168-63169.html

http://www.azproperformance.com/McGa...171-63172.html

[Mikeeal33]

My mind always goes straight to the cheapest way to accomplish the goal, lol. I shoulda asked about budget.

About the drop spindles, isn't wheel/spindle clearance a common issue with 15"s?

[birdistheword]

Drop spindles and the disc brake upgrade are out of budget as of now but maybe at a later date.

[birdistheword]

I'd like to just do springs but just don't know which ones to get. I've got roughly $600 and am just a short drive from a good parts guy in Olympia.

[Mikeeal33]

What does that mean a parts guy?

[birdistheword]

He's a board member and has a store in his backyard selling everything I would ever need for a 67-72.

[66 C10 383]

Originally Posted by Mikeeal33

About the drop spindles, isn't wheel/spindle clearance a common issue with 15"s?

Nothing a little trimming won't take care of. See the post below.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=416186


If you're going to do the springs now and possibly the spindles/brakes later, I'd get the drop springs you think you'll end up running now. Otherwise you'll be buying a second set of front coils and that's not good for a budget build.

[SCOTI]

Do you like the way it rides now?

If so, cut a coil from the fronts for 2-3" of drop & use 2" lowering blocks in the rear. Shock travel wont be affected out back & would still be in range up front.

Anytime you lower a truck-arm application, an upgrade to a full frame width Panhard bar should be considered (especially if more drop is planned down the road).