Advice on choosing spindle drop and springs

[dibbleg]

Hello,
I started overhauling the front end on my 67 c10. It has a 350 in it and nothing else really custom done to it. I had to remove the motor to do some clean up work and decided while it was out to repair, replace and upgrade a bunch of stuff up front. I have disassembled and removed the brakes, springs, shocks, control arms and spindles on both sides. Pretty much everything was trashed and the springs had coils that are touching and they're also bent. Previous owner said they were heated up to lower it.



So, being the dumbass that I am, I didn't get any measurements or photos or anything before I tore everything apart to figure out the ride height and decide where I wanted it. I assume it was lowered a few inches and with the bigger tires, it filled out the wheel wells fairly well.






I was planning on upgrading to power disc brakes and doing 2 1/2" dropped spindles. I wasn't sure if i needed to get lowered springs and shocks or go with the stock height. I also planned on getting new wheels and tires but again, i'm not sure what sizes to get. Now that i'm replacing the spindles, I also have the option to go to 5 lug from 6. A friend of mine suggested I go that route so I have a bunch more rim options when the time comes. The only thing i really wanted to try to do was put some wheels on that look a little more set back. like this.. ( image i came across online. no idea who owns this truck or where it came from)




So I'm not quote sure what to do next. Should I keep the 6 lug? or go to 5?

Should I stay with the stock height springs and shocks, then choose my rims and tires? from there I guess I can adjust the height

Any idea on the wheel and tire combo from what i found in that reference pic? just a rough guesstimate maybe

[bluex]

I cant really help on your tire/wheel question but on your suspension if it was mine I would do the 2.5" spindle with new stock height springs. If you dont like the way it sits you can always trim one coil off the new spring for another 2" drop. If you do just the spindles a stock length shock will still work. If you add in drop/cut springs then you can go to a shorter shock or use a shock relocator.

[gringoloco]

That truck looks like 15x8s with 275/60s, probably around 4 to 4.5" backspacing. The drop looks like a standard 4/6.

To match that drop, you'll want drop spindles, 2" drop springs, and shorter shocks up front, with 4" springs, 2" blocks, adjustable panhard, and shorter shocks out back. Early classic, performance online, or classic performance are all reputable places to get what you need.

Always buy wheels after suspension, so you can dial in your backsoacing for clearance

[dibbleg]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

That truck looks like 15x8s with 275/60s, probably around 4 to 4.5" backspacing. The drop looks like a standard 4/6.

To match that drop, you'll want drop spindles, 2" drop springs, and shorter shocks up front, with 4" springs, 2" blocks, adjustable panhard, and shorter shocks out back. Early classic, performance online, or classic performance are all reputable places to get what you need.

Always buy wheels after suspension, so you can dial in your backsoacing for clearance

Thanks for all the info. I got the Disc brake kit and axles. Decided to convert to 5 lug. Also got the adjustable panhard bar and lowering blocks.

The next thing I'm not too sure about is the correct length for the shocks. So there's a 2" drop on the spindles and a 2" drop on the front springs for a total of 4". Do I need to get 2" dropped shocks for the front or 4"? Same with the back. 4" dropped springs and 2" lowering blocks. What length shocks would I need?

Also do you think I would need to swap out the crossmember or need to relocate the shock mounting points at all?

[gringoloco]

2" shorter shocks front, 4" shorter rear. Spindles and blocks do not affect shock length. Do a search here on the forum, there are Monroe shocks that work off the shelf. 33033 and 32031 is what I have in my mind, but verify before buying. Shock relocators would be good for the rear, as when you lower, the shocks lean over at an extreme angle. CPP, ECE, and POL all carry these pretty affordably.