Front shocks?

[Tilt]

For you guys with the 2.5-3" drop spindles and 1 coil cut off the spring on 1/2 tons, what front shocks are you using? How is the ride?/ Do you like them or would you go with a different shock if you had the choice? Brand and a part number if you have it would be greatly appreciated. Mine look like they are the original '86 shocks and are wore slap out. I read through several of the threads in the Suspension forum, and was looking at KYB but have read a couple bad reviews with them on the '80s C-10's. I would just like a few opinions on different brands and models. Thanks

[SkinnyG]

Running cheap-o factory-size blue Monroes, AND full-length front bumpstops. Rides just fine.

KYB are more expensive, but a much better shock.

[J Knight]

Im running $25 Monroe-matics, rides fine.

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by Tilt

For you guys with the 2.5-3" drop spindles and 1 coil cut off the spring on 1/2 tons, what front shocks are you using? How is the ride?/ Do you like them or would you go with a different shock if you had the choice? Brand and a part number if you have it would be greatly appreciated. Mine look like they are the original '86 shocks and are wore slap out. I read through several of the threads in the Suspension forum, and was looking at KYB but have read a couple bad reviews with them on the '80s C-10's. I would just like a few opinions on different brands and models. Thanks

I have a 1986 GMC 1/2 SWB truck. I used Western Chassis 2.5" drop spindles (CP4S4) with KYB Gas-A-Just shocks (KG5409). I run stock 15"x8" steel ralley rims on 255-70R series Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires (now discontinued). I have had NO issues with rubbing or scrapping like others have been experiencing with those other manufacturers with 3" drop spindles. This setup uses my stock OEM (28 year old) coil springs. The overall drop looked good in relation to the hanger and spindle drop I did to the rear. Overall 2.5" front drop and 4" rear drop. The front was about 1.5" gap (fender to top of tire). See my photo album in my signature line located at: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/album.php?u=41047

After much thought, I wanted to drop my front another 1.5" so I went to Summit Racing and purchased the Western Chassis 1.5" drop spring set (WST-631015). I installed the new springs this weekend and to my surprise, it did not drop at all. The spring rate was much stiffer which made my corning great but the look I was going for was absent -- again, no change in the front drop gap. See my FULL review on the Summit Racing page at: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WST-631015

Rather long review on the Summit Racing page but I wanted others to know what to expect based on my experience. I hope this helps you. Good luck.

[surly66]

I lowered my '87 R10 using Bell Tech 3" spindles, 2" Eibach coil (I don't think these are offered any longer) and Bell Tech filp kit w/c-notch in the rear. Running 235/60/17's and 275/60/17/'s.
I am using the Bell Tech Nitro Drop shocks front and rear with no issues (aside from the shock mount to u-bolt plate interference in the rear). I installed new Moog bump stops in the front. My fender lip (measured in on the centerline of the spindle) is at 26.5"
I like the way this combination rides and have had minimal issues with tire rub. With large bumps in the road (not uncommon in Minnesota) it seems like I'm hitting the bump stops just before the tire would rub on the inner fender...works for me.
Good luck.

[Lost81c10]

Just for background: For the front I have the 2.5 cpp drop spindles with the western chassis 1.5 springs and KYB Excel-G shocks. For the rear I have western chassis shackles and hanger, KYB Excel-G and Shock Extenders. I like the ride feel with the stuff now and of course it made a good difference in the handling, which I also added a front sway bar but even before that the components alone made a difference for me
Now to your question, I like the ride quality of the shocks and they stiffened up my bounce, nice and smooth. The only thing I will add with the shocks is, I had read different reviews on the KYB excel-G and the ones mentioned by 1986swb (KYB Gas-A-Just) and several reviews mentioned the Gas-a-just were a bit stiff so I decided to go with my shock, but I will tell you that “For Me”, which is part of your request, I wish I could try the Gas-a-just for a bit “more” stiff ride I don’t think it would be very, very stiff having now had my shock for a while (1.2 yrs owned – 4 months of drive since I had my fender bender 10 mns ago) and having gotten used to them. Sometimes I fell that I would like a little bit stiffer ride and maybe the Gas-a-just would be that. Don’t get me wrong on the Excels, they work well and ride good as a new shock should but maybe for a lowered truck, stiffer would be better…and I mean ride wise…Lastly as FYI, some folks have mentioned that extenders are needed for a 4” rear drop but since I had them, they are in (I had an issue with them but separate from your q). Hope it helps.
Lowering Spindles 2.5
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/cl...olet/model/c10
Front Lowering springs 1.5
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ws...olet/model/c10
Front Shocks
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ky...olet/model/c10
Rear Shackles and Hangers
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ws...olet/model/c10
Rear Shocks
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ky...olet/model/c10
Rear Shock Extenders
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ws...olet/model/c10

[Tilt]

Thanks guys. I ordered a pair of the Monroe Sensa Trac shocks and a set of Enegry Suspension bushing the front sway bar. Both should be here today or tomorrow so hopefully I can get everything put on in the next couple of days. I'm running 245/45/20's in front and the driver side tire will just rub a little on the inner fender.

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by Tilt

Thanks guys. I ordered a pair of the Monroe Sensa Trac shocks and a set of Enegry Suspension bushing the front sway bar. Both should be here today or tomorrow so hopefully I can get everything put on in the next couple of days. I'm running 245/45/20's in front and the driver side tire will just rub a little on the inner fender.

The kybs I have on my front add the perfect level of stiffness with my current setup. I installed a larger 1.25" diameter sway bar with composite bushings. Not necessary but if your front sway bar bushing brackets have zerk fittings it'll be easy to grease the new polyurethane bushings. Squeeking is always a distraction when the bushings are dry. But the plus side of polys is that they are stiff and have very minimal flex.