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Old 01-01-2019, 09:27 PM   #1
Isaiah92260
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Good options to lower 1961?

What is the best option to lower my 1961? Doing so research I can’t use springs for the front and have to use drop spindles.
BUT...
I don’t intend to use disc brakes, sounds like a lot of money spent right now lol
So What’s the most cost effective way to lower a 1961, and how do I do it? I’ve never lowered a truck before

Thanks everyone!
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Old 01-01-2019, 10:12 PM   #2
SkinnyG
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

Unwind the adjustable torsion bars.
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Old 01-01-2019, 10:56 PM   #3
LostMy65
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

Yes, Jack up the front to take the load off the torsion bars, then back the torsion bar keys off. For the back, use lowering blocks - like these :
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Old 01-02-2019, 08:45 AM   #4
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

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Originally Posted by SkinnyG View Post
Unwind the adjustable torsion bars.
Thank you!!
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Old 01-02-2019, 08:54 AM   #5
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

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Originally Posted by LostMy65 View Post
Yes, Jack up the front to take the load off the torsion bars, then back the torsion bar keys off. For the back, use lowering blocks - like these :
Okay cool.
What’s the lowest I could go with torsion bars?
I’ll try the blocks out!
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Old 01-02-2019, 09:12 AM   #6
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

How would it sit if I did 4” drop springs instead of the blocks?
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Old 01-02-2019, 01:04 PM   #7
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

The front is going to be your limiting factor. Lower the front to what you are comfortable with (low enough, without too much bottoming), and then lower the back to match.

A lot of guys use Jeep TJ springs on the back (probably find some used? Junkyard??), but blocks work too. I don't think it matters whether you use springs or blocks, though "lowering springs" tend to be too soft.

All the while, save for spindles, because it won't be low enough. And air ride. We all get there eventually. (grin)
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Old 01-02-2019, 05:36 PM   #8
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

Good thread here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...e=2&styleid=63
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Old 01-03-2019, 11:31 AM   #9
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

You may want to use spring in the rear since it sounds like you are looking to go lower than a block will safely take you. The trouble with using blocks is the higher you raise the axle, the closer your trailing arm gets to the ground. Eventually, you get it so close that when you have a flat tire, or worse a blowout, you end up dragging the asphalt. I like a 1 inch block in combination with lowering springs. That extra inch on the axle is still within the margin of safety, and my spring drop is a bit less because of it. Blocks dont change your shock travel or angle like springs do which is nice, but you know what they say...."All things in moderation."
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Old 01-04-2019, 09:23 PM   #10
61_FL_Apache
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

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Originally Posted by SkinnyG View Post
Unwind the adjustable torsion bars.
I did this and used air bags on the rear to lower it. Bad thing is the torsion bar bolts get closer to the road. Mine were about 4" off the road and I rarely hit them. It was usually on speedbumps.
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Old 01-05-2019, 08:04 PM   #11
Isaiah92260
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

Quote:
Originally Posted by AcampoDave View Post
You may want to use spring in the rear since it sounds like you are looking to go lower than a block will safely take you. The trouble with using blocks is the higher you raise the axle, the closer your trailing arm gets to the ground. Eventually, you get it so close that when you have a flat tire, or worse a blowout, you end up dragging the asphalt. I like a 1 inch block in combination with lowering springs. That extra inch on the axle is still within the margin of safety, and my spring drop is a bit less because of it. Blocks dont change your shock travel or angle like springs do which is nice, but you know what they say...."All things in moderation."
Thanks boss! I’m gonna I suppose I can start with dropping the rear end then little by little drop the front until it sits right!
Yeah I definitely don’t wana smack those bolts on the road! Thanks for all this info!
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Old 01-05-2019, 09:11 PM   #12
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Re: Good options to lower 1961?

Bars and bags
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