2.5 inch drop

[chevyman02]

What's the best way to lower our trucks without using airbags. I only want to come down 2 maybe 2.5 inches. I've got coils in the front and back. Would it be better to use leaf springs?

Thanks?

[NSANE68!!!]

What year truck? Disc? If so go with spindles for a 2.5" in front and 3" drop coils in the rear. JMO

[chevyman02]

It's a 70, with drums right now, but I plan on switching to disc up front. Go with spindles? Not sure what you mean? I should also just get smaller coils in the back? Why the different heights, and not 2.5 in front and back? Sorry, newbie here.

Thanks,
Adam.

[clean71]

You can use the drop spindles in the front to lower 2.5 in and use your stoc coils. In the back, it depends if you want the level look or a high rear. 2.5 F/4 R will get you level. 2.5 F/3 R will get you a slight rake in back.

The drop spindles change the height of the front by changing the positition of the wheel spindle vice going with a shorter coil.

[low 84]

i don't think anyone makes 2.5 inch lowered rear springs, that is why he is telling you to use 3 inch drop springs in the back. they do however make 2.5 in drop spindels. you have to use a shorter coil spring to lower the back, thats the only way to do it. up front you either need to use a shorter coil or dropped spindles, but drop spindles are only made for disc break front ends, so if you plan on using drop spindles you must convert the front to disc at the same times

[73GMC]

There are several methods of lowering your vehicle without using airbags. They vary in price, of course, but give you the same end result.

Lowering Coils
Since you have coils all around, this method of lowering will be the cheapest to accomplish. If you cut the coils, you modify to the exact height you want. However, you will sacrifice some ride quality because of the decrease in coil without increase in coil stiffness to make up for it.
Drop coils accomplish this task, so you maintain ride quality. of course, buying coils is another expense.
Either way, you will have to get a front end alignment afterwards to make up for the camber change.

Drop Spindles
The spindles are the units that the ball joints attach to and the rotor and/or drum plate attaches to in your case. The spindle arm is modified higher or lower achieving the rasing of lowering of the vehicle without altering the ride quality of the alignment. This way is best, but is also the most costly.

Leaf Springs
You do not need to deal with leaf springs at all. These are actually better for raising your vehicle and for load-bearing purposes.

Hope this helps. With such a modest lowering goal (2.5"), you can accomplish this task very easy. Cutting coils will be cheapest, then getting alignment for the front end. Whatever you do, do not just HEAT the coils to achieve drop. The spring loses its "springy" ability and the metal is weakened considerably. Only cut the coil with plasma cutter or cutting wheel.

Again, good luck!!!

[low 84]

hmm.........don't think you can successfully lower the rear by cutting the coils. if they were cut the ends would have to be re-pigtailed in order to be able to bolt up. this is if i remember how the coils were installed on my '64 which i think i do.

[chevyman02]

Thanks a ton guys. You were very helpfull. I'm going to go with the 2.5" drop spindles and 4" drop coils to get the level look. Hey do you think 18" rims will look good with this drop?

Thanks again.
Adam.

[73GMC]

good point on those pigtails on rear coils, low84.
rears are not so accommodating as the fronts. drop springs would be in order.

[imaindianoutlaw]

I was thinking that a 4" drop in the rear would level things out? am I wrong? I want a level mean stance!

[nate68]

it'll be about level if you use the same height tires. i am running 275 60 15 rear and 255 60 15 front and it will give you slight rake. when i have my crappy spare tires on that are the same size its level. of course its kind of level now since i put the 9" and the track bar kit from ECE. the track bar kit has the mount on one side and a spacer on the other that about 1/4" and then the 9" sits higher in the saddles because the axle tubes are larger so i'm guessing thats about another 1/4" or so drop. i never measured. i need to take pics and compare.