72 Too Low

[Orence1]

A number of years ago I dropped my 72 LWB using 2 1/4" drop spindles and 2" drop springs. I looks cool but in reality with only about 3 1/2" clearance I have problems with any type of speed bump or driveway lip. I need to gain a bit more clearance. I have been asking locally but not getting a specific answer as to the best solution. The truck is a BB so there is some extra weight involved. I want to retain some front drop but don't want to do a spring change and have too much lift. I am going to swap my tires from back to front. 295's in back and 265's in front and see how that works. Would then go to all 295's of it solves the problem. Any thoughts on how much lift I would actually get with a 1" drop spring? Would I actually gain an inch or are there other factors to consider? Any thoughts appreciated.

[Orence1]

Here is a picture of the truck as I described.

[weq92f]

Swapping front to rear wheels probably will not buy you much. If those are 17" or 18" wheels you're running, you could gain an inch by going +2 on the wheel size ( I wouldn't go beyond a 20" wheel in the front though ).

The return from going with a 1" drop spring ~should~ be about and inch too, but no way to know for sure until you try it. If you go this route, just make sure you get the same manufacturer's springs that you put in to begin with.

Seems like I've seen a product that was a rigid "pad" that sits in the spring well below your existing spring. Sort of a spacer to raise it up a bit. Maybe you could fabricate something like this to raise it up a bit?

-klb

[67 chevelle]

Maybe try some helper spring shocks

[weq92f]

Here's the spacer that would be quick and easy... This particular one is 22bucks and is 1.5 inches.


These SPC Performance coil spring spacers are designed to allow shock absorbers to operate through their normal range for longer life and proper response ratios. They can restore your vehicle to its original height, correct front-end component relationships, and improve ride and handling characteristics. SPC Performance coil spring spacers are manufactured from durable aluminum and are available in different thicknesses to suit your specific vehicle application.

[Mike C]

Fix it right or don't fix it...

New springs make the most sense, just get 1" less drop. But that does cost money and requires work.

I assume you have 15" rims? What series are your tires? I assume 50's. If that is the case, then the 265 tire in the front is only 25.5" tall and the 295 in the rear is 26.7.

I have 2 1/2" spindles and 2" springs front of my truck and a 7" rear drop with a leaf spring flip in the rear. I have no issues with clearance. Front tires are 235 55 17 and rears are 275 55 17. 27" tall fronts and 29" rears. Super please with look, ride, and clearance and would do exact same again. I am planning a big block swap on my truck and will change to the 2" drop big block springs from ECE when I do it.

[GASoline71]

New springs, a floor jack, jack stands, remove front wheels, disconnect the lower control arm at the ball joint, remove old springs, install new springs, bolt lower control arm to ball joint, install front wheels, lower truck off of jack stands...boom.... take an afternoon and a 6-pack... done.

If a buddy is there to help... all day and a half rack! LOL!

A pair of front springs is what... 80 bucks?

Gary

[Orence1]

Good stuff. Many thanks for the input.