68 Longbed lower 1/3 what shocks?

[68C101775]

Good morning all,

Looking at running a 1in drop coil in the front and 3 in drop in the rear w coils from cpp. Anyone running a similar setup have shock suggestions? Weather I need to run drop shocks or stock etc. thanks!

[CC69Rat]

Hey, first welcome to the forum!

Here's my opinion on it. These trucks are old. When they were originally built, they were built to work. Farms, hauling stuff, etc. And of course time.. the factory springs in your truck now have sagged a little bit over the years. The truck probably sits an inch or so lower now than it did when it was new.

As for your drop springs. When you order the spring and it's advertised as a 1" drop for example. That measurement is taken from a new spring. So, this drop spring will lower the truck 1" side by side as compared to new.

Basically what I'm saying is to lower it 1/3 you probably won't see a lot of difference in the way it sits now. I just dont want you to spend a lot of money and not be happy with the results.

But drop shocks, yes. They're probably a little worn (?) Any way and it would make sense to me while I had it apart to go ahead and replace them. Could you get by ? Probably.. but just me.

Hope this helps.

[Grumpy old man]

This should help .

https://www.google.com/search?q=meas...JkPIP0ryi4A816



Posted by GMC PAULS 1/6/2016

Re: Quality Shocks for 3/5 drop
" I'm surprised none of our customers have responded as we've told all that ask.
ANY, I REPEAT AMY, shock that is made for your stock 1967-72 truck at normal ride height is ALSO the correct shock for those trucks with front & rear drop kits of ANY DROP Height. So if you use 1-5 1/2" drop in the front you still use the same shock. If you use 1-6" drop in the rear you still use the same shock. ECE, No limit, Classic, Brothers, everyone is selling shocks that are made to stock travel specifications. Now your asking why this is true. The reason is with any of the drops I listed above the stock shocks minimum & maximum travel distances are not exceeded. Since the shocks travel limits are still within spec, the stock shock length is still used.
NOW in the rear once you hit about a 5" rear drop the shock has become to horizontal to absorb vertical travel effectively. So you then install rear shock relocators in the rear to make the shocks more vertical again so that they can then absorb the vertical travel of the truck. ( It's also my understanding though I have not tried it yet, that if you move the rear lower shock bracket from left side to the right, and the right side to the left this will also correct the shock angle back to a more vertical position eliminating the need for rear shock relocators. ) But again I've not checked this myself on just swapping the lower mounts from 1 side to the other. I'm just reporting what I've heard from several low budget builders.
So everyone should determine the type of ride that you want based on you and your driving habits then look up the shocks and look for comfort, sport, off road etc.... based on your driving style & preference's and then purchase the stock shock for your truck in that type of shock. KYB GR-2 soft comfortable ride, KYB gas a just shocks give a firmer ride , etc.....
Then buy from who you choose. If your already buying parts from 1 location and the shocks they have only cost a little more than the cheapest place you've found get the shocks from where your buying your other parts unless your getting free shipping.
Hope everyone is Healthy, Happy, & Prosperous in 2016 and beyond. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=693745
Paul @ GMCPauls " __________________
Secure Online Catalog for-GMCPauls Truck Parts
Email- GMCPAULS@GMAIL.COM2016

[68C101775]

Originally Posted by CC69Rat

Hey, first welcome to the forum!

Here's my opinion on it. These trucks are old. When they were originally built, they were built to work. Farms, hauling stuff, etc. And of course time.. the factory springs in your truck now have sagged a little bit over the years. The truck probably sits an inch or so lower now than it did when it was new.

As for your drop springs. When you order the spring and it's advertised as a 1" drop for example. That measurement is taken from a new spring. So, this drop spring will lower the truck 1" side by side as compared to new.

Basically what I'm saying is to lower it 1/3 you probably won't see a lot of difference in the way it sits now. I just dont want you to spend a lot of money and not be happy with the results.

But drop shocks, yes. They're probably a little worn (?) Any way and it would make sense to me while I had it apart to go ahead and replace them. Could you get by ? Probably.. but just me.

Hope this helps.

That was my thoughts for going with a 1/3. I love the height of the truck as she sits but just wanted to freshen up the suspension as they’re original springs and shocks. I don’t like the look of slammed trucks honestly.

[jimijam00]

^ Disagree. Most shocks' compression and rebound behaves differently under a short stroke as compared to a longer stroke. The drop also changes the "neutral middle" where the shock rests.

[68C101775]

I saw both arguments for needed a drop shock vs stock height so I wanted to get a feel for what others are running.

[dagnabbitt]

My understanding is that drop of up to 2/4 requires no mods whatsoever anywhere else on the truck.

Which makes sense to me, since these trucks are not exactly fine swiss watches.

[72c20customcamper]

3-4 drop same shocks . The angle is a little steep on the rear I might get a shock relocation kit but the same shock is going back on

[68C101775]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

3-4 drop same shocks . The angle is a little steep on the rear I might get a shock relocation kit but the same shock is going back on

You think the angle would be ok with a 3 in the rear?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 68C101775

You think the angle would be ok with a 3 in the rear?

Do yourself a favor & use relocation brackets (aftermarket or home-built) to decrease the angle on the rears. They're near the limit @ stock height. Any drop just pushes the limits.

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by 68C101775

You think the angle would be ok with a 3 in the rear?

I would think so . But I've put about 1000 miles on the truck and haven't notice any real difference in ride other than if I load the back it will hit the bump stops on hard bumps . I'm going to cut some off the bumpers