help with front suspension - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cj847 · 03-24-2021, 07:30 PM

Need a measurement or an explanation.

I lowered the rear of my 71 4". The front is 50 year old stock springs. The truck sits about 1" higher in front than rear. So, I was debating cutting about 3/4" off the front springs. But upon inspection, the A arm is only 1.25" from the bump stop when parked, and it is obvious I have been riding frequently on the bump stops when in motion. I am curious how high the truck should sit off the bump stops if I had new front springs. I am guessing I need new front springs and a 2.5" drop spindle to get the perfect look, while still being able to use the truck.
-Will someone with new stock springs give me a measurement?
-Do most agree that 2.5/4 is right for a daily driver that you still use as a truck on occasion?

Sorry for the crappy pic rotations

68 P.O.S. · 03-25-2021, 10:27 AM

I don't have any measurements for you, but a 2.5"/4" drop will look good. I would definitely get new front springs though. They'll be much better since your originals are likely worn out and not working well. Remember, since the new front springs are new and not broken in yet, they will raise the truck compared to your old springs.

67C10Step · 03-25-2021, 12:33 PM

I went through the entire front end on my 67 last year with all new parts, 2.5" drop spindles with new stock height springs. Converted to disc brakes as well. I like the stance of my truck as it will be a driver and not a show truck for sure. My desire was a bit lower but level stance and this let me maintain front steering geometry and stock ride height shocks as well.

**Ironangel** · 03-25-2021, 02:14 PM

Order a set of 3/4 ton (heavy duty) coils and cut 1/2 coil off...The 1-1/4" bump stop clearance is plenty of clearance considering your using a sway bar and new front shocks. One half of a coil equals about an inch of drop. The stouter coil will resist bottoming out the shocks or the bump stops, the sway bar will make the truck steer like a Camaro or a Vette...The truck in my profile pic has the exact set up described above...The factory steering geometry is maintained...

cj847 · 03-25-2021, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the inputs. Time to buy some parts.

03-24-2021, 07:30 PM	#1
cj847 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ft Smith, AR Posts: 544	help with front suspension Need a measurement or an explanation. I lowered the rear of my 71 4". The front is 50 year old stock springs. The truck sits about 1" higher in front than rear. So, I was debating cutting about 3/4" off the front springs. But upon inspection, the A arm is only 1.25" from the bump stop when parked, and it is obvious I have been riding frequently on the bump stops when in motion. I am curious how high the truck should sit off the bump stops if I had new front springs. I am guessing I need new front springs and a 2.5" drop spindle to get the perfect look, while still being able to use the truck. -Will someone with new stock springs give me a measurement? -Do most agree that 2.5/4 is right for a daily driver that you still use as a truck on occasion? Sorry for the crappy pic rotations Attached Images Last edited by LockDoc; 03-24-2021 at 09:17 PM. Reason: Rotated picture

03-25-2021, 10:27 AM	#2
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,661	Re: help with front suspension I don't have any measurements for you, but a 2.5"/4" drop will look good. I would definitely get new front springs though. They'll be much better since your originals are likely worn out and not working well. Remember, since the new front springs are new and not broken in yet, they will raise the truck compared to your old springs. __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo

03-25-2021, 12:33 PM	#3
67C10Step Registered User Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Beebe, AR Posts: 2,420	Re: help with front suspension I went through the entire front end on my 67 last year with all new parts, 2.5" drop spindles with new stock height springs. Converted to disc brakes as well. I like the stance of my truck as it will be a driver and not a show truck for sure. My desire was a bit lower but level stance and this let me maintain front steering geometry and stock ride height shocks as well. __________________ 1967 C10 1980 Jeep CJ5 2020 Toyota 4Runner 2020 Toyota CH-R 2020 Acura MDX

03-25-2021, 02:14 PM	#4
Ironangel Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere" Posts: 2,219	Re: help with front suspension Order a set of 3/4 ton (heavy duty) coils and cut 1/2 coil off...The 1-1/4" bump stop clearance is plenty of clearance considering your using a sway bar and new front shocks. One half of a coil equals about an inch of drop. The stouter coil will resist bottoming out the shocks or the bump stops, the sway bar will make the truck steer like a Camaro or a Vette...The truck in my profile pic has the exact set up described above...The factory steering geometry is maintained... __________________ Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" "Be American, Buy American"

03-25-2021, 07:59 PM	#5
cj847 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Ft Smith, AR Posts: 544	Re: help with front suspension Thanks for the inputs. Time to buy some parts.



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