The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1967 - 1972 Chevrolet & GMC Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-18-2019, 02:23 PM   #1
cebra
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Posts: 782
Lowering Regrets

I recently put a 2.5" drop spindle, 2" springs, lowered shocks on the front along with 40 series tires on 20's. I replaced all wear items (steering and suspension) and got a quite pricey dynamic alignment. I did a 5" springs, shock relocators, new shocks, and adjustable track bar with 50 series tires on 20's in the rear. It looks really good; it is made to be a daily driver though and it rides horribly. I can feel every crack in the road, it clangs, it bangs, (both front and rear), I can't get in and out of driveways, I have maybe an inch max before I am into the bumps front and rear, I am tucking tires all around. This is all my opinion on my vehicle but I hate it and wish I had not lowered it and stuck with my 15" rallys. Now I am trying to figure out how to get it back to as stock as possible without changing the spindles and having to pull the spring relocators/adjustable track bar (because I don't have them for various reasons). Thinking 16" rallys, stock front springs on the 2.5" drop spindles, 3" rear drop springs, and new front shocks may get me closer for the least amount of money. This was all my own doing but wanted to post a differing opinion for folks that may be on the fence about lowering their trucks.
__________________
My Daily Driver Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755668
cebra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 02:45 PM   #2
Killer Bee
Registered User
 
Killer Bee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Barber City, CA
Posts: 4,717
Re: Lowering Regrets

sorry to hear that..

some of us know we love lowered trucks
some of us know we hate lowered trucks
some of us are in the middle and sometimes learn the hard way

only suggestion I have to consider..

if it's not an heirloom or otherwise sentimental truck, consider selling and buying another stock one?

with all the money and time wrapped up in this one, maybe cut your losses and move into another truck..

of course I don't know the model, options, or any other details about it.. but that's what I would do if I made a mistake on something I bought..

good luck!
__________________
I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it
Killer Bee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 02:46 PM   #3
Mbeef61
Senior Member
 
Mbeef61's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Portland - OR
Posts: 242
Re: Lowering Regrets

I think you are on the right track if you want a change. Put the stock front springs back on. A little less drop in the rear. And more tire sidewall should all help. See how that goes. You may be getting into the bumpstops where you are at now. Maybe get shorter ones and see what happens.
Mbeef61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 03:27 PM   #4
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: Lowering Regrets

Quote:
Originally Posted by cebra View Post
I recently put a 2.5" drop spindle, 2" springs, lowered shocks on the front along with 40 series tires on 20's. I replaced all wear items (steering and suspension) and got a quite pricey dynamic alignment. I did a 5" springs, shock relocators, new shocks, and adjustable track bar with 50 series tires on 20's in the rear. It looks really good; it is made to be a daily driver though and it rides horribly. I can feel every crack in the road, it clangs, it bangs, (both front and rear), I can't get in and out of driveways, I have maybe an inch max before I am into the bumps front and rear, I am tucking tires all around.
The harshness comes from lower profile tires, (which in my opinon you have to get use to, because you don't have giant sidewall 15" tires anymore)

You mention nothing about making room for suspension travel.
You have limited the room between moving parts, so you have to open up some room so parts don't bottom out. (your words,... "rides horribly)

Up front you remove the rubber bump stops and the stands they mount on.
I leave part of the steering top for the spindle to contact.
The rear you also need to remove the rubber bump stop and add a c-notch if you want even more travel.
I would start with just removing the bump stop and adding a shorter version like Energy Suspension sells.

If you don't have a front sway bar,... you need one.
This will help with body roll.
Take some pics of your current set up (the suspension) not the truck.

My 2wd blazer bottomed out a lot until I added a rear c-notch. It's like driving a different blazer.
Its bagged now, so that's a whole different conversation.
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 03:42 PM   #5
rjs53
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: nevada
Posts: 649
Re: Lowering Regrets

I have the 4/6 drop on mine, very happy with the set up. 20's with 245/45 front and 295/40 on rear,front sway bar and C notch. I think it rides pretty good, not to rough and not alot of roll when hitting a corner. My idea of smooth and yours are different but I'm happy. Good luck
__________________
2003 Dodge 2500
1969 C10
2014 Camaro SS/RS/1LE
rjs53 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 03:44 PM   #6
cebra
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Posts: 782
Re: Lowering Regrets

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mbeef61 View Post
I think you are on the right track if you want a change. Put the stock front springs back on. A little less drop in the rear. And more tire sidewall should all help. See how that goes. You may be getting into the bumpstops where you are at now. Maybe get shorter ones and see what happens.
I believe my options are:
1. 2.5" spindles, stock springs, 3" rear springs, 20's with 50's on front (I think this may look bad to me due to wheel gap/fat front tires)
2. 2.5" spindles, stock springs, 3" rear springs, 16" rallyes (16" rallyes are expensive)
3. 2" springs, stock spindles, 3" rear springs, 15" rallyes (will still be on bumps in front)
4. all stock with 15" rallyes (I would need to rebuy everything, ouch)

Selling my truck over my suspension screw up isn't feasible as I am $25K into this (SWB conversion/LS swap/new everything).
__________________
My Daily Driver Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755668
cebra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 03:51 PM   #7
Mbeef61
Senior Member
 
Mbeef61's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Portland - OR
Posts: 242
Re: Lowering Regrets

Start cheap and work your way up. You can find stock front springs easy and cheap. You can remove bump stops easy. You can find used rear springs pretty cheap and easy. If that doesn’t work start on tires wheels etc.
Mbeef61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 03:59 PM   #8
Killer Bee
Registered User
 
Killer Bee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Barber City, CA
Posts: 4,717
Re: Lowering Regrets

Quote:
Originally Posted by cebra View Post
Selling my truck over my suspension screw up isn't feasible as I am $25K into this (SWB conversion/LS swap/new everything).
ooof! I hear ya.. reading this sight unseen is difficult to tell what's going on..

good luck straightening it all out!
__________________
I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it
Killer Bee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 04:00 PM   #9
cebra
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Posts: 782
Re: Lowering Regrets

Up front you remove the rubber bump stops and the stands they mount on.
I leave part of the steering top for the spindle to contact.

Can you elaborate further on this (the second part)? My clanging in the front is coming from my spring compressing too much and the coils banging against each other...you can hear the sort of recoil/reverberating sound of the coil clanging almost like when I hit a bump the control arms are separating leaving the spring "hanging in mid air" and then slamming back down on it sort of clang. The bang is from the back where I suspect I am smashing the bumps/hitting the frame. I do have a front sway bar. Bigger front tires may be the way to go as well, the 50's look huge on the back so perhaps 45 is a better option although my tires are pretty tucked already in the front. Is it feasible to trim the rear mounts down a bit?

I need to weigh it though whether I want to go further down the lowered path or bite the bullet and sell everything/return to stock. I drive 25K+ miles a year and the feasibility of DDing this truck is not good as I feel I need to really baby it.
__________________
My Daily Driver Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755668
cebra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 04:08 PM   #10
Mbeef61
Senior Member
 
Mbeef61's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Portland - OR
Posts: 242
Re: Lowering Regrets

Pics would help a lot
Mbeef61 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 04:38 PM   #11
TruDom
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 75
Re: Lowering Regrets

like everyone else is saying... pull the bump stops out before doing anything else. It cost nothing and gives you another 1.5" travel.

i have a 4/6 drop and find it great to drive. (although my daily is an accord so im used to tighter suspension/handling)
TruDom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 04:39 PM   #12
cebra
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Posts: 782
Re: Lowering Regrets

Not really close ups of the suspension compressed or anything but what I am working with.
Attached Images
    
__________________
My Daily Driver Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755668
cebra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 04:47 PM   #13
cornerstone
Registered User
 
cornerstone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Azle,Texas
Posts: 2,249
Re: Lowering Regrets

Quote:
Originally Posted by TruDom View Post
like everyone else is saying... pull the bump stops out before doing anything else. It cost nothing and gives you another 1.5" travel
This is a good 1st step. It should eliminate some of the noises your hearing and bottom out less.

Another option is a 17” rim and tire combo, you will have lots of tire options (bigger sidwalls), plus, the cost would be offset when you sell the 20’s. American racing makes a 17 inch rally wheel that looks great.
__________________
Brian


1972 C10, "Loyd", LWB to SWB, 5.3, L83/6L80e, 4:11 Tru Trac, Air Ride, VA, DD, 20" Coys, 4 wheel disc, A quick LS swap turned into a 6 year frame off resto-mod.

Last edited by cornerstone; 06-18-2019 at 05:22 PM. Reason: More info.
cornerstone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 06:16 PM   #14
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: Lowering Regrets

Quote:
Originally Posted by cebra View Post
Up front you remove the rubber bump stops and the stands they mount on.
I leave part of the steering top for the spindle to contact.

Can you elaborate further on this (the second part?
If your coil spring is banging the coils together they are too soft.
Here’s a picture of the lower a-arms I modify.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 06:17 PM   #15
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: Lowering Regrets

Also what brand of lowering components did you use.
Your truck doesn’t look that low,...
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 06:37 PM   #16
Overdriven
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Long Island NY
Posts: 598
Re: Lowering Regrets

never mind

Last edited by Overdriven; 06-18-2019 at 07:06 PM.
Overdriven is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-18-2019, 08:03 PM   #17
67_C-30
I have a radical idea!
 
67_C-30's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sweet Home Alabama!
Posts: 6,513
Re: Lowering Regrets

I hated my first lowered truck until I removed the bump stops as well.
__________________
'67 C-30 Dually Pickup 6.2 Turbo Diesel, NP435
‘72 C-10 SWB , 350 4bbl, TH350
'69 C-10 SWB , 250 L6, 3 OTT
'69 GMC C3500, dump truck, 351 V6, NP435
'84 M1009 CUCV Military Blazer

67 C-30 Turbodiesel build thread
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=254096

My trucks
http://s226.photobucket.com/albums/d...ediafilter=all

Member of the 1-Ton Club!
67_C-30 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 04:37 AM   #18
Ganty101
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Yorkshire UK
Posts: 75
Re: Lowering Regrets

If you’re already that far in why not add air ride???
Ganty101 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 05:07 AM   #19
Andy4639
Old member
 
Andy4639's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S.
Posts: 19,936
Thumbs up Re: Lowering Regrets

Buy you some helper bags like mine by air lift. Installed on all 4 corners and you will love the way it rides. I'm so pleased with how it drives I have never installed my air bags I have. I bought a complete system and never have installed it.

I have the fronts at 20lbs. I installed shrader valve in the front spoiler to pump them up when I need to add air.
I have the back hooked to a compresser and can fill them from the cab if need be. I run 20 lbs in them when nothing in the bed. My truck never bottoms out and I have no c notch in the rear.
Best part is you don't have to take anything loose they will go in with the truck jacked up between the coils.
I'm telling you you will never look back after doing it.
Attached Images
   
__________________
1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver
Seeing the USA in a 71


Upstate SC GM Truck Club
2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour


http://upstategmtrucks.com/



Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun!
It sucks not being able to hear!

LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB!
After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

Last edited by Andy4639; 06-19-2019 at 05:14 AM.
Andy4639 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 09:35 AM   #20
cebra
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Posts: 782
Re: Lowering Regrets

I removed the front bumps, I had maybe a finger gap with the bumps. It is clanging a lot more now...reverberating like hitting a gong. The rear is sitting on the bumps so I couldn't get those out yet but it is bottoming out in the rear so I know my options there (raise it or c-notch it).

I will mess with it but in general this thread was my opinion that I regret going SWB/lowered/big wheels which cost me $5.4K. I personally thought the truck looked better LWB at stock height on Rallyes and was significantly more driveable.

If I put stock spindles back on the front so I can run 15" Rallyes (I like the Rallye wheels much better than my 20's) and keep the lowered springs, I wonder if it will still clang constantly or if the taller sidewall will help absorb cracks/bumps better? I can't run 15" Rallyes on my lowered spindles (they drag really bad) and I think SWB at stock height look tall/short.
__________________
My Daily Driver Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755668
cebra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 09:41 AM   #21
cebra
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Posts: 782
Re: Lowering Regrets

Quote:
Originally Posted by lolife99 View Post
Also what brand of lowering components did you use.
Your truck doesn’t look that low,...
Front:
CPP 2" Springs
McCaughy 2.5" Spindles
Belltech shocks (these fit like crap btw they are too fat so they have to be spaced out significantly from the frame)

Rear:
CPP 5" springs
CPP adjustable trac bar
CPP shock relocators
KYP Gas a just shocks
__________________
My Daily Driver Build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=755668
cebra is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 09:45 AM   #22
MySons68C20
Senior Member
 
MySons68C20's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Wenatchee, Wa
Posts: 892
Re: Lowering Regrets

[QUOTE=lolife99;8544648]Also what brand of lowering components did you use.
Your truck doesn’t look that low,...[/QUOT

My ECE (Early Classic) stock front springs w/2.5" drop spindles and their 4" drop springs in the back = no rubbing/banging and rides great.
I am running original replacement stops front and back too.
MySons68C20 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 09:53 AM   #23
TruDom
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 75
Re: Lowering Regrets

Quote:
Originally Posted by cebra View Post
I removed the front bumps, I had maybe a finger gap with the bumps. It is clanging a lot more now...reverberating like hitting a gong. The rear is sitting on the bumps so I couldn't get those out yet but it is bottoming out in the rear so I know my options there (raise it or c-notch it).

I will mess with it but in general this thread was my opinion that I regret going SWB/lowered/big wheels which cost me $5.4K. I personally thought the truck looked better LWB at stock height on Rallyes and was significantly more driveable.

If I put stock spindles back on the front so I can run 15" Rallyes (I like the Rallye wheels much better than my 20's) and keep the lowered springs, I wonder if it will still clang constantly or if the taller sidewall will help absorb cracks/bumps better? I can't run 15" Rallyes on my lowered spindles (they drag really bad) and I think SWB at stock height look tall/short.
something just doesnt sound right. sitting on bumps in rear?

i have same setup 4/6 drop (from ECE) with 20" wheels and have never bottomed out even hauling stuff in the bed. no c-notch. have scraped the long tube headers on the ground because they hang lower than everything.

good luck friend. id recommend replacing the springs with taller ones from ECE maybe 1/3 or 2/4 drops instead. at only 114/pair i'd think they would perform better opposed to putting stock springs back in that have a lot of wear on them. but it's your money/truck. sucks to feel burned with what you have done.
TruDom is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 10:02 AM   #24
lolife99
67-72 parts collector,…
 
lolife99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,675
Re: Lowering Regrets

Can the OP of this thread post some suspension pics?
It sounds like you are hitting the bumpstop metal stand now.
That's why I say remove them.
Also CPP springs have been known to sag way too soon.
Removing your drop spindles will not solve this issue.

Also,... why can't you put your rally wheels on now?
__________________
Keith

Convert to disc brakes.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823
lolife99 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-19-2019, 10:36 AM   #25
Dwyert4
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Davenport
Posts: 79
Re: Lowering Regrets

I have 2 1/2" spindles and 1" drop springs and drop shocks on front and 4" springs and drop shocks on the rear with 22" transits.( lower profile tire now) and it's a good ride with space between bump stops. I agree that a c notch would definitely help for the rear. But to keep the sidewall I think for that drop without a lot of work, smaller wheels or bags. Nice truck by the way.
Dwyert4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:20 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com