Well, its' dropped - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LeesTruk · 12-06-2015, 09:34 AM

Before;

After;

Just a mild drop, 2 1/2" at the front (spindles) and 2" at the rear (hangers). Couldn't use my springs 'cause The spring shop ordered and de-arched the wrong ones ( 52" vs. 56") Anyone in need of some new de-arched 52" 4 leaf springs?

This is as low as I want to go. I just needed the truck to sit a little lower than stock

Lee

gramps77 · 12-06-2015, 01:11 PM

That is a VERY clean ride. Which spindles did you go with? Id like to do the same to my 77. I had read somewhere about possible rubbing when keeping stock 15" wheels though.
Any issues? or advice since you just did this?

LeesTruk · 12-06-2015, 01:40 PM

I used McGaughy's spindles. Got 'em from Summit. I had the luxury of having the nose off of the truck for my LS swap, so was able to get a good perspective of wheel/control arm compatibility. My stock 15" wheels will clear quite well during a full turn in any direction. I also changed the ball joints (upper/lower) and installed a front stabilizer from a C30 truck, at the same time. The spindles are 2 1/2" drop. Changing them is straight forward, just like a ball joint repair. The brake lines will have to be tweaked a little though, for proper fitment of the calipers. Just a minor inconvenience, but no parts change needed

kalbert · 12-06-2015, 01:45 PM

That looks really nice! Pain and simple is a good look, and I like that it still has a little rake to it.

UKNOWME · 12-06-2015, 02:45 PM

More drop please!
No seriously if you like it that's all that matters. Personally I would at very least install the rear drop shackles too.

KQQL IT · 12-06-2015, 03:54 PM

Moving the rear hangers is easy, then you could use the springs.
My 73 had all the holes already. Knock out the rivets, 3/8 bolts to put it back together.

LeesTruk · 12-06-2015, 04:46 PM

hmmmm, that's a thought! Might give me a little more drop, to boot!

KQQL IT · 12-06-2015, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeesTruk

hmmmm, that's a thought! Might give me a little more drop, to boot!

Thought it was worth a mention.

TrailerTrash · 12-06-2015, 05:57 PM

GREAT looking truck!

i really like a mild drop on the right truck with the right rake. and yours is just right

lets see some more pics!

68Timber · 12-06-2015, 07:11 PM

Looks good! What mirrors are those? They look like they stand off the door a little further than the D49 mirrors.

LeesTruk · 12-06-2015, 07:52 PM

Here you go, a few more pics;

The mirrors are repro d49's I picked up at the Carlisle swap meet this past spring

LeesTruk · 12-07-2015, 06:47 AM

Here's a pic of the seat (taken before the engine change- still a 6/stick)

northern 85 · 12-07-2015, 06:53 AM

Nice truck!

S10Fan · 12-07-2015, 07:04 AM

I love stock appearing dropped trucks! Good looking ride!

LeesTruk · 12-07-2015, 07:54 AM

Thanks everyone!

bigblock73 · 12-07-2015, 01:47 PM

Great looking truck, I love it!

Rich84 · 12-07-2015, 02:33 PM

Looks great Lee..Love the plain Jane look.

Keep it off the roads this Winter.

**Gregski** · 12-07-2015, 03:10 PM

front looks good, the back looks like it may need to go down 2 inches to make it level, if thats what works for some, I got there with a combo of shackles and hangers, are you sure you replaced the hangers in the rear and not the shackles, the shackles come off with two bolts in the rear, the hangers you have to grind four rivets to get the stock ones off

**Gregski** · 12-07-2015, 03:12 PM

Please stop calling this truck "Plain" ha ha it is clean, or better yet a Sleeper, ahem check under the hood, do you know how difficult it is to keep a perfect canvas clean like that, to avoid, go fast stripes, or ghost flames, or pin stripes, or leuvers, or fake hood scoops, or bullet stickers, or any type of decals, or fake patinas

This truck looks brilliant just the way it is, KALEAN!

LeesTruk · 12-07-2015, 05:49 PM

Again, thanks for the kudos, especially from the Great Gregski !! I intend to keep it as you see it, just a simple working truck with a little "flavoring" added for my enjoyment, and yeah, I meant to say shackles instead of hangers. But there is serious consideration to move the hangers forward to use the shorter de-arched springs (52" vs 56"). Maybe the butt will come down a little more, but if not, that's ok too

Jake Wade · 12-07-2015, 07:43 PM

Question: Where is the difference concerning 52 vs 56? Front or rear hangers?

LeesTruk · 12-08-2015, 06:51 AM

The difference as at the rear of the spring, from the centering pin, aft. This puts the rear hanger farther back about 4"

boatpuller · 12-08-2015, 01:15 PM

Lower lower.............Looks good nice truck.....I think lower would look better. Thats just me though.

mattcrp1 · 12-08-2015, 02:41 PM

Great looking truck. Love the simplicity of it.

Jake Wade · 12-08-2015, 03:34 PM

Just me but, I would want it lower it the back, just don't look right.

Nice truck though!

12-06-2015, 09:34 AM	#1
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Well, its' dropped Before; After; Just a mild drop, 2 1/2" at the front (spindles) and 2" at the rear (hangers). Couldn't use my springs 'cause The spring shop ordered and de-arched the wrong ones ( 52" vs. 56") Anyone in need of some new de-arched 52" 4 leaf springs? This is as low as I want to go. I just needed the truck to sit a little lower than stock Lee

12-06-2015, 01:11 PM	#2
gramps77 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Plumas Lake, CA Posts: 386	Re: Well, its' dropped That is a VERY clean ride. Which spindles did you go with? Id like to do the same to my 77. I had read somewhere about possible rubbing when keeping stock 15" wheels though. Any issues? or advice since you just did this?

12-06-2015, 01:40 PM	#3
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Re: Well, its' dropped I used McGaughy's spindles. Got 'em from Summit. I had the luxury of having the nose off of the truck for my LS swap, so was able to get a good perspective of wheel/control arm compatibility. My stock 15" wheels will clear quite well during a full turn in any direction. I also changed the ball joints (upper/lower) and installed a front stabilizer from a C30 truck, at the same time. The spindles are 2 1/2" drop. Changing them is straight forward, just like a ball joint repair. The brake lines will have to be tweaked a little though, for proper fitment of the calipers. Just a minor inconvenience, but no parts change needed

12-06-2015, 01:45 PM	#4
kalbert Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 509	Re: Well, its' dropped That looks really nice! Pain and simple is a good look, and I like that it still has a little rake to it.

12-06-2015, 02:45 PM	#5
UKNOWME Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Clovis, NM Posts: 2,705	Re: Well, its' dropped More drop please! No seriously if you like it that's all that matters. Personally I would at very least install the rear drop shackles too. __________________ 2018 Audi S5- wife's ride 1980 Chevy Scottsdale http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=543511 1981 Chevy Silverado- in pieces 1964 Chevy c10 2017 Jeep Wrangler JKU

12-06-2015, 03:54 PM	#6
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,130	Re: Well, its' dropped Moving the rear hangers is easy, then you could use the springs. My 73 had all the holes already. Knock out the rivets, 3/8 bolts to put it back together. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

12-06-2015, 04:46 PM	#7
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Re: Well, its' dropped hmmmm, that's a thought! Might give me a little more drop, to boot!

12-06-2015, 05:57 PM	#9
TrailerTrash Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: PA Posts: 441	Re: Well, its' dropped GREAT looking truck! i really like a mild drop on the right truck with the right rake. and yours is just right lets see some more pics!

12-06-2015, 07:11 PM	#10
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Well, its' dropped Looks good! What mirrors are those? They look like they stand off the door a little further than the D49 mirrors. __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

12-06-2015, 07:52 PM	#11
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Re: Well, its' dropped Here you go, a few more pics; The mirrors are repro d49's I picked up at the Carlisle swap meet this past spring

12-07-2015, 06:47 AM	#12
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Re: Well, its' dropped Here's a pic of the seat (taken before the engine change- still a 6/stick)

12-07-2015, 06:53 AM	#13
northern 85 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfield Maine Posts: 1,759	Re: Well, its' dropped Nice truck!

12-07-2015, 07:04 AM	#14
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,638	Re: Well, its' dropped I love stock appearing dropped trucks! Good looking ride! __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '30 Model A Pickup, suicide front end, 350, 350, traditional style hot rod.

12-07-2015, 07:54 AM	#15
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Re: Well, its' dropped Thanks everyone!

12-07-2015, 01:47 PM	#16
bigblock73 yeller Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Twin Cities Posts: 13,826	Re: Well, its' dropped Great looking truck, I love it! __________________ Jeff 73-87.com 73-87.com Facebook page 73-87 cab corner 6x9 speaker brackets for sale 67-72 cab corner speaker brackets for sale 47-54 cab corner speaker brackets for sale



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12-07-2015, 02:33 PM	#17
Rich84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Woodbury, Ct. Posts: 1,663	Re: Well, its' dropped Looks great Lee..Love the plain Jane look. Keep it off the roads this Winter.

12-07-2015, 03:10 PM	#18
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,803	Re: Well, its' dropped front looks good, the back looks like it may need to go down 2 inches to make it level, if thats what works for some, I got there with a combo of shackles and hangers, are you sure you replaced the hangers in the rear and not the shackles, the shackles come off with two bolts in the rear, the hangers you have to grind four rivets to get the stock ones off

12-07-2015, 03:12 PM	#19
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,803	Re: Well, its' dropped Please stop calling this truck "Plain" ha ha it is clean, or better yet a Sleeper, ahem check under the hood, do you know how difficult it is to keep a perfect canvas clean like that, to avoid, go fast stripes, or ghost flames, or pin stripes, or leuvers, or fake hood scoops, or bullet stickers, or any type of decals, or fake patinas This truck looks brilliant just the way it is, KALEAN!

12-07-2015, 05:49 PM	#20
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Re: Well, its' dropped Again, thanks for the kudos, especially from the Great Gregski !! I intend to keep it as you see it, just a simple working truck with a little "flavoring" added for my enjoyment, and yeah, I meant to say shackles instead of hangers. But there is serious consideration to move the hangers forward to use the shorter de-arched springs (52" vs 56"). Maybe the butt will come down a little more, but if not, that's ok too

12-07-2015, 07:43 PM	#21
Jake Wade Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 711	Re: Well, its' dropped Question: Where is the difference concerning 52 vs 56? Front or rear hangers?

12-08-2015, 06:51 AM	#22
LeesTruk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Manchester, CT Posts: 429	Re: Well, its' dropped The difference as at the rear of the spring, from the centering pin, aft. This puts the rear hanger farther back about 4"

12-08-2015, 01:15 PM	#23
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Well, its' dropped Lower lower.............Looks good nice truck.....I think lower would look better. Thats just me though. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

12-08-2015, 02:41 PM	#24
mattcrp1 Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mountain House, CA Posts: 555	Re: Well, its' dropped Great looking truck. Love the simplicity of it. __________________ My Chevy habit is paid for by Ford diesels... Here is my SLOW LS install: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...55#post6456355 Caliper Rebuild: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=613748 Upper Control Arm Bushings: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=616974 IG mattcrp1

12-08-2015, 03:34 PM	#25
Jake Wade Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 711	Re: Well, its' dropped Just me but, I would want it lower it the back, just don't look right. Nice truck though!

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