New coil springs

[novaX522]

I have a 72 c10 long box. Im going to replace the coil springs. I would like to lower the ride height a little bit, but I don’t want to have a harsh ride. I plan to use the truck to pull an open trailer (around 5,000 lbs) occasionally. I am switching from 275/60-15s to 31/10.50-15s, so the tires are 3” taller and will fill up some of the gap between the tires and fender.
My original thought was to use like a 2” lowering block in the rear and 2 1/2” drop spindle in front with stock springs. But, I have 15x8 rally wheels and I think they won’t work with the drop spindle, and I’ve read they don’t recommend 2” drop blocks in rear with 15” tires. The u bolts can bottom out if you get a flat?
So, I’m wondering if there is a slightly lower spring setup that would work and still allow it to tow safely?
Picture is current ride height with 28” tall tires and stock original springs.

[novaX522]

I’m thinking about going conservative on the springs. Anyone see any issues with a 1” drop in front and 3” drop in rear?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by novaX522

I’m thinking about going conservative on the springs. Anyone see any issues with a 1” drop in front and 3” drop in rear?

I have 2 different pair of front drop springs. Let me double check what they are in the morning......

LockDoc

[CC69Rat]

When purchasing dropped springs, they are marketed and sold as 2" drop for example. That 2" is measured against a new stock height spring

Considering our trucks are 50+ yrs old, and just general use (some heavier than others) and time carrying the weight of the truck, what's in the bed, etc.. the stock springs in your truck now have likely sagged 1" or so compared to a new stock height spring.

What I'd do (for what that's worth) is switch your tires to the size you want and get the look you're wanting, then make a decision if you want to lower it. As much as I like a lowered truck honestly I think I'd leave it just like it is if you're going with 31x10.50.

Your 275/60 is 28 in tall, with 6.5in sidewall height.

The 31 will have 8in sidewall which may introduce issues turning or rubbing on the front inner fenders especially if you lower it.

Just my .02

[kwmech]

If I'm planning to tow a 5k trailer with a 5k truck, personally I'm beefing up the suspension and getting a 6 ply tire for at least the rear. Plus I'm going through the braking system to make sure everything is A1

[novaX522]

I had planned to try the taller tires first, but I had to cut the rear springs because I couldn’t get them unbolted. Since I need to replace them, I thought I should try slightly shorter springs.

[novaX522]

Originally Posted by kwmech

If I'm planning to tow a 5k trailer with a 5k truck, personally I'm beefing up the suspension and getting a 6 ply tire for at least the rear. Plus I'm going through the braking system to make sure everything is A1

Gonna get 6 ply tires, new springs, airlift bags for the springs, sway bars, Reese hitch, weight distribution bars, brake controller, and check out the brakes.

[Already Gone]

Here is my truck with the original front spring and a 2 1/2 dropped spingle up front.The back has a 3 inch drop Spring. I initially used a 4 inch drop spring in the rear but it went down too far. On 17 x 8 rims tires are 255/60 17 all the way around which are 29.04 high. I wanted the low lean look for the truck and achieved that to my liking. If you put 31 inch tires and take her down too much I think you'll have rubbing issues. I think u mentioned this and if you don't have one a front sway bar will make your truck feel a lot better towing or not towing.

[Richard]

Maybe think about bags in the back instead of springs. The bags do not have to be setup for a low drop. Individual fill ports will eliminate air transfer from side to side if you want to keep costs down. A small compressor with two solenoids will increase cost but allow adjustments from the cab for ride height and loads.

[novaX522]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

Here is my truck with the original front spring and a 2 1/2 dropped spingle up front.The back has a 3 inch drop Spring. I initially used a 4 inch drop spring in the rear but it went down too far. On 17 x 8 rims tires are 255/60 17 all the way around which are 29.04 high. I wanted the low lean look for the truck and achieved that to my liking. If you put 31 inch tires and take her down too much I think you'll have rubbing issues. I think u mentioned this and if you don't have one a front sway bar will make your truck feel a lot better towing or not towing.

Love the stance on your truck. Since I’m going with 31” tires, I think I will try 1” springs up front and 2” springs in the rear. That leaves the door open for a drop spindle and drop blocks in the future if needed.
I do plan on front and rear sway bars.