Lowering a 69???

[chips29]

Hey Guys,

I have a 69 short bed and its currently sitting stock ride height..


Any Advise on what to do when lowering? eg springs, how low to go both front and back, are shocks needed to be replaced?

not looking at air ride suspension..

thanks guys

chips

[Oxmarqt]

I don't have any solid advice as mine came lowered already. I do know you will need shorter shocks and definately get the relocation kit for the rears. It will correct the angle and bring it closer to the stock position. I put on the kit from earlyclassic.com.

I would also strongly recommend adding the front upper shock support brackets. http://www.classicperform.com/Store/...k/6372FSRB.htm

Of course the best option for the front based on reading is to do the drop spindles but that can be costly.

_______________

Can you do me a favor though and measure from the center of your wheel to the bottom of the fender front and rear? I am trying to determine how much drop mine has and I can't find any info on what was stock.

[ksshane]

You probably want to start by deciding how low you want to go.

Here is a great thread on static drops (no airbags) that has lots of photos people have taken after they have lowered their trucks and most of them post what drop they went with.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=471442


Once you have decided on that. I would just read the suspension section. Its got ton of information and if you still need help (dont we all) there are always plenty of people here happy to answer any questions you might have

And Welcome to the forum..... BTW.... We are huge fans of photos of our trucks. When you get a chance you should post some of yours

[brian1971]

I lowered mine 71 shortbed 3"front/5" back.Used coils in front and back and kept stock shocks UP front and drop shocks in back.You will need to cut down front bumper stops.
I need to go a little lower in back with blocks but this is a pics of Truck before I tore it apart for restoration.Good luck

[72heritage]

First,i would convert it to disk brake.That give you the drop spindle option.So 2.5" drop spindle plus 2" drop coils in front and 6" drop spring in back with KYB shock.If not,4" or 5" drop spring in front but ouch....Your truck will handle like s**t and bye bye front tire.Check www.earlyclassic.com ,all you need is there.Also like ksshane said,check others member ride and pick the drop will suit the best for your need.But i think 4.5"-6" is the perfect balance between nice look and ride quality.

[chips29]

You Guys Are legends.... Love the quick response...

Oxmarqt when i get my truck back next week(fingers crossed) ill measure up the front and rear for you...

i spend most of my time looking at the static drop page to get a good idea of ride height in front and rear..

From what ive seen i like 5 at the front and 7 in the rear. what im going for is a stiff, good handling ride...is that achievable at that ride height?.

i am considering converting the rear to disc... can i change the 6 lug to a 5 lug by just converting the breaks?

[chips29]

Ps pics will be up asap...

Also i think ill be the only Guy in Bondi Beach cruising around in a c10 so ill be sure to put some beach shots up as soon as ive slammed it :-)

[72heritage]

nice, can't wait to see this

[chips29]

Hey guys,

Here is my truck. Forgot i had these in my email before i bought it..

[brian1971]

Nice Truck it looks like it's already been lowered a little.

[chips29]

Yeah i think it has....once ive got it back ill know to what extent and what they did and what i need to do to stiffen it up or lower it further.

[GearsFC3S]

Nice combination. Looks like a 67-68 grill with a 71-72 bumper, right?

[chips29]

Originally Posted by GearsFC3S

Nice combination. Looks like a 67-68 grill with a 71-72 bumper, right?

Yeah its a 68 grill but im not sure about the bumper though....

[GearsFC3S]

Definitely a later second gen bumper. In '67-'68 grills(like yours) the front turns were locked just below the cross piece. '69-'70(I believe), the turns were part of the cross piece, and then in '71-72 They changed the grill again and relocated the turns to the bumper.

[OARNGESI]

Nice truck looks like you may already have atleast a 3/5 drop. Does your truck have disks up front or does it still have the factory drums?

[VDOG]

My Longbed with 5 1/2" drop in the front and 5" drop in the rear.

[chips29]

Originally Posted by OARNGESI

Nice truck looks like you may already have atleast a 3/5 drop. Does your truck have disks up front or does it still have the factory drums?

Ill Know this week what the hardware it has in the suspension.. heres hoping it has been done properly so i just need to get lower springs.. not holding my breath though...

It has disk in the front on a 5lug and drums on the back on 6lug..

Looking at spraying the roof white too..

[davtay68]

Great info. I have to fix my drop.