Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TotalChevy1 · 01-10-2008, 12:39 PM

I've recently dropped my c20 and made it level, but have decided I want the rake back but not at the expense of raising the rear. I currently have 2" drop coils in the front. I was wondering what problems I may have going with 3" drop coils. I'm also going to change the front tires from 275/60/17 to 255/60/17 which will give me almost a 1/2" I hoping this combo will give me an addtional 1 - 1.5 in drop in the front. I've been reading alot but I can't seem to get off the fence. I'm not looking to slam the truck, just make it look low with a slight rake. Thanks

crazy longhorn · 01-10-2008, 12:59 PM

Still have the stock front springs? If so, pull them out & chop 1 full ring off the BOTTOM , & see how you like the stance. Most guys will tell you that 1 ring off the bottom will get you 2 -2 1/4" on the drop.....but the old springs have probably already sagged 3/4" over the yrs(should be about a 3" drop). 2" is best on a spring, but figure 3" to be the MAX , & still keep the front geometry in check. best of luck,crazyL

see ten · 01-10-2008, 01:06 PM

Most people I know with 3" drop coils in the front have said that they'll fall over when you jack the truck up. I guess that's not a real issue as long as you're aware of it but 3" with a spring is a good bit.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 01-10-2008, 01:15 PM

We had 3's in my sons 71, rode like crap, got rid of them and went with 2 1/2 spindels and a 1 " spring Loved it

royo · 01-10-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by see ten

Most people I know with 3" drop coils in the front have said that they'll fall over when you jack the truck up. I guess that's not a real issue as long as you're aware of it but 3" with a spring is a good bit.

X2 been there done that

TotalChevy1 · 01-10-2008, 04:07 PM

These type of comments give me concern but I can find just as many that say it can work and it works fine. One question I do have is why would the ride quality not be good, is it because you are bottoming out or ?

Thanks

AuggieStyle · 01-10-2008, 04:28 PM

i just bought a set of drop spindles cause the cut springs was not a good route. i am going with 2 1/2in drop spindle and 1in drop springs.
the travel of the suspension stays the same with the spindles and with the cut springs it changes it dramatically.
there is a big price difference in the two ways but it sure is worth it.

7T2 · 01-10-2008, 04:31 PM

Pros: Cheap

Cons: Worse ride quality (smaller spring = less travel), will affect your camber angle, possibly to the point where it can't be adjusted back out.

TotalChevy1 · 01-10-2008, 05:08 PM

This may be a stupid question, but I'm going to ask it. When I replaced the springs, I did it by dropping the lower control arm. When I installed the balljoint back on I tighted it back to the place it was before.... on the balljoint shaft...should I have tighten it more or ?. I've had a mental block on how the coil drops the front end when the ball joints and spinal are still the same distance apart.

Thanks

corn · 01-10-2008, 06:03 PM

I have 3" drop springs in mine & dont have any problems when jacking it up. I did have one problem when I first got it out on the road. When I hit a bump it had a pretty hard feeling ride until I realised my bump stops were touching just sitting there. Hack saw took care of that problem real quick. The only thing I can think of thats not ok by me is its still not low enough.

PanelDeland · 01-10-2008, 07:27 PM

Total Chevy, the springs sit between the frame and the lower control arm.If you shorten the spring it lowers the frame in relation to the ball joint/spindle.It does not affect the legnth of the spindle.The upper control arm is basically a hinge that can be at any height but is supported by the spindle which is supported by the lower control arm.Hope that clears it up for you.

TotalChevy1 · 01-11-2008, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

Total Chevy, the springs sit between the frame and the lower control arm.If you shorten the spring it lowers the frame in relation to the ball joint/spindle.It does not affect the legnth of the spindle.The upper control arm is basically a hinge that can be at any height but is supported by the spindle which is supported by the lower control arm.Hope that clears it up for you.

Thanks, that makes sense. I took another look and that make sense. Thanks for the help.

crazy longhorn · 01-11-2008, 10:25 AM

Here is a little tech info on coils.... http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqCutti...lculations.htm I do agree that dropped spindles would be the best choice, but do a little read, & decide for your own application what works. Best of luck,crazyL

Mondo · 01-11-2008, 01:54 PM

I just went from drop spindle and 2in coils to 3 inch coils. I'll have to take a picture but it puts the fender just above my 255/60/15 tires. I put a rubber spacer on the driver side so it sits even (JC Witney or Summit has them).

The ride isn't much different but they couldn't get the camber back to recommended specs. Its not drastic but I'll probably get some Upper A arms that give 2 degree more camber and things should be just dandy (expensive but right).

It's getting up there in cost with bags but I'm old school I guess. Though I will put bags on the back so I can put heavy things in the rear.

The only thing I don't like about our trucks is the turning radius and the scrubbing of the outside tire in full lock. Is that what they call "bump steer"?

**Boog** · 01-11-2008, 04:10 PM

No. Bump steer is a totally different thing. It's when one tire rolls over a bump or down into a dip it pulls the other wheel the same way.

01-10-2008, 12:39 PM	#1
TotalChevy1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 175	Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front I've recently dropped my c20 and made it level, but have decided I want the rake back but not at the expense of raising the rear. I currently have 2" drop coils in the front. I was wondering what problems I may have going with 3" drop coils. I'm also going to change the front tires from 275/60/17 to 255/60/17 which will give me almost a 1/2" I hoping this combo will give me an addtional 1 - 1.5 in drop in the front. I've been reading alot but I can't seem to get off the fence. I'm not looking to slam the truck, just make it look low with a slight rake. Thanks __________________ 1972 c-20, 350/350, dana 60 w/456 gears(no Posi) Last edited by TotalChevy1; 01-10-2008 at 12:40 PM.

01-10-2008, 12:59 PM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front Still have the stock front springs? If so, pull them out & chop 1 full ring off the BOTTOM , & see how you like the stance. Most guys will tell you that 1 ring off the bottom will get you 2 -2 1/4" on the drop.....but the old springs have probably already sagged 3/4" over the yrs(should be about a 3" drop). 2" is best on a spring, but figure 3" to be the MAX , & still keep the front geometry in check. best of luck,crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-10-2008, 01:06 PM	#3
see ten WTB this ad Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lafayette Georgia Posts: 5,073	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front Most people I know with 3" drop coils in the front have said that they'll fall over when you jack the truck up. I guess that's not a real issue as long as you're aware of it but 3" with a spring is a good bit.

01-10-2008, 01:15 PM	#4
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,054	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front We had 3's in my sons 71, rode like crap, got rid of them and went with 2 1/2 spindels and a 1 " spring Loved it __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

01-10-2008, 04:07 PM	#6
TotalChevy1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 175	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front These type of comments give me concern but I can find just as many that say it can work and it works fine. One question I do have is why would the ride quality not be good, is it because you are bottoming out or ? Thanks __________________ 1972 c-20, 350/350, dana 60 w/456 gears(no Posi)

01-10-2008, 04:28 PM	#7
AuggieStyle Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Dallas,TX. Posts: 499	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front i just bought a set of drop spindles cause the cut springs was not a good route. i am going with 2 1/2in drop spindle and 1in drop springs. the travel of the suspension stays the same with the spindles and with the cut springs it changes it dramatically. there is a big price difference in the two ways but it sure is worth it.

01-10-2008, 04:31 PM	#8
7T2 Active Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Marysville, OH Posts: 667	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front Pros: Cheap Cons: Worse ride quality (smaller spring = less travel), will affect your camber angle, possibly to the point where it can't be adjusted back out. __________________ 1957 GMC Ambulance 1962 Belair Wagon 1963 C80 Truck Cab FOR SALE 1969 Chevy C10 Short Bed 1972 Chevy C10 Long Bed SOLD 1996 C3500 Dually SOLD

01-10-2008, 05:08 PM	#9
TotalChevy1 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Phoenix, Arizona Posts: 175	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front This may be a stupid question, but I'm going to ask it. When I replaced the springs, I did it by dropping the lower control arm. When I installed the balljoint back on I tighted it back to the place it was before.... on the balljoint shaft...should I have tighten it more or ?. I've had a mental block on how the coil drops the front end when the ball joints and spinal are still the same distance apart. Thanks __________________ 1972 c-20, 350/350, dana 60 w/456 gears(no Posi)

01-10-2008, 06:03 PM	#10
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front I have 3" drop springs in mine & dont have any problems when jacking it up. I did have one problem when I first got it out on the road. When I hit a bump it had a pretty hard feeling ride until I realised my bump stops were touching just sitting there. Hack saw took care of that problem real quick. The only thing I can think of thats not ok by me is its still not low enough.

01-10-2008, 07:27 PM	#11
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front Total Chevy, the springs sit between the frame and the lower control arm.If you shorten the spring it lowers the frame in relation to the ball joint/spindle.It does not affect the legnth of the spindle.The upper control arm is basically a hinge that can be at any height but is supported by the spindle which is supported by the lower control arm.Hope that clears it up for you. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 01-10-2008 at 07:28 PM.

01-11-2008, 10:25 AM	#13
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front Here is a little tech info on coils.... http://www.eatonsprings.com/atqCutti...lculations.htm I do agree that dropped spindles would be the best choice, but do a little read, & decide for your own application what works. Best of luck,crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

01-11-2008, 01:54 PM	#14
Mondo Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bakersfield, Ca Posts: 538	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front I just went from drop spindle and 2in coils to 3 inch coils. I'll have to take a picture but it puts the fender just above my 255/60/15 tires. I put a rubber spacer on the driver side so it sits even (JC Witney or Summit has them). The ride isn't much different but they couldn't get the camber back to recommended specs. Its not drastic but I'll probably get some Upper A arms that give 2 degree more camber and things should be just dandy (expensive but right). It's getting up there in cost with bags but I'm old school I guess. Though I will put bags on the back so I can put heavy things in the rear. The only thing I don't like about our trucks is the turning radius and the scrubbing of the outside tire in full lock. Is that what they call "bump steer"? Last edited by Mondo; 01-11-2008 at 01:59 PM.

01-11-2008, 04:10 PM	#15
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,974	Re: Pro's and Con's of 3" drop coils - front No. Bump steer is a totally different thing. It's when one tire rolls over a bump or down into a dip it pulls the other wheel the same way. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross



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