Lowering questions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DTerry · 10-06-2004, 07:15 PM

Hey, This is a great site and is helping me out a great deal. I'm fourteen years old and just got this truck given to me. Thanks Maryan!!! I've got a limited budget.

I have a few questions about lowering my 1970 gmc 3/4 ton 2wd long bed fleetside. All the suspension is stock. I would like to keep the 3/4 ton but if I can't it's no big deal. I want to lower the rear about 5-6" and the front about 3-4". I was wondering what would be the best way to do this.

I also want to replace the stock 8 lug wheels with 5 lug wheels (front and rear) and discs in the front. What parts will fit or do I have to buy aftermarket axles and spindles. Thanks for the help.

*1972C10* · 10-06-2004, 07:33 PM

Spindles up front and spings out back You can get heavy duty rear lowering springs.

I bought some from AIM I opted for the Non heavy duty cause the only hauling i do is ASS.

You could cut a coil and a half off the front springs to achieve 3 inches of drop Thats how i did mine but i advise against it The best way if funds allow is spindles.

You might have a hard time trying to find 72 3/4 ton lowering spindles though. Its hard enuff to find decently priced half ton spindles for a 72.

You might consider a disc brake upgrade using a 73+ crossmember and all.

SCOTI · 10-06-2004, 08:25 PM

Welcome to the board.

To lower your new truck & change the bolt pattern @ once you can swap to a 1/2 ton or later model (71-87) front suspension set-up. Alot of people just swap the entire crossmember (parts & all) or it can be done piece by piece. Add some drop spindles & trim 1 coil off the springs for about 5-6" of drop.

For the rear bolt pattern & lowering, swap a 1/2 ton 5 lug rear end that has the same suspension style you currently have (leaf or coil?). Some drop springs & blocks for the coil set-up or a flip kit for a leaf set-up.

Take your time, read as many technical manuals as possible, & have fun.

*1972C10* · 10-06-2004, 09:16 PM

How come he cant keep it 8 Lug by using 73+ 3/4 ton crossmember? The reason i suggested the 73 is due to spindles being cheaper for that model . Only have to drill one hole to put the 73 up front end in a truck.

DTerry · 10-06-2004, 09:42 PM

Thanks a lot guys. Those where the answers I was looking for. Thanks again.

Tx Firefighter · 10-06-2004, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972C10

How come he cant keep it 8 Lug by using 73+ 3/4 ton crossmember?

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTerry

I also want to replace the stock 8 lug wheels with 5 lug wheels

*1972C10* · 10-06-2004, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DTerry

H. All the suspension is stock. I would like to keep the 3/4 ton

I guess i should have read more attentivley. What happened to the yeah what he said?

SCOTI · 10-07-2004, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972C10

What happened to the yeah what he said?

It wasn't necessary so I deleted it.

*1972C10* · 10-07-2004, 09:54 AM

Yeah i just seen an email talking about a reply had been posted and when i got here i was like

10-06-2004, 07:15 PM	#1
DTerry '70 GMC C-25 LWB Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 273	Lowering questions Hey, This is a great site and is helping me out a great deal. I'm fourteen years old and just got this truck given to me. Thanks Maryan!!! I've got a limited budget. I have a few questions about lowering my 1970 gmc 3/4 ton 2wd long bed fleetside. All the suspension is stock. I would like to keep the 3/4 ton but if I can't it's no big deal. I want to lower the rear about 5-6" and the front about 3-4". I was wondering what would be the best way to do this. I also want to replace the stock 8 lug wheels with 5 lug wheels (front and rear) and discs in the front. What parts will fit or do I have to buy aftermarket axles and spindles. Thanks for the help. Last edited by DTerry; 10-06-2004 at 07:21 PM. Reason: Forgot something

10-06-2004, 08:25 PM	#3
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,924	Welcome to the board. To lower your new truck & change the bolt pattern @ once you can swap to a 1/2 ton or later model (71-87) front suspension set-up. Alot of people just swap the entire crossmember (parts & all) or it can be done piece by piece. Add some drop spindles & trim 1 coil off the springs for about 5-6" of drop. For the rear bolt pattern & lowering, swap a 1/2 ton 5 lug rear end that has the same suspension style you currently have (leaf or coil?). Some drop springs & blocks for the coil set-up or a flip kit for a leaf set-up. Take your time, read as many technical manuals as possible, & have fun. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

10-06-2004, 07:33 PM	#2
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	Spindles up front and spings out back You can get heavy duty rear lowering springs. I bought some from AIM I opted for the Non heavy duty cause the only hauling i do is ASS. You could cut a coil and a half off the front springs to achieve 3 inches of drop Thats how i did mine but i advise against it The best way if funds allow is spindles. You might have a hard time trying to find 72 3/4 ton lowering spindles though. Its hard enuff to find decently priced half ton spindles for a 72. You might consider a disc brake upgrade using a 73+ crossmember and all.

10-06-2004, 09:16 PM	#4
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	How come he cant keep it 8 Lug by using 73+ 3/4 ton crossmember? The reason i suggested the 73 is due to spindles being cheaper for that model . Only have to drill one hole to put the 73 up front end in a truck.

10-06-2004, 09:42 PM	#5
DTerry '70 GMC C-25 LWB Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 273	Thanks a lot guys. Those where the answers I was looking for. Thanks again.

10-07-2004, 09:54 AM	#9
1972C10 Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 2,686	Yeah i just seen an email talking about a reply had been posted and when i got here i was like



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