How to decide what drop I need - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

C10_Nation · 09-28-2015, 04:05 PM

How did you figure out what drop you wanted? Did you get wheels first then drop or drop then wheels? Want to do just a coil drop.

brad_man_72 · 09-28-2015, 06:47 PM

You have to decide what stance you prefer and go from there. Lowest coil only is about 4-6 any more than that requires cutting the bumpstop and frame. Here's mine lowered 4-6 spring only. Adjustable panhard bar 76 front suspension and flipped rear lower shock mounts.
Welcome to the board. The search function is awesome when researching questions that have been asked many times.

C10_Nation · 09-28-2015, 07:00 PM

I want to have the fender well just over the tire or just above it.. I was thinking a 3 5 drop but your 4 6 looks killer. Just couldn't figure out if I needed wheels first or if I could go that low with stocks. Did you just use a tape measure to figure out approx where it would sit?

**lolife99** · 09-28-2015, 07:38 PM

Drop first always.

C10_Nation · 09-28-2015, 08:42 PM

Thanks man

**CC69Rat** · 09-28-2015, 08:47 PM

Im not sure what year or what type of truck you have but.. there are a lot of things to consider when you lower it.

With a 3/5 drop for example you're doing an "all spring drop" right now remember your truck has about 40yr old springs in it. They have likely sagged a little over the years so that 3" spring drop you're trying to achieve is going to only be about a 2" net drop.

Also a 3" drop spring can (didn't say always) but can make it a bit more of a challenge to get back into alignment specs.

In the consideration stage I usually suggest to think about using dropped spindles. It costs a little more up front but the spindle drop will yield 100% of your advertised drop. 2" spindle = full 2" drop. Also the dropped spindles will generally keep your steering geometry and alignment specs in check. You can also keep your stock springs or combine a 2" spring and 2" spindle for that full drop you're looking for. (3.5 net or so) 2.5" spindle and 2" spring is pretty common. If your truck is already disc up front (??) This is much much easier.

For the back, anything over a 3 or 4" drop I would suggest shock relocation and an adjustable track bar. The truck will ride better because the shocks are not at such a horizontal angle. The relocation will help get them more vertical.

The 4.5/6 drop kit from Early Classics is highly recommended. Just my thoughts

C10_Nation · 09-28-2015, 09:12 PM

Running a 71 lwb. Stock height, disc/drum combo. Thanks for the info.

09-28-2015, 04:05 PM	#1
C10_Nation Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Ontario, Ca Posts: 21	How to decide what drop I need How did you figure out what drop you wanted? Did you get wheels first then drop or drop then wheels? Want to do just a coil drop.

09-28-2015, 06:47 PM	#2
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: How to decide what drop I need You have to decide what stance you prefer and go from there. Lowest coil only is about 4-6 any more than that requires cutting the bumpstop and frame. Here's mine lowered 4-6 spring only. Adjustable panhard bar 76 front suspension and flipped rear lower shock mounts. Welcome to the board. The search function is awesome when researching questions that have been asked many times. Attached Images __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

09-28-2015, 07:00 PM	#3
C10_Nation Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Ontario, Ca Posts: 21	Re: How to decide what drop I need I want to have the fender well just over the tire or just above it.. I was thinking a 3 5 drop but your 4 6 looks killer. Just couldn't figure out if I needed wheels first or if I could go that low with stocks. Did you just use a tape measure to figure out approx where it would sit?

09-28-2015, 07:38 PM	#4
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,684	Re: How to decide what drop I need Drop first always. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

09-28-2015, 08:42 PM	#5
C10_Nation Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Ontario, Ca Posts: 21	Re: How to decide what drop I need Thanks man

09-28-2015, 08:47 PM	#6
CC69Rat Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga TN Posts: 6,205	Re: How to decide what drop I need Im not sure what year or what type of truck you have but.. there are a lot of things to consider when you lower it. With a 3/5 drop for example you're doing an "all spring drop" right now remember your truck has about 40yr old springs in it. They have likely sagged a little over the years so that 3" spring drop you're trying to achieve is going to only be about a 2" net drop. Also a 3" drop spring can (didn't say always) but can make it a bit more of a challenge to get back into alignment specs. In the consideration stage I usually suggest to think about using dropped spindles. It costs a little more up front but the spindle drop will yield 100% of your advertised drop. 2" spindle = full 2" drop. Also the dropped spindles will generally keep your steering geometry and alignment specs in check. You can also keep your stock springs or combine a 2" spring and 2" spindle for that full drop you're looking for. (3.5 net or so) 2.5" spindle and 2" spring is pretty common. If your truck is already disc up front (??) This is much much easier. For the back, anything over a 3 or 4" drop I would suggest shock relocation and an adjustable track bar. The truck will ride better because the shocks are not at such a horizontal angle. The relocation will help get them more vertical. The 4.5/6 drop kit from Early Classics is highly recommended. Just my thoughts __________________ Chad 1967 C10 SWB - Project Savannah - 6.0/4L80 Currently underway 1968 C10 SWB - TOTY 2018, 50th Anniversary Tribute Project * Sold * Pride and Joy 1986 Silverado Short Fleet - Scarlet Sold 1985 Silverado Short Fleet Sold 2022 Jeep Gladiator Mojave 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted, Built 1992 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4x4 - Lifted 2013 Honda Accord EX-L v6 Coupe 6spd (wife's ride)

09-28-2015, 09:12 PM	#7
C10_Nation Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Ontario, Ca Posts: 21	Re: How to decide what drop I need Running a 71 lwb. Stock height, disc/drum combo. Thanks for the info.



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