'81 C30 Regular cab DRW Drop

[RottenSquare]

Was not able to already find the answer here.... so forgive me if its me answered 1000 times. . .

But I am in the middle of bringing a C30 Regular Cab dually back to life. With the body off, I would like to lower it a couple inches.
Was looking at the Belltech 728 kit (3/4 drop, with the nitrodrop2 shocks) But Belltech says it will not fit a Regular cab, the claim it is only for a Crew Cab dually. Does that sound right? Is there a difference in suspension between the Crew Cabs and Regular cabs?
I have not been able to find a specific kit that states it will work for a regular cab?

What is everyone doing to lower their trucks?
Like I mentioned not looking for anything crazy, maybe 3 or 4 in the rear and 2 or 3 in the front.
Currently rebuilding the rear leaf's, so I can remove a couple of the additional leaf's, but what would be a good option for the front end?

Just remove couple leafs and cut a coil out of the front?

This is just a weekend cruiser, no extensive road trips to worry about tire wear, or discomfort

 

[RottenSquare]

To add further, I may have a set of springs from a 67 C10, wondering if anyone has tried throwing those in before. According to rockauto they are just a touch smaller then the stock c30 springs.

 

[Bennyt]

I don't know what would be different on single cab vs. crew cab other than possibly a driveshaft issue.

I have a crew cab and plan to do a mild lowering on it.
My plans as of now and they have changed a few times is to do a drop spindle up front.
For the rear, I plan to have new leafs made at the local spring shop for a softer ride when empty and either an airbag or timbren set-up for hauling/towing.
Also, sulastic shackles.

I've also considered doing a flip kit and then having springs made to raise it back up level and soften the ride.

 

[OldBlueDually]

@RottenSquare I'd highly recommend switch suspension. If you are serious about lowering your truck a couple inches, call these guys up first and let them know what you would like to do, they will tell you exactly what to buy for a kit--Or tell you exactly what you need to get from them to do it right.

Product Result

switchsuspension.com

I used them for my 6/8 drop on my dually 1-ton (originally a single rear tire, dually kit added back in the 80's) so imagine my confusion on this one! I talked to them, they said "oh, we got you covered on that, here is the kit you want" and I was done! I called them back up to verify my front brake setup and they told me exactly which one I had (no idea there were different front brakes)..

Good guys to work with, and I am extremely happy with how mine turned out.

Here below is the link to my thread, you can check out what I had to do for the 6/8 drop.

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/76-gmc-crew-long-box-dually-gotta-get-it-on-the-road-again.29806/

 

[RottenSquare]

@RottenSquare I'd highly recommend switch suspension. If you are serious about lowering your truck a couple inches, call these guys up first and let them know what you would like to do, they will tell you exactly what to buy for a kit--Or tell you exactly what you need to get from them to do it right.

Product Result

switchsuspension.com

Thanks! I am looking into the following now through Switch. . .
The western Chassis Shackle/Hanger 4" kit and the Western Chassis 3" coil for the front.
I plan on also adding the ND2 shocks all around.

Wondering if anyone has any opinion or feedback on doing that sort of a drop?
Will a Shim kit be needed for correcting pinion angle?
Anything else to look out for or expect?

 

[Bennyt]

Thanks! I am looking into the following now through Switch. . .
The western Chassis Shackle/Hanger 4" kit and the Western Chassis 3" coil for the front.
I plan on also adding the ND2 shocks all around.

Wondering if anyone has any opinion or feedback on doing that sort of a drop?
Will a Shim kit be needed for correcting pinion angle?
Anything else to look out for or expect?

As for your suspension plans, I'd do a spindle up front to maintain ride/ geometry as best as possible. You can always trim a coil or install a drop coil if you want more later.

I've seen people address the pinion angle various ways; nothing, shims, 1 piece shafts, drop carrier bearings, etc.

If for some reason you change your mind and decide to go low, as far as I know, only Empire Fabrication notch maintains the frame strength as original on the C20/30. However it costs 4x as much, weighs 3x as much, and takes a lot longer to install.

 

[OldBlueDually]

I found it on their site, here is the 3/4 drop you want: https://switchsuspension.com/chevrolet-c-20-c-30-1973-1991-deluxe-3-4-drop-kit/

Personally, I'd do the above, and get the shocks you want to get.

 

[RottenSquare]

Awesome thanks for the input everyone !