Drop Height Fiasco

[Devo105]

Hello all! First time poster, long time follower. I have a 1985 C-15 that I decided to lower one step at a time. From factory ride height, I decided to install a set of 2 inch drop spindles to level the truck. This was the first issue. The spindles got close, but didn’t lower the rear a full 2 inches. But it got me within a half inch of the front so I was happy enough. Then I decided to grab a set of 2 inch drop coils and a set of 2 inch drop hangers. Both went in with no issues, but when I removed the jack stands I noticed that the front was about an inch and a half lower than the back. The truck is also about a half inch higher on the passenger side. Below are exact measurements from the ground to the wheel wells:

Front left 28 3/8 Front right 28 7/8
Back left 29 7/8 Back right 30 5/8

I am attaching pics of the hangers and shackles to show correct installation. I did notch the bed support and have plenty of clearance there.

Pictures 1-4 are of the new shackles and hangers.
Picture 5 is of the current stance from the side.

Please help!! She’s too sexy to be this unlevel!!

 

[Traucht]

Hello all! First time poster, long time follower. I have a 1985 C-15 that I decided to lower one step at a time. From factory ride height, I decided to install a set of 2 inch drop spindles to level the truck. This was the first issue. The spindles got close, but didn’t lower the rear a full 2 inches. But it got me within a half inch of the front so I was happy enough. Then I decided to grab a set of 2 inch drop coils and a set of 2 inch drop hangers. Both went in with no issues, but when I removed the jack stands I noticed that the front was about an inch and a half lower than the back. The truck is also about a half inch higher on the passenger side. Below are exact measurements from the ground to the wheel wells:

Front left 28 3/8 Front right 28 7/8
Back left 29 7/8 Back right 30 5/8

I am attaching pics of the hangers and shackles to show correct installation. I did notch the bed support and have plenty of clearance there.

Pictures 1-4 are of the new shackles and hangers.
Picture 5 is of the current stance from the side.

Please help!! She’s too sexy to be this unlevel!!

I like the rake!
That looks like more than 2 inches in the front. Are you sure you have the right springs?
What do you want next? Lower back or raise front?

 

[Devo105]

Thanks man! I ordered 2 inch drop springs from LMC, and they were both 2 inches shorter than the stock coils. My goal is to get as close to level as possible. I’m probably gonna have to bring the front up a bit to avoid doing an axle flip. A bigger concern to me is the difference between the driver and passenger sides.

 

[86c10twotone]

Why not just do the flip kit ?

 

[86c10twotone]

The left and right rear difference issue is most likely your shocks . I had a similar issue replaced the shocks and it settled

 

[yepyep]

god your truck has me drooling ive got a K20 im restoring was thinking about doing red and white, my old c10 was dark blue and silver very nice also but damn nice square body

and sorry not useful at all i know

 

[Devo105]

Why not just do the flip kit ?

i honestly like the look of a 2/4 best! And if I did flip the axle, then I’d have to undo the shackle and hanger drop that I already invested in.

The left and right rear difference issue is most likely your shocks . I had a similar issue replaced the shocks and it settled

I did forget to mention that I replaced all 4 shocks. Good thought though, I appreciate it!

god your truck has me drooling ive got a K20 im restoring was thinking about doing red and white, my old c10 was dark blue and silver very nice also but damn nice square body

and sorry not useful at all i know

Thanks dude, it’s been a fun project! If the interior hadn’t already been red, I would’ve gone with the blue/silver scheme!

 

[TotalyHucked]

I'm a little confused. You bought front spindles first? That wouldn't change the rear at all. So then you got drop hangers for the rear and 2" drop coils for the front?

Each time, you've gone down further in the front than the rear. At this point, your options will be to put the stock front springs back in or do a flip kit in the rear and do away with the drop shackles.

How low are you looking to go? My blue truck is roughly 5-5.5/6" with spindles/springs up front and a flip kit in the rear. My buddy's red and white one is roughly 5/7 with drop lower control arms, flip kit and a block in the back.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Also, my truck sat lower on the driver's side as well (moved the battery to that side when I LS swapped it, fuel tank and me are over there too. I don't have dual tanks). I just trimmed the pass side front coil a little at a time until the truck sat how I wanted. I'm within about 1/4" on each side now, not noticeable

 

[Devo105]

I'm a little confused. You bought front spindles first? That wouldn't change the rear at all. So then you got drop hangers for the rear and 2" drop coils for the front?

I apologize, that was a typo. I started with 2” SHACKES, not spindles.

 

[Devo105]

Also, my truck sat lower on the driver's side as well (moved the battery to that side when I LS swapped it, fuel tank and me are over there too. I don't have dual tanks). I just trimmed the pass side front coil a little at a time until the truck sat how I wanted. I'm within about 1/4" on each side now, not noticeable

Right on, i dont mind doing some coil trimming! How can I even the back out though?!

 

[TotalyHucked]

I apologize, that was a typo. I started with 2” SHACKES, not spindles.

Ahhhh, gotcha now lol

 

[TotalyHucked]

Right on, i dont mind doing some coil trimming! How can I even the back out though?!

Start with the front and that will even out the back as well, it did on mine. If you get the front close and the rear is still out alot, you may have a twist in the frame. If your shackles have multiple holes, you can put one side in a different hole than the other to correct the lean. But start with the front first and see what happens

 

[Devo105]

Start with the front and that will even out the back as well, it did on mine. If you get the front close and the rear is still out alot, you may have a twist in the frame. If your shackles have multiple holes, you can put one side in a different hole than the other to correct the lean. But start with the front first and see what happens

Thanks again man! I report back with the results!

 

[Craig 85]

Before you do any trimming on the coils, be sure they are in the spring pocket correctly. If it is not seated it can cause the height issue.