Got It Back

[DoubleDingo]

Welcome. Glad you got it back! Don't toss the camper/shell/topper/etc. Someone will want it, and it looks to be in good shape. I have one similar to it, and glad I have it. Comes in handy.

 

[Clarkie]

Good point. It had a different cap when I first bought it 30 years ago. I used it to keep my stuff out of the weather for those trips back and forth to university. Handy, for sure.

 

[WFO]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

 

[Clarkie]

Thanks for the welcome. The front springs are stock height. It I was to cut them (with a death wheel, to avoid heat buildup) to achieve a 2-inch drop, how many coils should I cut? Or would you recommend getting drop springs? I kinda like the height at the rear of the truck, so I just want to level it out.

 

[Turbo4whl]

Cutting coils: As you cut coils from a spring, you actually increase it's spring rate (becomes stiffer). If you choose to cut, only cut 1 to 1 and a half coils. You will need to space out the upper A arms to re-align the front end. The studs the upper A arms bolt to, may be too short to add the spacers needed for proper alignment, so they may need to be replaced with longer bolts.

Better, is new upper A arms and lowering coils. Best is new upper and lower A arms and the lowering springs. The complete system.

One disadvantage using dropped spindles, you can not install standard wide wheels.

 

[AceHanlon]

Nice to hear stories like this. Welcome.

 

[bucket]

Howdy from Ohio! Seems like you and the truck were meant to be together. You didn't sell the GS, did you? Lol.

@Shorty81 I got a kick out of your comment, lol. "Truck height" instead of "stock height".

 

[Clarkie]

It’s certainly pretty cool to have it back. No, the GS isn’t going anywhere! It’s been my dream car since I was a teenager.

 

[Mr Clean]

 

[Corvette Ed]

Welcome aboard from East Tennessee.

 

[Clarkie]

I think I want to level the truck by raising the rear about two inches. It has a Belltech 6800 shackle/hanger kit. I’ve been told that a two inch drop shackle won’t give me the desired lift because the hangers have been relocated. Any suggestions for how to raise the rear the desired two inches?

 

[bucket]

Has the rear axle been flipped as well? Do the rear springs have any leaves removed? I ask because it looks lower in the rear than just what a shackle and hanger kit gives. 4" I believe?

If the axle is still under the springs, you can simply add lift blocks to get the truck back up a bit in the rear. Or if leaves have been removed, you can add them back in.

Adding rear bags may be a good option too.

 

[Clarkie]

I agree, it does look lower than four inches. The axle has not been flipped. Lift blocks are a good idea. Thanks!

 

[bucket]

Also, there's a ton of great info here:

Lowered & Street Systems

www.gmsquarebody.com

The sticky thread at the top is chock full of info about how to lower you truck along with the pros and cons. That info is also useful to help you choose the best method to un-slam your truck. Many other threads that may help you out as well.

 

[Clarkie]

Thanks! That’s an amazing thread.