Newbie Drop Kit System Question

[Cutlas3391]

Ok I'm sure this question been asked a 1000 times on what drop kit would fit my ride? I apologize probably for the same question all us newbies out there ask but this is my first build lowering a truck. I usually put lift kits in them.
So I have a 1985 chevy short box c10 with some farmer hack job drop to it. I bought the truck for a smoking deal Espically trying to find on local here in snowy salted Buffalo NY by now there all rotted out and this one is in decent shape for being in this area. I bought ridlers 20x10 and 20x8 with 275/35/20 back and up front 255/35/20 in front. I want to have a level look for the truck. My goal is to get the drop closest to the tires without hitting or rubbing. So far my of all my reading and researching a 2.5 drop spindle up front and 4" flip kit in the back? If anybody has any other advice please sure it will be very appericated. Again thank you. Shawn

 

[J Knight]

A 3.5/5in kit is probably what your after. That would consist of 2.5in drop spindles, 1in drop springs, and a 5in flip kit for the rear.

You stated that the PO did a hack job on the drop, what did he do? You may need some other parts depending on the level of "butchery" done to it.

 

[smoothandlow84]

I've got an 84 with a 5-7 drop using spindles, springs up front, rear hangers and a flip kit out back. I have the same staggered 20" riddlers size as you do. I did end up replacing my front inner wheel wells since there was minor scuffing. Up front I also modified the mounts for the front bumpstops and installed shorter polyurethane bumps.

Some may argue that it wasnt necessary, but for added rear axle clearance, i also installed a mini notch to clear the rear axle. I did this because I drive it and dont want to worry about slamming the axle against the frame...just extra insurance. Dont forget about shocks too. You can either do what I did and install drop shocks (shorter length gas charged) or keep the factory ones and add extenstions.

what was done by the p.o.?

 

[Cutlas3391]

The hack job wasn't nothing cut just missing leaf and metal blocks that looked glued together. there also bolts missing too just a terrible job of any kind of fixing. the truck isn't that great of shape but I hate to see any square box chevy going to the junkyard. another few years it would of made it there. Just a little loving hopefully I can bring her back to life....

 

[Cutlas3391]

I've got an 84 with a 5-7 drop using spindles, springs up front, rear hangers and a flip kit out back. I have the same staggered 20" riddlers size as you do. I did end up replacing my front inner wheel wells since there was minor scuffing. Up front I also modified the mounts for the front bumpstops and installed shorter polyurethane bumps.

Some may argue that it wasnt necessary, but for added rear axle clearance, i also installed a mini notch to clear the rear axle. I did this because I drive it and dont want to worry about slamming the axle against the frame...just extra insurance. Dont forget about shocks too. You can either do what I did and install drop shocks (shorter length gas charged) or keep the factory ones and add extenstions.

what was done by the p.o.?

Truck looks awesome!!

 

[Cutlas3391]

A 3.5/5in kit is probably what your after. That would consist of 2.5in drop spindles, 1in drop springs, and a 5in flip kit for the rear.

You stated that the PO did a hack job on the drop, what did he do? You may need some other parts depending on the level of "butchery" done to it.

awesome thanks

 

[J Knight]

The hak job wasn't nothing cut just missing leaf and metal blocks that looked glued together. there also bolts missing too just a terrible job of any kind of fixing. the truck isn't that great of shape but I hate to see any square box chevy going to the junkyard. another few years it would of made it there. Just a little loving hopefully I can bring her back to life....

If you are missing some leafs, I will sit lower than 5in in the rear. You might consider a new or used set of leaf springs to get the correct drop you want.

 

[smoothandlow84]

Truck looks awesome!!

Thanks.... It's been almost a year since buying this truck. Just a few more details to work on.


BTW I also removed the overload spring from the rear. I don't have blocks (I don't trust blocks).

 

[Cutlas3391]

If you are missing some leafs, I will sit lower than 5in in the rear. You might consider a new or used set of leaf springs to get the correct drop you want.

Yes already bought a set I just want to do the truck I hate hackers bubble and tape people

 

[Cutlas3391]

Thanks.... It's been almost a year since buying this truck. Just a few more details to work on.


BTW I also removed the overload spring from the rear. I don't have blocks (I don't trust blocks).

Awesome thanks for the tips I wish u have some pictures under your truck

 

[Cutlas3391]

Thanks again smooth and low and j knight for the info!!!

These are my other babies 1995 yukon gt and trailblazer ss

 

[smoothandlow84]

Awesome thanks for the tips I wish u have some pictures under your truck

I will take some pics after work and post them up on this thread.

 

[smoothandlow84]

Underside pic of the c notch and leaf pack on my square. If you examine the pics closely, you can also make out the "tunnel" that was fabbed between the fenderwells. At some point in the near future, I may bag the rear thus ditching the mini notch and fabbing a super notch in its place for added axle clearance.

 

[Cutlas3391]

That's super clean cool thanks for the pictures.