Sticky thread for lowering C10s?

[ChuckN]

Forgive me (I'll put on my flame suit) I'm new here (obviously). I don't see a sticky thread for "how to" lowering of the C10. There's a gazillion You Tube Videos, and even LMC has some basic renderings about what it looks like/what to expect, but maybe a user experience would be nice.

I'm just entering the market for a kit, and it's overwhelming the number of kits out there. I almost got completely lost in the Summit website. And then there's devils in the details, like with some drop spindles, you can't run 15" wheels because of clearance. It's mind boggling.

It's plain and obvious that you can do it on the cheap for 300, or you can go full QA1 and spend multiple thousands. Myself, I'm in the $1000 or less price range.

You're welcome to post here things that didn't work out, that sucked, things that you wish you'd done differently, and of course kits that really worked great out of the box and you're thrilled with.

Mods, feel free to delete if this is one post too many about lowering a C10.

 

[Old77]

Probably no sticky because there's never been a poster who's put a good thread together dedicated to lowering their truck on GMSB in all these years

 

[Big Chip]

I'd go straight to airbags next time and eliminate the steering box in favor of a rack.

 

[idahovette]

@Big Chip ....I like RACKS

 

[Big Chip]

@Big Chip ....I like RACKS

Racks are the best. I prefer the ones for heavy duty applications but I've also had great success with the sportier models. 10/10-would recommend.

 

[smullen]

Forgive me (I'll put on my flame suit) I'm new here (obviously). I don't see a sticky thread for "how to" lowering of the C10. There's a gazillion You Tube Videos, and even LMC has some basic renderings about what it looks like/what to expect, but maybe a user experience would be nice.

I'm just entering the market for a kit, and it's overwhelming the number of kits out there. I almost got completely lost in the Summit website. And then there's devils in the details, like with some drop spindles, you can't run 15" wheels because of clearance. It's mind boggling.

It's plain and obvious that you can do it on the cheap for 300, or you can go full QA1 and spend multiple thousands. Myself, I'm in the $1000 or less price range.

You're welcome to post here things that didn't work out, that sucked, things that you wish you'd done differently, and of course kits that really worked great out of the box and you're thrilled with.

Mods, feel free to delete if this is one post too many about lowering a C10.

Hey Chuck, welcome to the site...
Zero issues with your post.

Have you looked at Belltech???

I've had several Trucks and SUVs lowered and I always used Belltech parts.

As far as the lowering HW I'd look at this Bell Tech Drop Kit.

Then add your own shocks as you see fit.
I know you said you didn't want to Notch it or Air bag it, so With this kit, that's about as low as you want to go without a Notch, I.M.H.O...

This kit includes the Drop Spindles for the front and Shackles/hangers for the rear...
You mented above, not being able to drop with 15" wheels, I'm pretty sure its not an issue. I know my three S10s and a Blazer I dropped had stock 15s. I want to get it dropped then order rims that would fit. You may want to check with Belltech, but I do not see an issue...

They have other options too that are just a bit cheaper, but I don't think they go low enough. again, j.m.h.o.

Good luck, make sure to post pics of your ride afterwards.

 

[Scott91370]

I have the McGauhy's (sp?) 2.5" spindles and I know they will hit the clamp on style wheel weights if you run 15" wheels. There are a couple of other brands that so as well. If you change your offset a bit or go to 16"+ you'll have no issues with drop spindles.

My total drop consists of:
Front: 2.5" spindles, 1.5" springs
Rear: Axle flip kit

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[bluex]

There are alot if threads about it. Here's my opinion on it if you are on a budget or not.
Front:
2.5" spindles doesn't really matter who's, they are all pretty much the same.
2" drop spring (or cut 1 coil from your current factory spring)
Kyb GR2 344068 for shocks.

Rear:
Flip kit with new u bolts (trust me you'll need them)
Shock extenders
Kyb GR2 344072 shocks
If you plan to tow or have more than about 250 lbs in the bed then get a c notch.
No towing/heavy loads then remove the factory bump stop and it's bracket. Install a low profile urethane one.

Avoid kits an build it yourself. Most "drop" shocks included with kits ride horrible. The belltech black shocks suck, so the do the western chassis ds-2s. I don't like the belltech kit because 96% of the time the 1" drop spring in their kit won't actually be lower than your factory worn spring. So the truck will have a squat look to it an you'll wind up doing a 2" spring anyway. Clearance issues on 15" wheels are worse with a 3" spindle too. Either way you've got to trim the a-arm for 15s just how much is the difference

I've lowered alot of 63-87 trucks with that basic setup (63-72 rear is more involved but you get the idea) Owner has always been happy with the stance an ride afterwards.

 

[bluex]

Probably no sticky because there's never been a poster who's put a good thread together dedicated to lowering their truck on GMSB in all these years

I could do one but everyone is so hung up on buying a "kit" that they don't usually listen.

 

[Old77]

I could do one but everyone is so hung up on buying a "kit" that they don't usually listen.

If you do one I'll certainly sticky it. I think your knowledge on the subject is superior to most and would be a good bit of knowledge transfer to show folks how to piece it together with the right pieces and not necessarily just buying a kit off xyz website.

 

[ChuckN]

Thanks for all the responses. Just a quick note before a family event, super cool that people took the time to post up. I do plan on putting up some pics of the project once I get going.

I'll take the advice of putting together my own setup. The C-Notch may come later, but I won't be hauling anything heavy, nor towing. I'd like to keep the frame stock if possible. In my neck of the woods, the roads are pretty smooth- as opposed to the Midwest where I grew up. The old saying- two seasons, winter and road construction.

I appreciate all of the input, and if bluex were to put up a sticky, I'd be all about it. Maybe it's about time. And if I fall flat on my face and fail, I'll post it, it'll be a good reason to not do what I did. Failure is always an option.

 

[bluex]

You won't fail man, if you have any questions just ask. I don't know your time frame on when you want to get parts or anything but I'll see if I can get some stuff together for a suspension sticky over the next few days.

Also before you order spindles you need to know if you have 1" or 1.25" front brakes

 

[ChuckN]

You won't fail man, if you have any questions just ask. I don't know your time frame on when you want to get parts or anything but I'll see if I can get some stuff together for a suspension sticky over the next few days.

Also before you order spindles you need to know if you have 1" or 1.25" front brakes

Thanks blue- I appreciate it. Still waiting for the dude to finish up the engine swap before I pick it up- still in his garage getting finished up. Lots of oncoming questions- but since it’s a standard ‘81 Scottsdale C10 shortwide, I’d guess that it’s a 1” rotor. Won’t assume anything until I get underneath it

 

[ChuckN]

Hey Chuck, welcome to the site...
Zero issues with your post.

Have you looked at Belltech???

I've had several Trucks and SUVs lowered and I always used Belltech parts.

As far as the lowering HW I'd look at this Bell Tech Drop Kit.

Then add your own shocks as you see fit.
I know you said you didn't want to Notch it or Air bag it, so With this kit, that's about as low as you want to go without a Notch, I.M.H.O...

This kit includes the Drop Spindles for the front and Shackles/hangers for the rear...
You mented above, not being able to drop with 15" wheels, I'm pretty sure its not an issue. I know my three S10s and a Blazer I dropped had stock 15s. I want to get it dropped then order rims that would fit. You may want to check with Belltech, but I do not see an issue...

They have other options too that are just a bit cheaper, but I don't think they go low enough. again, j.m.h.o.

Good luck, make sure to post pics of your ride afterwards.

Thanks! You mentioned that 15” wheels are an issue sometimes- one of my mandatory requirements is to stay with stock rally wheels. Sounds like the crimp-on wheel weights are potentially an issue. Lots of my local tire shops are using the stick-on weights these days. Likely less secure but to avoid using a spacer, is that an option?

 

[Scott91370]

The stick on weights are fine. That's what most shops use now because the aluminum wheels don't have the correct lip for crimp style.

And as other have said - you'll do just fine with this. Ask questions and as you see you'll get answers.