Whats the best drop kit and/or combination for 20" rims?

[Kev_214]

I've been looking all over for the kit for my needs and i cant seem to find a solid answer. I got a 1987 Long Bed Gmc Sierra Classic and I want some 20"s on it and still be able to drive it as a daily with out messing up.
If i can't get a solid answer with 20"s ill use other size rims
I need recommendations.

What drop kit or combination would be best for my needs?
What's best? Shackles, Shocks, Spindles, or flip kits?
What kits/combinations are y'all using?
Can y'all post pics and do a brief explanation(rim size,front drop,rear drop,and combinations)?
Any extra parts needed besides what I mention?

 

[RangRayy]

Read through this. http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15961


There's a square lowered with 20s but lowering with anything bigger than 18s the wheel wells will probably need to be modified. Depends too on how low you want to go. Slammed get tubular control arms and throw air bags on it along with trailing arms in the rear with bags. Or get 3"drop spindles with 20 in wheels and a 3"drop spring with shackles and a flip kit in the rear and a c-notch.

Me personally i am going with new tubular control arms from CPP, better clearance with their lower ca. And a 2" drop spring. The rear is getting a flip kit and if needed later shackles or the trick of cutting the helper leaf when doing the flip to act as a lowering block for an extra inch down. Also looking at 17in wheels with tires that are around 27-28in tall. I too have an '87 longbed but a Chevy.

All up to you and your needs and budget. DJM, Belltech, CPP, McGaughys are all wonderful providers of lowering equipment.

Good luck.

 

[Kev_214]

Read through this. http://www.gmsquarebody.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15961



Me personally i am going with new tubular control arms from CPP, better clearance with their lower ca. And a 2" drop spring. The rear is getting a flip kit and if needed later shackles or the trick of cutting the helper leaf when doing the flip to act as a lowering block for an extra inch down. Also looking at 17in wheels with tires that are around 27-28in tall. I too have an '87 longbed but a Chevy.
.

Keep me updated with your build!

 

[74 Shortbed]

And a 2" drop spring.

Have you decided what brand spring you gonna get???,

 

[RangRayy]

Keep me updated with your build!

Will do sir

Have you decided what brand spring you gonna get???,

No,(insert face palm), I haven't yet lol probably Belltech you?

 

[smoothandlow84]

I have a 5-7 drop, and running with 20x8 front and 20x12 rear. I removed the front inner fenderwells and replaced them with custom steel fenders with a larger diameter and height under the hood for clearance. The front is comprised of 3 inch drop coils (McGaughy), and 2 inch drop spindles (McGaughy) The rear has a flip kit, and drop hangers (Western Chassis) The overload spring was also removed. I also installed a mini notch (I fabricated) for piece of mind. I dont have any clearance issues out back. Polyurethane bump stops front and back, polyurethane control arm bushings as well as sway bar bushings.

No rubbing up front or out back. Rides smooth and everyone that rides passenger is shocked at how well it handles for the low stance. I do slow down for speed bumps due to my headers.

 

[74 Shortbed]

I have a 5-7 drop, and running with 20x8 front and 20x12 rear. I removed the front inner fenderwells and replaced them with custom steel fenders with a larger diameter and height under the hood for clearance. The front is comprised of 3 inch drop coils (McGaughy), and 2 inch drop spindles (McGaughy) The rear has a flip kit, and drop hangers (Western Chassis) The overload spring was also removed. I also installed a mini notch (I fabricated) for piece of mind. I dont have any clearance issues out back. Polyurethane bump stops front and back, polyurethane control arm bushings as well as sway bar bushings.

No rubbing up front or out back. Rides smooth and everyone that rides passenger is shocked at how well it handles for the low stance. I do slow down for speed bumps due to my headers.

Sounds like a nice setup.

 

[74 Shortbed]

No,(insert face palm), I haven't yet lol probably Belltech you?

Not sure yet either,lol, but I want to make sure whichever ones I get will do what they're supposed to do..

 

[smoothandlow84]

Thanks....^^^^


Who knows. ..I may end up bagging it next year...Im getting bored since it's 99% complete, and damn near every part has been upgraded or replaced.

 

[74 Shortbed]

I thought about bagging it, but I don't want to go that far on this truck, maybe the next one though..

 

[84c1001]

What did you do with the bottom bump stops

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[Jarhead79]

I have a 5-7 drop, and running with 20x8 front and 20x12 rear. I removed the front inner fenderwells and replaced them with custom steel fenders with a larger diameter and height under the hood for clearance. The front is comprised of 3 inch drop coils (McGaughy), and 2 inch drop spindles (McGaughy) The rear has a flip kit, and drop hangers (Western Chassis) The overload spring was also removed. I also installed a mini notch (I fabricated) for piece of mind. I dont have any clearance issues out back. Polyurethane bump stops front and back, polyurethane control arm bushings as well as sway bar bushings.

No rubbing up front or out back. Rides smooth and everyone that rides passenger is shocked at how well it handles for the low stance. I do slow down for speed bumps due to my headers.

Did you have to widen your tubs in back to fit 20x12s?

 

[smoothandlow84]

Did you have to widen your tubs in back to fit 20x12s?

Nop, but its a tight fit. I did have to trim a wee bit off of the inner fenderwell lip. Not sure of my backspacing, but i have about 3/8" clearance.

 

[smoothandlow84]

What did you do with the bottom bump stops

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I ditched the stock and jnstalled shorter polyurethane bumpstops from Energy Suspension.

 

[Jarhead79]

Hmmmm...may have to look into that, especially with the stepside bed...but I dont think it will have enough room...heard stepsides don't have as much clearance in back...but dont know for sure