Lowering a 85 Chevy [Archive]

STROKER ACE

01-04-2006, 09:36 AM

I'm wanting to lower my truck as low as I can go with out changing the a-arms. I want it to handle well, the road home from college is crooked. Any ideas how much I need to go, or some ideas about a kit, but I dont want the cheap stuff.

sanger rat

01-04-2006, 04:29 PM

For everyday driving 4-6 is as low as I would go. This is the good stuff. http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/C10_kits.html

Cole Sanger

01-04-2006, 08:31 PM

Belltech 4" drop spindles in the front, and relocate the hangers in the rear. Also, you are going to want to have someone c-notch the rear ($50.00 when I had mine done). I had an 84 GMC crew cab dually. Worked well, but you won't get the good handling unless you opt for airbags.

BrendellaJet

01-04-2006, 09:27 PM

$50 for a c notch?

pebo

01-04-2006, 10:31 PM

You did'nt say is it a 1/2 ton or what ? :confused:

Cole Sanger

01-04-2006, 11:00 PM

It was in 1998 at a small welding shop.

STROKER ACE

01-05-2006, 06:29 AM

It's a 1/2 ton short wide. How about the air bag thing? I can notch it my self I have a mig and a plasma cutter. The truck is just a toy, after I get it lowered I'm going to try and get as much weight off the front as I can, I can use some scales of my friends to try and get everything close as I can.

Cole Sanger

01-05-2006, 07:38 AM

I don't know how much they are now, but 4-5 years ago, I could get airbags installed for 16-1800. I didn't do it, my truck started having way to many problems. Ended up selling it and going lifted. Good luck, and post some pictures.

396_WAYS_TO_SPIT

01-05-2006, 07:48 AM

Spindles on the front and 4link/or ladder bars for the rear with a c-notch. Make sure you grab a set of short shocks and relocate them;)

GofastRacer

01-05-2006, 08:18 PM

I lowered my 86 dually with a Bell Tech kit, spindles and springs up front and a flip kit on the back with KYB gas shocks all the way around, it handled like a dream and had the comfort of a Town Car!...

tahitijet

01-05-2006, 11:37 PM

on that truck i'd run a bell tech or djm kit. 2" spindles 3" coils and flip kit in the rear with a shackle. The shackle will be adjustable for 1 or 2" of drop. set it at 1" if you decide you want it lower move it to the 2" hole and cut 1/2 of 1 coil off the spring. 5/7 is usually the max for everday driving (non towing) 4/6 for towing. This also depends on your wheel/tire size to make sure you have turning clearance.
Let me know if you have any questions i can set you up with the parts you need.