looking for easy cheap ways to lower my 61 c10 not looking to drop a bunch of money just want to drop a couple inchs
Load it up with a buch of crap from my yard. If it's low enough and you like the look, don't go to the dump and it will stay at the same level.
It's easy as pie Slip a 2 inch lowering block in the back and tweak the torsion bars down in the front.
LMC has a cheap "tutorial" in their catalog. New coil springs in the front and back as well as some shocks and your 2-3 inches lower. All for around $200. If anyone knows of anything cheaper let me know 'cause I'm broke.
He doesn't have front coil springs. He has front torsion bars. They are adjustable for height. The lowering blocks in the rear can be built and installed with new u bolts for 30 dollars. How could it possible be any cheaper than that ?
Should be easy with the wonder suspension, i had 2 61's, and when you threw it in a turn, you wondered whichway you were goin! LOL!
His truck doesn't have coils in the front, it has torsion bars. And I can do yours cheaper. Cut a coil and a half in the front. That's free. Jeep Wrangler TJ rear coils in the rear. They should be about $20 at any 4x4/offroad shop from Jeeps that have been lifted. You get about 3" in the front and 4"-5" in the back for $20 and some labor. You can cut more in the front, but it'll ride like shit. That is, unless you shave the bumpstop brackets on the lower control arms. That'll give you another 2"-3" of travel. You can also fit some 3" blocks in the back (in addition to the Jeep springs) and be just off the bumpstops back there. If you make your own blocks, you're still in it for cheap. You'll need longer Ubolts, I paid $45 at a big truck shop to have some made. This was my '63 with 2 coils cut up front and the Jeep springs and 3" blocks in the back. Any lower in the back and you'll need to Cnotch the frame. Any lower in the front and you'll need to Z the frame. It's about as cheap a lowering job as you're gonna find. Way less than $100 total and pretty low.
Oh, and rain man, do yourself a favor and join 67-72chevytrucks.com. Lots of good info there on these trucks with a very active forum.
Crank on the torsion bars and throw a bunch of these in the back..... And NEVER,EVER heat the coils to lower it!
Good suggestion. I was on there for a long time under the name of Tx Firefighter. I don't post there anymore but you're sure to find all you need over there.
terd love the truck i saw a couple pics of it before the work in the front looks good (i liked it without the crome bumper)
in the rear of my truck i have a 2 coil springs and a shock anyone know the term for this hey terd do you have any pics of your set up in the rear
just went out and bought some 3 inch drop blocks git em cheap at autozone for $30 bucks. any step bye step info for install thanks
Take 'em back. They aren't gonna work. I sent you a PM with info on parts you'll need (still cheap). You should be able to get a local fab shop to cut you some 3" square tubing to make two blocks for less than $20. Check my PM and let me know if you have any more questions.
Here is an article I wrote for the FAQ section on that other site... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=196457 It shows all the details and measurements you need to build your own blocks. I wouldn't go with three inch blocks though, they will cause scrub line issues. The article shows building 2 inch blocks, but if you do decide to go three inch, it all still applies.
? Your build thread was one I followed, very real build, unlike some. I think much of the info I have saved if from you and terd (its a funny name) David
I'm glad my boring ramblings have been able to help somebody. If you get any questions or problems, just shoot me a PM.
it has two coils and a shock on each side anyone know what the 2nd coil is for? it looks a little bit smaller then the first
wha? I don't know much about those trucks, but that seems strange...is that like a "helper spring" or something?
i was thinking maybe a helper spring but im not sure everyone i talk with say there should only be one spring
That's not a factory setup. The coil on the right is in the factory spot, but it doesn't look stock. Stock rear coils are "pigtailed" at the top and bottom (they taper down to smaller at both ends). The shocks also look extra long (unless your truck is jacked up in the pic. You will be ok swapping coils for the Jeep coils. Just remove the extra coils that are on the axle. Prepare for maybe needing shorter shocks if the ones you have are extra long. Search 67-72chevytrucks.com and you'll find a part number for lowered shocks. Or one of the catalog places like LMC sells them. They may be a little cheaper at AutoZone or some place like that if you can get a part number or the length you need. The amount of redneckery these trucks in particular sees over 40 or so years never ceases to amaze me. Going by your pic, that won't be the only crazy thing you find as you dig deeper.
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