Need help trying to figure out how much Z I need for the front of my 64 chevy pickup.

I've looked over several posts on 60-66 chevy trucks that are bagged and I have decided to z the front of my truck instead of going with the porterbuilt drop member because I think it will be more cost effective for me. Plus I like being able to buy factory type parts when they need replacing instead of having to depend on the aftermarket and ordering online for everything.

I can fabricate most everything I'm going to need in order to bag the truck so I figured I would go that route. Plus I don't have the 1200-1500 for the crossmember then I have to buy a steering rack, heim joints, etc etc.... So with zing the frame I will be able to use most of my stock components other that some steering stuff. I also want to run my stock brakes and spindles for right now.

So I've done some research on it and most of the people I've read about usually do somewhere between a 2"-3" Z but they usually are running drop spindles. I would like to not have to go the drop spindle route if I can.

Does anyone on here have a 60-66 chevy thats bagged on the stock front end z'd and lays out?

Yes I have done several searches but I haven't really found what I was looking for, or the threads went on for several pages and I didn't happen to find the info like the 60-66 picture thread does.

 

If you want it to lay rocker/frame you can pull out the springs and, with the wheels on, gently lower it down to the bump stops, at both ends. You might be able to just pull off the rear tires, and just take the springs out of the front.

With it level, in that position, measure how much space there is from the ground to the rocker or frame. That will be how much you will want to 'z' the frame. That will also be how much lower the truck sits in relation to the present ride height.

Cut, weld, smile.

 

What about running the stock spindles and brakes? most people run dropped spindles and I want to run my rebuilt stock stuff for now.

 

You can run 2"-3" dropped spindles, or just 'z' 2"-3" more.

 

Do they make drop spindles that will work with drum brakes?

 

i have a 71 kinda same frame...it all depends on the size of tire/wheel. im using 22in wheels 35series tires...zed the fron 3and 7.8 of a inch. still had to use 2.5in drop spindles to lay out.