1964 chevy truck

i just picked up a 64 chevy pick up in a trade. was wondering how much can i drop the rear before having to c notch the frame. i want a nice drop but without having to notch. ive been loojing at the dropped coil kit from cpp. anyone have experience with these coils? or are there some other coils i could use for the drop? any help thanks. oh and any suggestions on taking off a locked gas cap without the key

 

Gas cap, use a screw driver.

How much can I drop it. I'm thinking 2 to 4 inches max without a C notch. But if you re serious about this whole hotrod thing I would suggest that a tape measure is a good tool to own. Just roll under there and measure to what you suspect will hit first.

 

thanks , i do own a tape measure. but im at work and wondering is why i asked the question. in case anyone has experience with these coils and trucks. thanks for the screwdriver tip. ill try it when i get home

 

I used CPP stuff. I used the 2 or 2 1/2" dropped spindles with stock coils on the front and 3" dropped coils on the back, because I wanted a 60's style rake to it. I am pretty sure that 4 " drop in the back is max without a c notch.

 

I'm using the 5" drop rear coils from Early Cl***ic. Not notched. Can't see any signs of bottoming out. I think more than 5" and you have other issues that come up. I know a lot of people recommend using Jeep Wrangler coils for the rear.

If your fuel neck uses a rubber length between the tank and the cap, just undo the clamp and pull the cap end off.

jon

 

The tape comment was for everyone and no one in general.

I have a pair of 2" blocks that I was going to use on my '65.

Where you run into an issue with these trucks is when you load them. They had a lot of suspension travel and could/would sag quite a bit when loaded.

If you ever plan on carrying anything and drop it a pair of in the coil bags (firestone makes them) or air shocks is a very good investment.

 

I used Jeep TJ coils in the rear along with some three inch blocks for a total of around 6"-7" of drop. I still had about an inch between the frame and axle. I never hit back there. But don't expect to haul anything either.

For the front, I chopped two coils, which was too much. I hit all the time. But that can be remedied by shaving the bumpstop bracket on the lower control arm. I'm not sure how much of a drop that was from stock because when I took it apart, there was already a half a coil on each spring broken off along with dropped spindles. But needless to say, it sat pretty low.

You can buy the Jeep springs from 4x4 shops for around $25 or sometimes even free. A lot of times they throw the out when they lift stock Jeeps. You can make the blocks for free out of 3" square tube. A custom set of Ubolts bent up at a srping shop or big truck shop will run you $40. Chopping the front coils is free as well. Dropped spindles are expensive but will get you another couple of inches up front.

Here's an old pic...

 

I never tried it but I bet a torch would work

 

thanks for all you guys who actually gave some useful info. this is the reason im on the hamb, for help from fellow hot rodders. anybody know what year jeep coils to look for? i used a screwdriver and got the gas cap off. thanks. from my measurements it looks like there is about 6.5 inches in the rear ,so im thinking about 4 inches.

 

You can buy 6" drop coils from "Early Cl***ic" in fresno,ca. I bought them for my 64 chevy short fleet when i had the truck. No notch and it rode great. Also had 3" drop coils front.

 

I have dropped them 4" without any clearence issues, I have also used the c-notch kit from CPP and the fit is excellent and are very easy to install. They (CPP) also sell inexspensive coil springs in several drop increments.

 

Do not use a torch to remove the gas cap!! Just kidden, drop'er and driver, love that cool cab on those rigs. Good Luck ~Sololobo~