Slamming

[70 Buick GSX]

Im currently working on a 65 chevy truck. I want to lower it and was wondering how to do it? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[JamesW]

Depends on how low you want to go with it. I really couldn't give you any tips without seeing the suspension setup on it.

[James W]

The rear suspension; you could cut the springs shorter to lower the truck, then cut the axle from the trailing arms and put a spacer between to lower it more.

The front suspension; cut the pins that hold the wheels and re-attach them in a higher position simulating a dropped spindle. You might have to drill a hole and put a new longer pin in, made from sprue, for stregnth.

Hope this helps

[Longbox55]

I've got a couple of the '64s in the works, which is the same kit with a different bed and trim, but mine are being done up with 1 as a stock 1/2 ton, the other is getting a 3/4 ton conversion, which is getting slightly lifted. But back to the question at hand. Lowering the rear will be very easy, as the rearend mounts with simple bosses (which need to be trimmed off and replaced with coils to look correct). It's basically a case of cuting the bosses down to the hight desired. Or better yet, eliminating them altogether and replacing them with short coils/simulated air bags. I used ferruls for plumbing compression fittings (5/16") to do thins on a '55 Bel Air that is getting a similar rear suspension. You could also Z teh frame, if you're not concerned about the bed floor.

The front will be a little trickier, as ther isn't much room to work with. I would start with removing the mounting bosses where the springs should be (again, incorrect detail anyway), then cut the A arms frm the crossmember at the pivot points. You'll want to cut the spindles off the control arms as well, so that the camber can be corrected once the proper ride hight is achaived. You can do the same air bag treatment in the front, I used 1/4" ferruls for that on my '55 Bel Air. You could also flip the spindles once emoved to get a bit more lowering, probably about 2" in scale.

[MikeMc]

As Bill and James pointed out there are a few ways of doing it,

I find one of the best ways is to mock the body/bed/and frame up. set it on a stack of cards and adj the height. With wheels and tires chosen put them under and start playing the cards. Once you have your stance chosen, then start looking how low your going.This will determine if moving axle mounts or more surgery will be needed. Another way is to kitbash a whole new frame/ powertrain and fit things in

On this Cameo I used the frame/suspension from a Z06 vette

On this Nova the spindles were cut and moved up:

on this Elky both front and rear axels were adjusted up:

and if you want to see a massive frame Z job.....all3 of these frames were Z'd:

on this 32....the first one is stock front height, the second shows a Z up front.

so heres some ideas for thought .....now get cuttin!!

Edited January 1, 2010 by MikeMc

[70 Buick GSX]

Thanks for all the help guys. The info you have given me should be enough to help me out. If i have any questions along the way may i message you?

[weasel]

and easy way is to just elongate the mounting holes in the wheels/backing plates to get whatever 'lowness' ya want!!

[midlineqb]

On 1/1/2010 at 10:39 AM, MikeMc said:

As Bill and James pointed out there are a few ways of doing it,

 

I find one of the best ways is to mock the body/bed/and frame up. set it on a stack of cards and adj the height. With wheels and tires chosen put them under and start playing the cards. Once you have your stance chosen, then start looking how low your going.This will determine if moving axle mounts or more surgery will be needed. Another way is to kitbash a whole new frame/ powertrain and fit things in

 

On this Cameo I used the frame/suspension from a Z06 vettehttp://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/pickups/Cameo/IMG_1223.jpg

 

On this Nova the spindles were cut and moved up:http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/Models%20and%20other%20goodies/66%20Nova/IMG_0210.jpg

 

on this Elky both front and rear axels were adjusted up:http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/pickups/ELKY/IMG_1019.jpg

 

and if you want to see a massive frame Z job.....all3 of these frames were Z'd:http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/Models%20and%20other%20goodies/29%20Flattered/IMG_1049A.jpghttp://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/The%2034/IMG_0510-1.jpghttp://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/Models%20and%20other%20goodies/29%20Flattered/IMG_1063.jpg

 

on this 32....the first one is stock front height, the second shows a Z up front.http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/Models%20and%20other%20goodies/Blown%2032/IMG_1250.jpghttp://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb123/mikemc_photo/Models%20and%20other%20goodies/Blown%2032/IMG_1252.jpg

 

so heres some ideas for thought .....now get cuttin!!

Mike, could you repost these pictures?