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78 C20

in4aride

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Montrose
I know this goes the opposite direction than the norm here, going down instead of up. But looking for some potential input from you guys.
Brother has a a 78 chevy c20 (3/4ton 350, 2wd) that we a re doing. The rear had a whole whopping 9 leaf springs so we took a few out since it never really pulls or hauls anything to make the ride a substantial bit better. Only problem is, now it sits all gasser style with the front in the air.
Ignore the bed
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He wants to lower the front down to match the rear vs lifting the rear back up. We need about 2.5-3" to match it up. Drop spindles seems like the Obvious way to go, But being 3/4 ton, there is only ONE option I have seen, and those are $400+ :confused: http://www.performanceonline.com/
Didnt know if any of you knew of some balljoint swaps or other places to source spindles to lower? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
For a lil back ground....


How we started. 78 Chevy C20, 350, 14bolt long bed single cab all original:
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Got some 17x8 Soft 8's, free 275/70/17 Dick Cepek's all mounted up:
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Took the bumpers off and cleaned em up:
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fresh paint:
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tinted the windows at 25%
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Old light housings vs new. Before ya blast about light scatter, We were just looking for ANY light we could get. My fog lights on the dodge were brighter than the old lights on this thing. Holy jesus.
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Then some long tube headers went on in place of stock manifolds.
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Bro got to do some first welds, trying to figure out how it worked.
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Quick shot of inside. New seat wrap, dash cover, and temp. door panels.
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Getting some new bed protection:
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Other things not listed. Trans was rebuilt. Runs 3.73 open in the FF14B. Engine has edelbrock intake manifold as well as carb. New powersteering box and pump. Red top. And dual 2" exhaust.
 
Maybe consider finding a donor 1/2 ton and swap out the coils, leaf packs and spindles/brakes? Sell the soft 8's and pick up other wheels/tires? Maybe the local enthusiast forums would be worth signing up on and posting up a trade on the suspensions? Gotta be someone with a 1/2 ton wanting 3/4 upgrades...... :dunno:
 
Cool truck Mike.
 
Ya doesn't wanna do half ton swaps. wants to keep the 8lug.
Thanks. gonna be cool first vehicle for him.
 
Wanted to maintain stock coils as to keep factory ride. front end rides.good. plus gonna be putting bigger motor up front so don't want tooooo soft.
 
Mexican family....raiders....
i guess im confused where the mix up is. (i don't like pro ball fwiw)
 
Waiting to find right drop coil and shock set up and install. will do ball joints and hub bearings at same time. otherwise no. been spending efforts on sisters xj.
 
OOOOOOOOOKAY
I guess I can do an update on this. After searching and searching just decided on drop coils, went with what the other truck guys were saying rode best. So far seems to feel pretty good. The new shocks feel pretty decent too. For a drop 3/4 ton anyway.

How it was sitting.
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Coming apart
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Old vs new
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New stance. Nice and level after the 3" front drop
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No need to worry, the mexican in the front seat isnt stealing it as I take the picture, thats just my dad :D
 
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