Let's talk... Lowering Kits. It's hard to know exactly what drop to go with on your classic C10. There are many factors that come into play when choosing exactly how low to go. Some people prefer slammed and some want to just level out the truck and not worry about rubbing or scraping the ground. This guide was created to help guide you on what kit would be the best. I will break down each drop and provide options depending on the parts you already may have. You can text or call me at 615-578-4540 if you have questions.
The Basics
When you're lowering your C10, there are a few basic parts that will be used in different combinations to achieve the look you want. Depending on your year model and what is already installed on the truck will be a determining factor of what you need to order.
Coil Springs: 63-72 C10s have coil springs all around and trailing arms in the back compared to leaf springs in later models. This makes it easier to lower because you can simply replace the coils with lowering coil springs. Some GMCs do not have trailing arms. You would need to purchase a flip kit for leaf spring trucks.
Drop Spindles: One of the best ways to lower your truck in the front is to install 2.5 drop spindles. In order to install drop spindles, you need to convert to a disc brake setup. Drop spindles are not offered for drum brakes.
Lowering Blocks: In addition to drop coils in the rear, you can also install a lowering block and longer U bolts. Lowering Blocks go between the rear end and trailing arms allowing the rear end to drop further and still maintain the stiffness of the coil. To achieve maximum drop, a drop coil and drop block are used in conjunction.
C-Notch: Depending on your setup, a c notch may be needed to have additional space for the rear end to not bottom out. Most of the c notches require a small cut in the frame and bolt/weld on to your frame. This does not require to to cut the bed or lift the bed floor.
Adjustable Panhard Bar: The lower you go, the more the factory panhard bar will shift your rear end from center. To recenter the rear end at your new ride height, a adjustable panhard bar is required. I prefer the style of panhard bar that bolts into the frame or c notch on the drivers side and the trailing arm mount on the passenger side. The longer the bar, the less travel shift during travel.
Drop Shocks: Drop shocks are needed as you lower your ride height. You want your shock in mid travel at ride height and a drop shock corrects the shock travel for lowered vehicles. Typically a 3" drop shock in the front and a 4-7 inch drop shock in the rear is recommended.
Leveling Kit
If you're not wanting to go low and just level the truck from factory, I would suggest a 2" Rear Drop Coil or a 2" Drop Block and U-bolt Kit. Both will lower the rear to level out the stock suspension.
Mild Lowering Kits
For those who want to upgrade the look and handling of their C10 but not be slammed to the ground, a mild drop would work best. There are a few different ways to achieve this look.
1/3 Drop: 1" Front Coil + 3" Rear Coil
This kit will level the truck and give you a slight drop for a more sporty look. Keeps the factory appeal with a little more style. Stock shocks should work but upgrading the shocks would result to a better ride. I would recommend adding these drop shocks: Front Shocks and Rear Shocks
2/4 Drop: 2" Front Coil + 4" Rear Coil
This kit is the lowest that I would consider a "mild drop". This is a great stance and not have any rubbing issues and does not require a c-notch. This specific kit is coils only and does not require disc brakes or drop spindles. I would recommend adding these drop shocks: Front Shocks and Rear Shocks
Moderate Lowering Kits
For those who want to upgrade the look and handling of their C10 but not be slammed to the ground, a mild drop would work best. There are a few different ways to achieve this look.
3/5 Drop: 3" Front Coil + 5" Rear Coil
This kit is the largest drop you can get without upgrading to disc brakes and drop spindles. This is a coil only setup. I would recommend adding the following: Front Shocks and Rear Shocks, this C-Notch and Adjustable Panhard Bar.
3.5/5 Drop: 1" Front Coil + 5" Rear Coil + 2.5 Drop Spindle
If you already have disc brakes, then you can upgrade to a drop spindle and front and rear coils to achieve this look. I would recommend adding the following: Front Shocks and Rear Shocks, this C-Notch and Adjustable Panhard Bar.
Aggressive Lowering Kits
For those who want want to be as low as possible on a static drop! When you're going this low, you need to have all the extra goodies like a c notch, adjustable panhard bar, rear shock relocation, and drop shocks!
5.5/7 Drop: 3" Front Coil + 5" Rear Coil + 2.5" Drop Spindle + 2" Block
Custom Lowering Kit
If none of the kits listed above fit your vision, here is a list of all the components individually. All you have to do is add up the front drop and rear drop to achieve the look you want. You can use some of the example photos pictured below to customize your own kit.
Front Components:
1" Front Coil Spring
2" Front Coil Spring
3" Front Coil Spring
2.5" Drop Spindles
2.5" Drop Spindles + Disc Brake Conversion
Front Drop Shocks
Rear Components:
2" Rear Coil Spring
3" Rear Coil Spring
4" Rear Coil Spring
5" Rear Coil Spring
2" Rear Drop Block
C Notch
Adjustable Panhard Bar
Rear Shock Relocation
Rear Drop Shocks