[C10]

I just ordered a 3/5 lowering kit from sporttruckdirect.com for my 86' C10. Installing this monster means I have to change the front springs. Did I mention I've never done this ? First thing I did was call up my very best buddy, you know the one that owes me a kazillion billion favors, and ask if he could help. This guy is supposed to be a front end specialest, so he says, and the first thing he said was, "Oh no! Not me man, thats a pain in the ars" which leads me to believe that maybe I shouldnt tackle this. So what do you guys think...I mean I know all about these springs being able to make you respect them...I've heard a few horror stories and understand that they can hurt you if you dont know what you're doing. My very best buddy (the one that refuses to help) said I can borrow his spring compressors and stuff but I just dont know. Is this something that should be left to the professionals? Any advice would be greatly appriciated.

C10

[dusterbd]

well, it kind of depends. what componenents are included in the drop? are we looking at spindles, springs, or both in the front?
the rear: blocks, shackles, springs, both, what?
it also depends on your comfort level with a wrench. in all honesty, if you dont feel comfortable doing it, dont.
have you thought about telling your buddy that you want his help rebuilding the front end? after 16 years, it could probably use a full kit, not to mention the additional stress that a lowering kit puts on marginal components usually causes them to fail.
so, in summary, heres my 2 cents on what you should do:
look at the components in your kit. if it isnt complete, or your questionable on their installation, dont do it. if youre comfortable, offer your buddy a case of his favorite beverage, order a suspension rebuild kit in polyurathane, and go to town.
hope this helps.
mike

[johnnymopar]

i agree with duster that if you aren't comfortable doing it, then don't. take your parts to a mechanic. they've got all the right gear and tools and could probably do it in a couple hours.

JB

[Halloweenking]

I have lowerd many vehicles and its not as hard as it sounds. Most kits come with detailed instructions to follow. The rears are of course the easiest between the two, but neither of them are very hard, just time consuming. The front just seems more difficult because you have to remove the brakes and compress the spring to remove it and remove the spindle. After you get it apart, putting it back together will be easy. Its just time consuming. If you are taking the frontend apart I'd recomend getting a polygraphite bushing kit to replace all the old rubber ones for a smoother ride and safety. If you don't feel comfortable in your abilities to take apart your frontend just ask your bestus buddy to come supervise so you learn to do it and he doesn't have to get his petticure messed up or brake a nail. Lets us know how it turns out.

HK

[philPKP]

HI c10,I put a lowering kit on a 66 c10 a while back,spring removal filled me with dread, ya know all them tales of removing "heads from inside springs" when you finally find them down the road.
That turned out to be"dead easy" you just followed the trajectory by peering thru the holes left by the bullet ie spring!
NO seriously C10 take it slow,read the destructions a couple of times +have them on hand,I used the spring commpressors that clamp each side of the spring,tighten a couple of threads one side,a couple of threads the other, keep it regular +even, when you can jiggle the spring you can then crack your bottom ball joint, just to be on safe side have jack under your lower control arm,but once you can jiggle your springs theres no pressurepushing up or down on c/arms.
note of caution: ON"T do what me dipstick mate done:::HE was that relieved to have got so far, he chucked the spring complete with compressor over his shoulder,it"S a good job he was still sitting by the hub cause he"s got a luverlyhole in the wing (fender) when the spring came back to kiss him.
SO just take it easy
IT"S AMAZING HOW LONG YOU CAN HOLD YER BREATH!

[C10]

Hey thanks for all the input. I talked to my brother last night and he said he has changed springs before so we're gonna give it a shot this weekend. I have to wax his truck (extended cab dually) for helping me out but thats a small price to pay. Hey thanks again guys and I'll let Yall know how everything turns out.

Later,
C10

[C10]

Well guys, as you can tell by looking at my new avatar I have successfully lowered my truck. It really wasnt that hard but it was very time consuming. All in all me and my brother killed a whole saturday working on this but I'm very happy with the results. Thanks for all the advice you guys contributed. Check out my photo album for the before and after pics. I had a guy at work today tell me that it dont look like grandpa's truck anymore.....I guess thats a good thing.

Later,
C10

[4 Jaw Chuck]

Easier than it sounded right? Looks good...grandpa. :p