Front Coilovers for GMT400 < $350

[454SSguy]

I know some people have asked about this, I am one of them for sure. Keep in mind that all the numbers I've come up with are for BBC trucks. I've also got a couple of other threads I'm gonna site as well. I'm not enitrely clear on 1 set of shocks and the springs that they use. But here you guys go. For the guys who dont like to read, here ya go

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HAL-GE401-10350C/

These should drop an SS truck about 3" with a spring spacer. Probably only about 2" for a SBC truck. The spring spacer used was a 1" spacer so i'd assume if you don't use it, just add 1" to the drop. The only thing you have to do is enlarge the shock holes at the lower shock mount for the shock to fit. These are non-adjustable so for you guys who aren't going to the track and want to just drop your truck 2-3" and make it handle much better, here ya go. But for the rest of us...

Here are some alternatives I've found. Keep in mind these spring rates are for SS trucks with BBC. I have not confirmed that these springs work with these shocks, I (or someone in the US) need to call summit and confirm this. I notice in a couple of threads ( Links at the bottom) that the springs that come with the kit are not the same size top to bottom. I think you could get away with using a regular coil over spring but I need someone else to chime in on this. Ok so Part Numbers....

Shocks

Non-Adjustable
QA1 - GE501 $339 Kit w/ Springs (can't buy this shock, have to buy kit) Kit number GE501 - 10550C for 10 x 550lb springs
This kit comes with 550lb springs that will work for our trucks. SBC trucks may need a little less spring.

Single Adjustable
QA1-GS501 - $179ea - $358 a Pair I don't know the difference between the GS501 and GMP3?
Kit w/ 550lb springs -HAL-GS501-10550C $449
QA1-GMP3 - $199ea - $398 a Pair
Kit w/350lb springs - HAL-RGMP3350-3 $472
Heidts - Heidts CB-120 - $339 a Pair
Kit w/550lb springs, new thrust bearing, coil wrench - $539

Springs

Heidts - CQ-550-10-F (10 x 550lb) - $150 pair (I know these will work)

Double Adjustable.....Price doubles


I take no responsibility for someone breaking anything on their truck. I think these work, according to lots of research and reading threads, ect ect. Try this at your own risk, but if you do, definitely take some pictures.

Link to threads about coilovers.

http://www.454ss.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1141176712/
http://www.454ss.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1106103178/
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/general-discussion/street/176374-qa1-hal-coilovers-2.html
http://www.454ss.com/cgi-bin/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1298395184/15

 

[454SSguy]

No one cares?

 

[Devs93]

I do I do have you ordered yours yet?

 

[454SSguy]

LOL no, not yet. I'm not sure exactly what set I'm going with yet. I'd like to be able to convert the springs to a true coilover style spring not the tapered one that comes in the kit. For that I'd have to build some spring cups, any info on doing this?

 

[Devs93]

Maybe modify some bag cups?

 

[FastOrange]

So im confused, if you order that kit, and have stock suspension, your truck is at 3" drop right away? so then my truck would be at 5" drop because i already have 2" spindles?

 

[454SSguy]

The 3 "drop was on a BBC truck. So I'd be guessing but I'd say it drop about another 2", but that's just a guess. I do have another question. I'm gonna be around 4"-5" drop up front for ride height. Should I go ahead and flip the UCA's and get new ball joints while I'm there or is 5" not enough drop to merit the flip?

 

[Devs93]

My front is 5 and Im good what I wood prob be worried bout with a bbc is how low is ur oil pan gonna be

 

[454SSguy]

I hadn't even thought of that. Crap. I wonder how low I can go before it's an issue.

 

[Devs93]

Not sure but I think you are the only one on here with a lowered bbc