1973-1987 C10 Lowering Guide
Lowering your 1973-1987 GM C10/C15 Truck
Are you ready to give your 1973-1987 GM C10/C15 truck a sleek, aggressive stance while enhancing its handling and performance? Lowering your classic GM truck not only enhances its visual appeal but also improves its drivability and road grip. At UMI Performance, we understand the needs of performance-conscious truck enthusiasts. With our precision-engineered suspension components, designed and tested by our team of experts with racing experience, you can achieve a perfect balance of style and functionality. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to lower your C10/C15 truck using premium, made-in-the-USA products, ensuring both quality and reliability. Get ready to transform your ride with UMI Performance.
C10 Front Lowering Essentials
C10 Front Spring Options
UMI C10 2" Drop Lowering Springs
UMI's 2" front lowering spring kit features a robust 900 lb/in spring rating, perfect for daily driving, cornering, and hauling. These springs offer a firm yet comfortable ride with excellent handling. Built with premium materials and a durable black powder coat finish, they ensure long-lasting performance. Proudly made in the USA, UMI springs provide a controlled ride without the floating sensation.
UMI C10 Front Coilover Kit
Transform your driving experience with UMI's Squarebody Front Coilover Kit. Engineered for both street and performance enthusiasts, our kit features 850 lb/in race-proven coilover springs and Viking double-adjustable shocks for superior handling and a smoother ride.
Lowering Springs VS Front Coilovers
The table below compares the key aspects of linear springs and coilover setups for the 1964-1972 A-Body platform, highlighting the pros and cons of each option. This comparison will help you understand the differences and make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Interested in running front coilovers on your C10?
| Feature | Lowering Springs | Coilover Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower initial cost | Higher initial cost |
| Installation Complexity | Easier installation | More complex installation |
| Adjustability | Fixed ride height | Adjustable ride height |
| Ride Quality | May result in a stiffer ride | Typically offers better ride quality with adjustability |
| Performance | Improved handling but limited | Superior handling and performance |
| Durability | Less durable under high stress | More durable, designed for performance |
| Maintenance | Lower maintenance | Higher maintenance |
| Compatibility | Direct replacement for stock springs | Requires additional modifications or components |
| Purpose | Best for budget-friendly lowering | Best for performance and adjustability |
C10 2.5" Drop Spindles
Another effective method for lowering a C10/C15 truck is to install drop spindles. This approach is particularly advantageous for those seeking a more significant reduction in ride height without compromising suspension geometry.
Benefits of Drop Spindles:
- Minimal Suspension Impact: Lowering the truck without changing the spring rates helps maintain ride comfort and handling dynamics.
- Increased Wheel Clearance: Allows for larger wheel and tire combinations without rubbing issues.
- Versatile Options: Available in various drop heights, typically between 1 to 3 inches.
Together, our 2" lowering springs and 2.5" drop spindles provide a 4.5" Front drop on the 1973-1987 C10 platform.
Note: Drop spindles require a 1.25" thick brake disc compared to the base 1"
C10 Lowered Sway Bar Brackets
Specifically designed for trucks not originally equipped with a front sway bar, this bracket is the perfect solution for vehicles utilizing lowering springs or a combination of lowering springs and spindles.
C10 Rear Lowering Essentials
UMI C10 Rear Shock Relocation Kit
The UMI Performance P/N 6411 rear shock relocation kit is ideal for lowered vehicles with a flip kit using stock length shocks. It features robust 3/16” thick construction, includes all necessary hardware, and has a sleek gloss black powder coat finish.
UMI C10 Rear Flip Kit
The UMI Performance P/N 6410 flip kit lowers the rear of your 1973-1987 GM C10 truck by six inches, relocating the axle above the leaf spring for a sleek, lowered look. The saddle bracket keeps the axle centered in the wheel well, maintaining the stock wheelbase. Made from durable ¼” plate steel and secured with heavy-duty ⅝” U-bolts, this kit is built to last. It features a gloss black powder coat finish and includes brackets, stand-offs, U-bolts, and polyurethane bump stops.
UMI C10 C-Notch Frame Kit
Needed when dropping the rear greater than 6 inches
UMI's bolt-in frame notch kit improves axle clearance for trucks lowered over 6". Made from durable 3/16" laser-cut steel, it includes premium hardware and poly bump stops. The design requires factory frame notching but avoids cutting bed reinforcement rails. An inner support plate acts as a template, and a gloss black powder coat ensures lasting protection.
