photographer: Chuck Lombardo, Jr.
Dropping a late-model sport truck is simply a matter of bolting on the latest suspension components to achieve the desired ground-pounding stance. But for our Operation Retro Ride 1979 Chevy, the process isn’t quite that simple. With nearly 20 years of road fatigue dragging them down, the suspension pieces are starting to show their age in a very big way. Basically, they need to be replaced. Once we’ve replenished all the suspension hardware using a kit from Performance Suspension Technology (PST), the truck will be given a slight suspension drop with all Belltech components.
Unlike traditional 1988-1997 Chevy 1/2-ton trucks, whose lower control arms need to be trimmed when used in conjunction with dropped spindles, the 1973-1987 Chevy trucks don’t require the lower lip of the control arm to be hacked off. This not only simplifies the suspension drop but makes it a true bolt-on affair, with no cutting required for a moderate lowering.
Since Operation Retro Ride was undergoing its exterior metamorphosis at California Street Rods (CSR), we had the shop complete all our suspension work. Follow along as we get our beloved Chevy one step closer to smooth and stable road travel.