My pops passed away and left me his work truck (1990 C1500 5.7L 350 V8) and I've passed it onto my husband for his work truck.

However, theres some issues I'm having with it and am hoping ya'll might be able to help me out.

I'll start with the least important to me and work up

1. I'm wanting to lower the bed about 1.5'' what do you think would be my best/cheapest route? I've thought about taking a leaf spring out but I do unintentional burnouts as it is and am concerned taking even the smallest leaf spring out would cause the assend to bounce around and potential rearend damage.

2. I'm needing to replace the intake gaskets. Now, I've only done this once before on a 99 Tahoe with the vortec and let me tell ya, that was a blitch. I'm complete shade-tree here, while I've got just about every tool one person could need I'm needing to see if anyone has any type of walk through for me for this 1500, or can point me in another direction than Haynes (Which I do have and have read. It just lacks the pretty pictures )

Much appreciated.

 

It's good to hear you fixing up dad's old truck! As far as lowering the back some you can buy lowering shackles. They are usually adjustable from 1 or 2 inches so you won't get 1 1/2. Usually the 2 inch setting sits the truck nice and level.
The intake gasket isn't as bad as the one you did on your 99 Tahoe. The TBI trucks like you have are real similar to doing an old carb manifold. You shouldn't really need a step by step, just go at it and get it off. I can provide torque specs and tightening sequence when your ready. Good luck!

 

Thanks! So I did a little surfing and found Eibach Springs Body Lowering Kit that includes 2 Shackles - w / 1.5'' Drop (also found it w/ the 2'' drop) for roughly 82 before shipping. Would that work? Any brand preferences?

Another issue I'm having -- My fan clutch is just got too much play in it. I'm wanting to just bypass it with a flex fan. Should run me roughly 100 for the fan and spacers through Auto Zone. Comments? Advice? Difficulty?

 

Shackles aren't a real intricate part so any name brand will do the job. I have used them from suspension max and have had good luck.
Personally I would not put a flex fan - they are noisy! I would put a new clutch and call it a day. Make sure the play is not in the water pump. Good luck!