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ok so this is my 1997 Chevrolet C1500 Silverado, 5.7 Vortec, Auto Trans..
Just got done spending a good amount of money on some new tires, and I was wondering if some people could help with some ideas to fix her up a little more.. Its true dual exhaust, no cats, with dual flowmasters with dual tips out each side behind the rear tires, k&n air filter (not cai), and a rebuilt transmission.. I was gonna lower the back with a shackle kit when i get the money, but what are somethings, cosmetic and performance wise, that could also help make it one of a kind? and the wheels are American Racing Atlas 15x8 covered with BFG Radial 255/70R15's.. I was also interested in a locking differential for the rear axle and maybe 3.55 gears.. any thoughts on that? or should i get a higher(numerically) gear, say 3.73? ANY help is much appreciated!

 

Man I love those trucks in a stepside regular cab! I would drop the rear like you mentioned to level it out. If it isn't being used for work I would get rid of the tool box and bed rails. Some nice dark window tint would set it off a bit too. I am sure you have an overdrive so a 3.73 would be a good all around gear or even a 4.10. Gears are probably the best bang for the buck for a seat of the pants difference.
Nice truck - good luck!

 

thanks man! i get thumbs up sometimes still.. the tool box and bed rails arent necessary, but some people think it ties all the chrome together.. i havent really made up my mind on whether it would look better with them off or if it would look kinda dull without them.. nuthing to set it off ya know? but ill definitely think about is.. its not a work truck but the box is sure handy for holding stuff like the jack and tire tool and other junk! it is overdrive and i noticed today that in overdrive at 70 mph, the rpms are still below 2k!! would anyone know what gears come stock? since there is no crossover in the exhaust, would an x-pipe make much difference in sound, like take the edge off or help with scavenging?

 

The shackle kit is 30 bucks at autozone. The hangers can be reused, just cut them out and reuse upside down. That will bring it down about a total of 4 inches. And I would go 4.10 gears. These trucks can take high rpms at cruise but, 2400 at 70 is not high at all. Nice truck though!

 

Look in your glove box at the white sticker with all the codes. Go to the "G" section and you should see either
Rear Axle Ratio
GQ1 -- AXLE REAR, STD RATIO
GT4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.73 RATIO
GT5 -- AXLE REAR, 4.10 RATIO
GU4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.08 RATIO
GU5 -- AXLE REAR, 3.23 RATIO
GU6 -- AXLE REAR, 3.42 RATIO
G80 -- AXLE REAR, LIMITED SLIP (POSITRACTION)
HC4 -- AXLE REAR, 4.56 RATIO

 

Damn Ruffneck I guess you can teach an old dog...I have lowered dozens of these truck for myself and other people and never knew you could flip the hanger. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

 

Lol yeah I found that out not too long ago also.

 

Sorry I'm kicking a dead horse, but I didnt want to make a new thread when I already had one.. Well Ive decided on a 2/4 lowering kit from DJM... Definitely making it a large DIY project. I'm also thinking about some new wheels, either the Cragar Black D Windows or something similiar...what is the max backspacing I would need? How far back can I tuck them if I drop lower later on? I plan on getting the 15x8 with 5 inch backspacing.. they come in many backspacing options so I can correct it if they wont fit since I havent placed an order yet.. and also, would I need to order the Calmax Drop Shocks as well? are they necessary? And I will definitely get a front end alignment when I drop it.

 

ok well scratch the wheels... not getting them.. just wondering if i need new shocks with the lowering kit or not. and sorry for a double post.