1973-87 Chevy Pickup Front Dropmember, Level 1 Coilover
The 1973-87 Chevy Pickup Front Dropmember Coilover suspension system is designed to replace the factory cross-member and steering system. It is engineered as a modular bolt-in unit that requires no welding.
When combined with a 2.5” drop spindle, 29” tall tire, and Porterbuilt Tubular Control Arms, the Level 1 Front will set the bottom of the cab approx. 7-9" inches off the ground at ride height.
Ride Height - 7-9"
1973-87 Dropmember Level 1 Front Coilover
The Version 7, Level 1 Front Dropmember system for 1973-87 Chevy Pickups is designed to replace the factory cross-member and steering system. Engineered as a modular bolt-in unit, its advantages include:
- - Revised suspension geometry for improved performance and ride quality
- - Rack and pinion steering for increased steering response
- - Proper wheel center-line placement (sets the wheel center-line in the middle of the wheel well opening for a more balanced look)
- - Narrowed trac-width (Level 1 narrows the trac- width approx. .25” per side)
- - Added ground clearance over factory components
- - Retains factory inner fenders
When combined with a 2.5” drop spindle, 29” tall tire, and Porterbuilt Tubular Control Arms, the Level 1 Front will set the bottom of the cab approx. 7-9" inches off the ground at ride height.
The Level 1 requires the use of a 30" column.
Basic Kit Includes:
- - Main crossmember assembly (Dropmember)
- - Inner truss support system
- - Core support crossmember
- - Grade 8 hardware for installation
Does NOT come powdercoated. All parts come raw.
The Version 7 Dropmember coilover system is only compatible with Porterbuilt Tubular Control Arms.
The Version 7 Dropmember coilover system DOES NOT require modification of the factory inner fenders.
The Version 7 Dropmember coilover system requires the Rack & Pinion Hardware kit.
Designed to be paired with our Dropmember Level 1 Rear.
Options & Upgrades
Porterbuilt Motor Mounts (required)
Porterbuilt motor mounts bolt directly to the block and include all hardware necessary for installation. Available in a variety of configurations:
Small Block Chevy, SBC
Big Block Chevy, BBC
LS GEN3
LT
Porterbuilt Tubular Control Arms (required)
Porterbuilt tubular control arms are built using thick-wall DOM tubing and CNC cut 3/16 pickeled plate steel. All bushing pivot tubes and ball joint cups are TIG welded.
Rack & Pinion
Unisteer Rack & Pinion kits have everything you need to switch over to a standard ratio rack & pinion. Available in power or manual. Don't forget to add hoses and steering linkage.
Rack & Pinion Hardware (required)
The rack and pinion hardware kit connects the steering rack to the Dropmember and tie rod ends to the spindles. Includes billet rack mount bushings, high-quality rod ends, mis-alignment spacers, and custom machined tie rod adjuster sleeves.
Ridetech Coilovers
Ridetech Handling Quality (“HQ”) Coilover Series - The HQ coil-over allows the driver to tune and adjust the shock performance and/or ride quality at the turn of a knob located on the shock body. The HQ series is a rebound single adjustable shock.
Ridetech Track Quality (“TQ”) Coilover Series - The TQ coilover has a single rebound adjustment and a DUAL stage [high speed and low speed] compression adjustment. It uses a remote reservoir that is connected with a 30" braided line for easy installation in a variety of installation applications.
Sway Bar
This 1.25″ OD swaybar is manufactured by Porterbuilt, and is available for factory crossmember and Dropmember equipped trucks. It includes all mounting hardware.
Spindles & Brakes
CPP 2" Modular Drop Spindles - One-piece nodular iron design with pressed in alloy steel axle pin; installs with no modifications; allows early years to update to larger bearing. Lowers your truck 2" without moving the wheels out.
CPP Modular™ Drop Spindle Wheel Kits - Available in 5 or 6 lug, comes with 2" drop spindles, 12" rotors, and Wilwood calipers.
Wilwood Forged Narrow Superlite 6R Big Brake Front Brake Kit (Hub) - Billet forged six-piston calipers with 14” rotors deliver the ultimate combination for braking power and style. These kits require the use of 18” and larger wheels. Only available for 5 lug applications.
Porterbuilt Transmission Crossmember
Porterbuilt transmission crossmembers are built using thick-wall 1.5" OD tubing and CNC cut 3/16 pickeled plate steel. Includes the necessary grade 8 hardware for installation.
An Energy Suspension transmission mounts is necessary. We recommend one of the two below for GM transmissions:
Energy Suspension 3.1108G GM Transmission Mount
Energy Suspension 3.1158G GM Transmission Mount - Short
Tech Information:
We recommend a 2-piece driveshaft for all Level 3 Dropmember kits.
All Dropmember kits require the use of a 30" steering column.
LS Engine swaps require the use of a "muscle car" pan such as the Holley 302-2 or GM pan.
Holley 302-2 Oil Pan