88 R1500 Suburban - How to go back to stock height?

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HeavyHalf

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Hello everyone. I just picked up a 1988 2WD GMC Suburban with a half completed lowering job (the front was done but not the back). I'm looking to revert the front back to standard ride height, but I'm having trouble finding what I need (and where to get it) online. I know that I need spindles, but are there other associated components that are also needed? Additionally, I seem to only be able to find lowering spindles when I search for this specific model, but find stock height when I look for the pickup variant (1987 C10 for example). Will the ones for a 73-87 C10 work on mine?

Photo of how she sits currently:
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Vbb199

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Have you just tried the auto parts store for spindles?
Not trying to be sarcastic.

If I'm thinking about it correctly, it's definitely the spindles that must be changed.
The front coils have probably either been cut, or changed out.
 

HeavyHalf

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Have you just tried the auto parts store for spindles?
Not trying to be sarcastic.

If I'm thinking about it correctly, it's definitely the spindles that must be changed.
The front coils have probably either been cut, or changed out.

Thanks for the info. I didn't take it sarcastically. Really I'm open to any advice I can get.

While I didn't go to a parts store, I did look online at Napa, Auto Zone, Advance, and Pep Boys (pretty much all that would be local to me), and the results I"m getting back are all either spindle nuts, or bearings (no actual spindle assemblies).
 

idahovette

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Bob, did the PO throw the originals away or can you find out?
 

idahovette

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Thanks for the info. I didn't take it sarcastically. Really I'm open to any advice I can get.

While I didn't go to a parts store, I did look online at Napa, Auto Zone, Advance, and Pep Boys (pretty much all that would be local to me), and the results I"m getting back are all either spindle nuts, or bearings (no actual spindle assemblies).
I think these are what GM called hard parts and you won't find them in "parts" stores. More likely in junk yards?
 

HeavyHalf

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Bob, did the PO throw the originals away or can you find out?

Good point, I sent him a message. We'll see if he gets back to me.


I think these are what GM called hard parts and you won't find them in "parts" stores. More likely in junk yards?

Thanks, I may have to go the route of junkyard. I would still need to know if the earlier 2WD trucks interchange with the 88 Suburban though I guess.
 

HeavyHalf

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Good point, I sent him a message. We'll see if he gets back to me.

He scrapped them, but said he would buy the lowering parts back from me if I took them off, so that's something.
 

Poppy 87

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Not sure about the suburbans, but the pickups had 2 different spindles. The brake rotor thickness determines which is correct. The rotors are either 1" or 1.25" thick. Find out what your suburban has before you go shopping
 

Vbb199

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Thanks for the info. I didn't take it sarcastically. Really I'm open to any advice I can get.

While I didn't go to a parts store, I did look online at Napa, Auto Zone, Advance, and Pep Boys (pretty much all that would be local to me), and the results I"m getting back are all either spindle nuts, or bearings (no actual spindle assemblies).
I believe like the man said, it is hard parts. I browsed rock auto, I didn't see anything.
 

RoryH19

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Pickups will be the same, make sure they are both 1/2 ton. You have 5 lug I assume?
Also there are 2 main ways to lower. Either with spindles or springs. Do you know for sure it was just the spindles?
Also ones from the 80s will work, not 100% sure about the earlier squares.
You probably also have the 1.25" rotors since you have a heavy 1/2.
 

HeavyHalf

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Pickups will be the same, make sure they are both 1/2 ton. You have 5 lug I assume?
Also there are 2 main ways to lower. Either with spindles or springs. Do you know for sure it was just the spindles?
Also ones from the 80s will work, not 100% sure about the earlier squares.
You probably also have the 1.25" rotors since you have a heavy 1/2.

Yes, they are 5 lug wheels. I don't know if it was just the spindles.

In doing some more research it looks like the 1/2 ton Vans of this era would also work. I may have a line on a set of spindles if that's the case.

Thanks everyone!
 

HeavyHalf

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This is how she sits now. I got a set of new (30+ year old) take-off spindles, new springs, and shocks and we're back in business. Thanks you all for your help!
 

RedBeard_83

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This is how she sits now. I got a set of new (30+ year old) take-off spindles, new springs, and shocks and we're back in business. Thanks you all for your help!
Still got the lowering spindles ? I'd be interested if you did

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
 

Shorty81

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This is how she sits now. I got a set of new (30+ year old) take-off spindles, new springs, and shocks and we're back in business. Thanks you all for your help!
Wow, that looks so much better!!
 

Grit dog

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Sweet rig!
Personally I was diggin the slammed look, but what you did is more functional fo sho.
 

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