With the values of 67-72 GM C/K pickups on the rise, some enthusiasts are turning to GM’s 3rd generation or “Square-Body” pickups. In production for 15 years, “Square Body” pickups are more plentiful than prior generations. Though they have always been popular, you can still find a great example for less than $10,000. The stylish body style also lends itself nicely to customization. The wheel openings will seemingly accept any wheel and tire combination. Of course, the sky is the limit as far as drivetrain combinations. You can retain the existing seventies/eighties small or big block, or swap in an LS engine with room to spare for turbos. One important benefit is that 73-87 interiors are a bit more spacious than second gens thanks to an increase in wheelbase and relocated fuel tanks. Our favorite “Square Body” feature is that they trigger the right memories. Remember the “Indy Hauler Official Truck” from Cannonball Run? It was a 1979 GMC Sierra Classic 35 3+3. It was the epitome of cool with a screamin’ chicken on the hood, shiny Alcoa wheels, and “too many” driving lights. Lee Majors and Heather Thomas drove around in a long bed “Square Body” in the “Fall Guy” while officer John Baker drove a stepside in “CHiPs.” Those two trucks were four wheel drive, but you get the idea. If the Bandit drove a pickup instead of a Trans Am, it would be a Square Body.
RideTech just picked up this sweet 1987 Fleetside for the last step in the 73-87 series’ StreetGRIP R&D program called the “validation” phase. Though we had a truck for the prototype phase, we purchased a separate vehicle in order to perform a full installation. The validation phase is our last opportunity to install parts in the same manner as you, our customers. We take photos, write instructions, and — once the truck is all together — drive the heck out of it. It is a regular occurrence to see a RideTech R&D vehicle driving on our test track and throughout the streets of Jasper, Ind. The validation process was a success as StreetGRIP parts are now in stock. You can consider this article the official StreetGRIP product launch for 73-87 GM pickups.
This particular truck is by no means perfect. The chassis is covered with decades of crud and the interior is well-worn. On the plus side, the truck is all original with rust-free sheetmetal and miles of character. 1987 was the only year that fuel injection was offered. Follow along as we show you a few highlights from the installation process!
Click HERE for more information about 1973-1987 Chevrolet Pickup StreetGRIP Suspension Systems
Click HERE for more information about 1973-1987 Chevrolet Pickup StreetGRIP Suspension Systems
How much and where I can get one?
Hi Paul! Follow the link in the article, or go here for more information: https://ridetech.com/store/1973-1987-c10-streetgrip-system.html
It looks like you guys have 20’s on your test truck have you compared the vehicle visually from stock? Do you have a ques for how much drop you get out of the kit? Maybe about equal to a 4/6 drop since you are doing the rear axle flip. Major point being is there any room for adjustment. Could one use a rear spacer to get the axle up more, or a 3 inch drop spindle to get lower in the front? I know you do a lot of testing would you be throwing off the geometry to much?
Correct, those are 245/45/20’s front and rear which are about 28.6″ tall. Fender to ground measures about 28″ all the way around. This is as low as you can drive these trucks in the back and still maintain adequate compression travel between the pumpkin and the bed floor.