removing rear leafs
 

I have a 86 c10 swb with a belltech 3/4 lowering kit. I have already removed the overload leaf and 2 other leafs, my question is i have seen some trucks with only 3 leafs in the rear. can i do this and remove 2 more leafs in the back of my truck? i dont want to do a flip kit since i already bought and installed the shakle and hanger kit. please let me know what you guys think. thanks.

Re: removing rear leafs
 

No, it will be to soft unless you are going to run bags.

Re: removing rear leafs
 

unless you plan on running an air over leaf set up I wouldn't recommend it....

Re: removing rear leafs
 

You will end up with serious spring wrap issues by taking too many leaves away from the pack.

Re: removing rear leafs
 

but i was thinking of still leaving 3 leafs that can't be done?

Re: removing rear leafs
 

I removed all but 3 on my '80 short fleet...it is very soft and will hit the bump stops, I can also feel the axle wrap when taking off and full throttle second gear shifts...and I only have a 305....
I'm eventually going to flip the axle and bag it....

Re: removing rear leafs
 

I too only have 3 leafs on my 82. It is a very soft ride. Too soft. I don't think you could put more than 300lbs in the bed and be on the bump stops. Also you would need very good shocks to control the bounce. As far as axle wrap I haven't really noticed any. Then again I am still breaking in the new engine. I haven't got on it very hard.

Re: removing rear leafs
 

well i think im going to be doing an air-over-leaf setup but not right now and i really want to lower my truck some more so you guys think i can get away with it for a lil while?

Re: removing rear leafs
 

You'll still have axle wrap issues, but a traction bar will solve that.

Re: removing rear leafs
 

yeah, mine is a daily driver, just don't try to haul much weight....

Re: removing rear leafs
 

IDK how much drop you are looking for, from your image it looks like 5-7. So you could order a new set of leafs from a company. I got mine from brothers and i got a 4 but you could get a 5 inch drop and combine with your shackels and get about a 6-7 inch drop and not totally ruin the ride quality. Mine is great. I put drop shocks on it and can still haul a full load with 4 springs and one overload. I think rearched is the way to go in the rear. If you want to spend the money just notch and bag it.

Re: removing rear leafs
 

A flip kit is so cheap. The best way and the cheapest way is to weld new springs perches on. It would cost like $20-$30? Not sure what the perches go for now.

Re: removing rear leafs
 

I am installing a flip kit this week on my truck and it should be very low I will take some before and after pics.