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-   -   What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring (https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=582277)

ScottH 05-29-2013 02:18 PM

What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
Wanting to drop an 83 swb fleetside truck about 3/3 drop.
I will go springs in the front but not sure what is the easiest & least expensive way to drop the rear.

Also can I keep stock shocks with this drop?

Any info or suggestions r appreciated.

Thanks
Scott

74 stepside 05-29-2013 02:32 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
3" drop spindle in front and new longer rear spring shackle. Once you drop it a couple inches, you will want to drop it more...

tex_waco_usmc 05-29-2013 02:44 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
Not to hi-jack, more to add to this cause I am interested in the same: Where does one go about getting the drop shackles and hangers for the rear?

ScottH 05-29-2013 10:35 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
Any other info would be appreciated.

Also curious about the shocks.

Thanks
Scott

DREAMER1 05-29-2013 10:50 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
Option one is to rearrange your overload leaf to the top instead of the bottom of the pack. It'll give you a couple of inches that way. And you can still use your factory shocks. It rides ok, but you can't carry anything heavy.

Option 2 is a flip kit with shock extenders which will give you more inches, a better ride and you can load your truck the same way have been. (Recommended) about $90

Also recommend drop spindles instead of springs only to get 3"
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f.monroe 05-29-2013 10:58 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
If your axle is still mounted under the leaf springs then moving the overload will not result in any drop at all. Only if you are running the axle on top of the springs ( flipped) will it add drop. The easiest way to get a three inch drop will be using hangers and shackles(3 or 4 inch drop) or you can buy drop springs that replace the factory spring packs to give a 3 or 4 inch drop. The drop leafs have become a little harder to find but I ran them on two trucks and loved them.
Frank
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ScottH 05-29-2013 11:26 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
thanks guys!

DREAMER1 05-29-2013 11:29 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
When I got my truck
http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/...x/099bf574.jpg

After cutting one round on my front springs and rearranging the overload leaf at the rear. It does lower it. No where near as much as a flip kit or shackles and hangers, but the OP was only wanting a 3/3
http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/...x/e2ae95d2.jpg
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Mikec10 05-29-2013 11:53 PM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 74 stepside (Post 6096588)
3" drop spindle in front and new longer rear spring shackle. Once you drop it a couple inches, you will want to drop it more...

Yeah x2 Lol

Bought my truck, couple months after put 2.5' spindles and 2.5" springs, shackle hanger kit removed a leaf or 2 dont remember... And now its getting bagged...

ScottH 05-30-2013 12:24 AM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
dreamer1, how much did u cut off ur front springs to get that drop?
Also the truck I am getting had a 6 cyl in it originally, I am putting a sbc in it.
Will this affect the height as well?

DREAMER1 05-30-2013 07:27 AM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
I cut exactly one coil off the spring. My truck came as a 6 from the factory, but somebody had already swapped in an 8 before I got it. I'm sure it effects ride height, but how much I don't kno.

I'm in the same boat as Mikec10...my trucks in the process of getting bags now too. Lol
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f.monroe 05-30-2013 08:12 AM

Re: What is the easiest way to drop rear w/leaf spring
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by DREAMER1 (Post 6097689)
When I got my truck
http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/...x/099bf574.jpg

After cutting one round on my front springs and rearranging the overload leaf at the rear. It does lower it. No where near as much as a flip kit or shackles and hangers, but the OP was only wanting a 3/3
http://i1241.photobucket.com/albums/...x/e2ae95d2.jpg
Posted via Mobile Device

I see . You put the overload on top of the main spring. If I were going to move it then I would just take it out. The drop will be the thickness of the overload spring.
Frank
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