Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

Considering lowering the '74 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD next month and not feeling the LMC Truck $150 bucks price tag for their spring hangers.

The goal is 2" drop in the front (via shorter springs) and a complementary 4" drop in the rear with new shackles and spring hangers, new shorter shocks all around, etc.

Since we need to cut off the rivets to get the factory spring hangers off, why can't we just drill some new holes in the frame and re mount them higher using some grade 8 bolts? It seems to me like there is room to move them up 2" easy?

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

When I get around to it that was my plan to drill out the rivets and remount the hangers up a couple of inches.

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

I dont see why you couldn't as long as there is room to without hitting the bed. Just make sure you get both sides the same or else youll have a mean gangsta lean...

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

Absolutely. I've done a dozen or so that way over the last 30 years.

For the rear spring hanger if you put the bottom hole of the hanger (what was) the top hole on the frame - that will be three inches. You will, however, need to add some support for the bottom of the hanger, which I do by shooting the spring shackle eye bolt all the way through the rail (with an appropriate length spacer).

The front hanger will need to come straight up even though the hanger is in a "V"configuration. Be careful here because any error fore/aft can result in a skewed rear axle and dogtracking.

K

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

Most of you may already know I followed my truck down the assembly line as it was being built.

I knew that a 3/8" grade 8 bolt was the factory repair for a miss hit or missing rivet; since I knew I was going to be lowering my truck by relocating the hangers I asked the guys on the line if they would use all bolts to put the hangers on.

They wouldn't do it....so I had to cut the rivets just like every time before.

I cussed 'em out with each rivet that I knocked loose.

K

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

I'll bet you did!

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

Wow, Keith thank you so much, not only did you explain it well and show pics, but it's you man, The Factoryman, what a great resource you are, and I didn't even think of mounting the shackles higher, so thanks for the spacer tip

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

Wow, sounds like you had as much pull as me at my job after 20 years, lol, good to see not much as changed in companies over the last quarter century (they don't listen to you but then come to you to fix it)

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

so this with a axle flip and say 3 leaves will net what?

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

About 8in.

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

On Ford F100's it is a common trick to flip the mount.

Be sure to use grade 8 hardware with lock washers, and nuts.

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

if you want a factory lowering hanger... I recommend the solution I found while scouring the bone yard... ever found a lowering spring hanger for a suburban... that's cause there isn't one :)
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...8&postcount=97

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

^^^so with the suburban shackles do they mount in the c10 factory spots/position? is your truck posted in the pic running the springs above the axle,or with an axle flip?

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

On his page Clint says "They dont bolt in, but you can use one of the factory holes, and drill the rest and add 3/8 grade 8 hardware."

My question is are they rivitted in on the 'Burbans or bolted on, I can't see myself grinding off rivets at Pick N Pull with a cordless angle grinder, so I'm hoping for bolts.

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

nope they are riveted... its easy to cut off rivets. maybe 1-2 minutes of grinding per rivet plus a good metal chisel. all you need to do is cut an X on the head and knock off the remaining bits.. once that X is cut.. its relatively easy.
clint

Re: Can We Remount Stock Spring Hangers To Lower Truck?
 

^^^axle flip or no axle flip?:smoke: