lowering 72 rear leafs
 

Looking for help on lowering my 72C10, s/b, s/s that has rear leafs. I am installing 2 1/2 drop spindles, and would like to lower the rear 4-5". What are my options?

Also, what size wheel tire combos work well, the same size front and rear, that will fill up the wheel well, and big bite on the rear. please include offset on the wheel size.

thanks

sledge_hammer:canada:

Us guys that run leafs rather than coils on the rear are few and far between. I'll be curious to see what replies you get since I am doing exactly the same thing. I have heard of the following options: extended rear shackle to drop 2" and de-arch springs 2"-3"; flip kit for rear end that drops 6" (too much for me); re-engineered lowering leafs to drop 4". I am sure there are other ways too. I plan on running 18 X 8 all the way around with about 5" back spacing. I won't lower the rear until I get the wheels and tires on to determine the amount of drop I want.

Early Classic Enterprise sells dropped leave. I would use stock leaves and put a flip kit on the rear, like the 73- 87 stuff. It will probably require a c-notch,... but it will be nice and LOW!

sledge_hammer 15"x10" wheels with 275/60/15 tires running with a 4"-4 1/2" backspace works great, keeps the tire at a 27"-28" height which keeps the speedometer correct by using same height tire as originals were and they fill out the wheel opening nicely, if you use the 4 1/4"-4 1/2" backspace 295/60/15's will also fit the majority of times without ever rubbing but I have seen them scrub the edges on underneath side on a few trucks when hitting a harsh bump.
Several options on dropping it that low in the rear, lowered leaf springs, de-arch original springs, pull 2-3 leafs out of current leaf springs and add a 2" drop shackle, flip the axle up on top of springs rather than underneath by removing leaf spring saddles from top rearend by cutting welds then re-welding on the bottom of axle tubes.
GMCPaul

Ya I think us leaf springs guys are screwed!!! I think the only thing we can do is a 3/4" drop for around $300. Unless you want to go with the Early Classics dearched springs. Then you'll have over $500 in it.

up date
 

I have now removed the second spring from the top. This has lowered the truck, I guess about 3". The back now sits lower than the front, which is good, as I have not installed the 2 1/2 drop spindles yet. There is about 6 1/5" between the axel and frame, which I am sure will settle after driving. There is also room to use drop shackles that would give another 1 1/2 to 2 ", and if you cannot find them pre fabed, you could have a local machine shop build for you. I had to have new u-bolts made, as there were none to be found in town. 6 1/2 " long, square top. These cost me $54 for all four with nuts. In the process of dismantling the springs, I found 2 broken leafs, which I found at the local wrecker for $10 each. You will also need 2 each, 3/8 NF nuts for the retainer bolt, (centering bolt on spring). Untill I drive the truck, will not know how the shocks are doing. This has been an inexpensive lower so far. If you are doing this, you may consider having your main leaf, (the top) re-tuned to your specs, should only cost about $10 each says the shop that did my u-bolts. Do think about the amount you wish to lower, as any further will require you to notch the frame.

Will keep you informed...:canada:

Sweet another leaf lower ! I had my leaf springs dearched 3" and then I ran a 2" drop shackle from Western Chassis. The total bill for the spring work was $115Cdn. with tax that included all the U bolts and nuts new bushings and the dearching (20 per side)


Do you have any pics ?


Later Dude.

all i have so far on my rear leaf is a 1 1/2 inch drop shackle, i wanna do the axle flip baaaaad then get spindles on the front..its allready got coils on the front, but with 275 60s all the way around i might have rubbing issues, forsure on the front right?

I have a '69 chevy with leaf springs and I had them de-arced with bell tech drop shackles and the axle flipped and the ride was pretty nice although like was mention above i did have problems with big bumps. Have since removed all that stuff and build a 4-link rear air suspension and C notched the frame. That will make it right, and I am using 20x8 all around. If any one needs any of my old parts feel free to write me back.

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