The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > General Truck Forums > Suspension

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-20-2014, 03:27 PM   #1
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

OK.. my truck is currently slammed to the ground. leaf flip kit out back and I would guess lowered with spindles and lower springs up front. I just put my 22" rims on and I'm hitting. Not so much in the back but in the front. I was thinking of the quickest fix to maybe gain an inch all around. I really love the look of the 22" and don't mind sacrificing the height a bit.. Thanks
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 03:32 PM   #2
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Swap out springs in the front and install a higher flip kit. if memory serves there are several height flip kits out there.
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 03:34 PM   #3
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

how do I measure what I have now? Thanks for the quick response too
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 03:38 PM   #4
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

This is my rear set up now



markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 05:37 PM   #5
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Looks like someone used regular spring perches to do the flip. Do you know if it has lowered shackles? The front hanger looks stock. Looks like you'll have to reverse the flip and go for shackles and possibly hangers.
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 07:26 PM   #6
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

So you are saying it's not a simple job.
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 07:42 PM   #7
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Here's the front set up


markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 07:54 PM   #8
Fatherof3
Registered User
 
Fatherof3's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: North Bend Wa
Posts: 355
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Have a spring shop add more arch to your existing rear springs or find a leaf with more arch and add it under your main leaf, but this will be trial and error on getting the right height. You can get spacers for the front springs, check off road sites for those.
__________________
65 C20 292 4spd 4:56 Eaton HO52
Fatherof3 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 07:46 PM   #9
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Easy is a relative term. I will have to admit that I haven't done many Flips so its not what I consider my specialty but by the looks of things it has what equates to a 4" drop. If you put the springs back on top and add a 2" shackle you'll have a two inch drop. I don't know if you have drop shackles so I assume its about a 4" drop. If it have shackles its probably a 6" drop and you won't have to buy new shackles to gain the 2". Lets see a side profile of the truck and a shot of the shackles.
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 08:09 PM   #10
Pro Performance
Registered User
 
Pro Performance's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: AZ
Posts: 3,069
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

For a temporary fix, a spring spacer will work in front, but would suggest to eventually switch them out to a taller (less of a drop) spring. As for the rear, it ends up being appx. a 5"-6" drop with the flip kit. The only way to raise the back, would be to flip it back as mentioned, and add a spring and hanger kit. The spring and hanger kit would yield about a 4" drop.
Pro Performance is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:12 PM   #11
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Given the way your truck was flipped it would be dropped between 4"-4.5". Your drop used replacement spring perches instead of a "real" flip kit. I won't take it from the P.O. it's a bonafide flip and so simple it eluded me but it does work. All you have to do is measure from the top of the leaf spring (at the lower spring perch) to the top of the upper spring perch and you'll know exactly how much it was lowered. Figure out how much lift you need and report back. It shouldn't take much in parts and some elbow grease to get you where you need to be.
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:15 PM   #12
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Oh yeah, what kinda truck are we working on?
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:18 PM   #13
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Thanks guys. I don't know much about it but to me it looks way lower than 4". Here's a picture with the 18" and the new 22"



Rear

Front
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:26 PM   #14
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

I can work with that!! If any thing I'd say you need to be a smidge lower in the front and panties will fly!! LOL! First off. I took a second look at your pictures and noticed you haven't cut down or completely removed your front bump stops . They have a couple of clean spots on them and a nice wrinkle so I'd assume you may be bottoming out on them. Trim the bump stops in half, drive it and see if that helps.
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:30 PM   #15
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

That's the triangle looking thing next to the spring? I can do the work..just need the direction. lol
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:32 PM   #16
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Trim it like this:
Attached Images
 
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:30 PM   #17
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

It does look a tad lower in the back than the front though... or is it me..
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-20-2014, 09:39 PM   #18
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Thanks I can do that for sure. That gives the front more travel? But will that also help with my tire rubbing.
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 01:30 AM   #19
andrewmp6
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Louisville,Ky
Posts: 5,811
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Depends where your tires are rubbing on how to fix it.Do they rub over a bump in the road or is it when your turning?
andrewmp6 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 08:02 AM   #20
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

I didn't drive to far but id have to say a little of both.
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 08:47 AM   #21
BMERDOC
Registered User
 
BMERDOC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Richmond,Va
Posts: 2,934
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

You may end up having to lose the inner fenders being that low with such a big wheel. The stock bump stops are the only thing keeping it from rubbing worse than it already is.
__________________
Nick Carter
1967 C10 Short bed Fleetside
Project Cheap Thrills!
2WD C10 Modern/Performance Alignments
Easiest Alignment Ever!
BMERDOC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 12:58 PM   #22
N2TRUX
Happy to be here
 
N2TRUX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Cypress, TX
Posts: 39,021
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

If you cut that bump stop its going to rub worse. I agree that it should be cut, but not until you resolve the rubbing issue.

Look inside your inner fender and determine where the front is rubbing. If its to the outside (which I suspect) you have too much backspace. Your going to need to raise it, mod or remove the fenderliner, or change front wheels.

If its on top, your spring is too soft, or your tire is too tall. You can add a spacer as Travis mentioned, or go to a smaller tire. new shocks might help too if your only bottoming on occasion.
__________________
Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com

Articles-

"Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab

"Elwood" the77_Remix

85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

"Refining Sierra"
N2TRUX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 01:11 PM   #23
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

I'm running 265/35 on 8.5" up front and 285/35 on 10" out back
The backspace is 4.5 on front i believe and 5 out back

I just mounted the new tires yesterday so changing tire size wouldn't be an option at this point...
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 04:28 PM   #24
SCOTI
Registered User
 
SCOTI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 22,064
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

Quote:
Originally Posted by markiemark View Post
I'm running 265/35 on 8.5" up front and 285/35 on 10" out back
The backspace is 4.5 on front i believe and 5 out backI just mounted the new tires yesterday so changing tire size wouldn't be an option at this point...
That's part of your problem.... Front wheels on these trucks that are lowered aggressively should be 5" minimum back-spacing w/any decent tire height (28"avg) to keep the edge of the tire farther away from the inside edge of the inner fender-well. I usually try for 5.50" w/8.5" front wheels.

Your front tires are 29.3" tall & the 2nd issue @ that ride height. I would yank the front springs & replace them vs doing the coil spacer which is a band-aid @ best (they're just not a permanent solution).

Flip kits are easier to do vs shackles & hangers because you don't have to remove any rivets. Get us a pic of the rear shackles so we can determine if they're OE or dropped/aftermarket. If they're dropped shackles, swapping OE shackles back in place raises the rear some (1-2" depending on the shackle). For the front swap in a known spring & trim it down from there.
__________________
67SWB-B.B.RetroRod
64SWB-Recycle
89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck
99CCSWB Driver
All Fleetsides
@rattlecankustoms in IG

Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive.
It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar.....

Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.
SCOTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-21-2014, 01:14 PM   #25
markiemark
Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 164
Re: HELP..Easiest way to raise a low truck?

My other question is how do I know what size coil to get up front if I decide to change them. I think I counted like 6 coils but I would have to re check it after this weekend.
markiemark is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:57 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com