`71 leaf lowering.... HELP! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71red · 01-07-2011, 07:56 PM

Much needed help. I have a 1971 GMC 1500 2 wheel drive with leaf rear. I want to drop the truck 4.5/6 (front/rear) or somewhere really close. I fully expect to c-notch the rear and I have the spindles and springs for the front.

My problem is that I can`t seem to find anywhere (in the forums and online) any flip kits for this year. I even visited a couple of offroad/specialty shops and they tell me this is going to be a custom setup and most likely going to have to chop up my bed. I did find 1 brief write up on a DIY flip with home made saddles. Is this the only way for me to go? And is it safe?

Thanks for any and all input in advance!
Now let`s git this thing in the grass!!!

bedsled71 · 01-07-2011, 10:28 PM

if you can weld.. then buy some spring saddles. set it up, set your pinion angle and burn them in... if you do the other styles make sure the ends fit right up into the bottom of the stock saddles... the alignment hole for the center spring bolt needs to be off center for this application too

71red · 01-08-2011, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedsled71

if you can weld.. then buy some spring saddles. set it up, set your pinion angle and burn them in... if you do the other styles make sure the ends fit right up into the bottom of the stock saddles... the alignment hole for the center spring bolt needs to be off center for this application too

What do you mean about "ends fitting up" ?
Thanks

BTW Found that DJM kit for 70-72 @ http://djmfactorystore.com/shop/arti...%3DFK1012-5%26
Thanks 5150.4.67!!!

butternut1972 · 01-08-2011, 12:00 AM

Have you checked bell tech? I have one in my truck and it works good.

5150.4.67 · 01-08-2011, 02:20 AM

I did just that. Welded on new saddles with dropped spring shackles from ECE. Done-ski.....
Oh, I think DJM Suspension might have flip kits.......

5150.4.67 · 01-08-2011, 02:52 AM

Yup, DJM has em. Part# FK1012

SCOTI · 01-08-2011, 01:58 PM

A true 67-72 kit would be the easist 'no modification' approach. A 73-87 kit would prob work w/some slight grinding on the 'U'/flip saddles so they fit within the OE leaf mounts (IIRC, the 71-72 leafs were 2.25" w, the 73-87's are 2.5" w).

71red · 01-08-2011, 02:19 PM

AWESOME! thanks for the feed back! I will check into these options. As far as pinion angle. what should that be?

01-07-2011, 07:56 PM	#1
71red Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: The Bay, CA Posts: 29	`71 leaf lowering.... HELP! Much needed help. I have a 1971 GMC 1500 2 wheel drive with leaf rear. I want to drop the truck 4.5/6 (front/rear) or somewhere really close. I fully expect to c-notch the rear and I have the spindles and springs for the front. My problem is that I can`t seem to find anywhere (in the forums and online) any flip kits for this year. I even visited a couple of offroad/specialty shops and they tell me this is going to be a custom setup and most likely going to have to chop up my bed. I did find 1 brief write up on a DIY flip with home made saddles. Is this the only way for me to go? And is it safe? Thanks for any and all input in advance! Now let`s git this thing in the grass!!!

01-07-2011, 10:28 PM	#2
bedsled71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: yuma arizona Posts: 448	Re: `71 leaf lowering.... HELP! if you can weld.. then buy some spring saddles. set it up, set your pinion angle and burn them in... if you do the other styles make sure the ends fit right up into the bottom of the stock saddles... the alignment hole for the center spring bolt needs to be off center for this application too

01-08-2011, 12:00 AM	#4
butternut1972 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: longview,wa Posts: 1,094	Re: `71 leaf lowering.... HELP! Have you checked bell tech? I have one in my truck and it works good.

01-08-2011, 02:20 AM	#5
5150.4.67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 411	Re: `71 leaf lowering.... HELP! I did just that. Welded on new saddles with dropped spring shackles from ECE. Done-ski..... Oh, I think DJM Suspension might have flip kits....... Last edited by 5150.4.67; 01-08-2011 at 03:01 AM.

01-08-2011, 02:52 AM	#6
5150.4.67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Modesto, Ca Posts: 411	Re: `71 leaf lowering.... HELP! Yup, DJM has em. Part# FK1012

01-08-2011, 01:58 PM	#7
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,064	Re: `71 leaf lowering.... HELP! A true 67-72 kit would be the easist 'no modification' approach. A 73-87 kit would prob work w/some slight grinding on the 'U'/flip saddles so they fit within the OE leaf mounts (IIRC, the 71-72 leafs were 2.25" w, the 73-87's are 2.5" w). __________________ 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.*

01-08-2011, 02:19 PM	#8
71red Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: The Bay, CA Posts: 29	Re: `71 leaf lowering.... HELP! AWESOME! thanks for the feed back! I will check into these options. As far as pinion angle. what should that be?



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