1979 Silverado lowering issue - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JROC's Chevy · 03-27-2014, 01:26 PM

Hello everyone. I am new to the site and I just bought a 1979 C-10 Silverado. It has a issue with the rear suspension. The truck has been lowered but not sure exactly how much, Its possibly a 2/4 or 3/4 drop. Some knot head welded the rear leaf spring attached to the underside of the bracket!

If any one has a good idea of how to go about fixing this problem... please help me out. Lowereing bracket? Cut weld and reset leaf spring in bracket? I like the way the truck sits and would like to keep close to the same ride profile, maybe an inch taller. I will post some pics tomorrow of the truck and rear leaf spring problem. Thanks.

Cherub · 03-27-2014, 01:54 PM

pictures would help clarify

JROC's Chevy · 03-27-2014, 02:51 PM

Here is a pic of the truck. I will post some more pics tomorrow of the leaf springs.

JROC's Chevy · 03-27-2014, 03:06 PM

http://imgur.com/iYc6uW1

JROC's Chevy · 03-28-2014, 10:01 AM

Here are the pics of the rear leaf spring job that was done on my 79 chevy. First two pics are the passanger side rear and front leaf spring attachment. Last two pics are the drivers side front and rear leaf spring attachment.

http://imgur.com/2FZnp9H
http://imgur.com/CqNpknY

http://imgur.com/QI42Ods
http://imgur.com/v1O4o3j

pwradder · 03-28-2014, 06:51 PM

it looks like if you put the spring back where it's supposed to be it'll be about three inches lower in the rear-not what you want. is the rear mounted over the leafs or under it? i cant figure out how the truck is lowered but someone needed to do that to lift it.

ChevDog1 · 03-28-2014, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JROC's Chevy

Here are the pics of the rear leaf spring job that was done on my 79 chevy. First two pics are the passanger side rear and front leaf spring attachment. Last two pics are the drivers side front and rear leaf spring attachment.

http://imgur.com/2FZnp9H
http://imgur.com/CqNpknY

http://imgur.com/QI42Ods
http://imgur.com/v1O4o3j

Wow - I would highly recommend NOT driving that truck until you get the rear suspension fixed properly! Welding on the spring eyes has ruined the main leaf on your rear springs. Once you have cut them free from that hanger, I would throw them away. They have been compromised by welding on them, and will fail at some point. You should be able to just swap out the main leafs for something serviceable (wrecking yard), and install rear shackles and get it back on the road.

As it sits right now, you have the front and rear of the spring ends fixed, which means your rear axle is essentially solid mounted with no suspension.

ChevDog1 · 03-28-2014, 08:34 PM

From the profile pic of the truck, it also appears that the axle has been flipped on top of the rear springs. Correcting the rear end of the springs will probably drop you about 3" from where it sits now. If you do not want to go any lower, you might want to flip the axle back under the springs, and order a shackle / hangar drop to do at the same time.

JROC's Chevy · 03-29-2014, 12:45 AM

Ok, guys the axle is on top of the leaf springs. So you guys are saying I need new springs and need to put the new springs on top of the axle? What size drop shackles do I need to keep the same ride height? From what I have researched the truck sits about 3"/4" lower than stock height. Do you guys think it needs a 4" rear drop once I get the new springs and axle flipped? Thanks for the advice!

JROC's Chevy · 03-29-2014, 01:13 AM

Btw chevy dog, the truck is parked. I knew I had to get that fixed ASAP. It also had the frame cut for some reason just above the rear axle. I am having a plate welded into the cut section. Someone abused this ole truck, but I plan on getting her in good operational shape first than get the looks down. The rims and tires will be replaced with some 2012 camaro 5 star polished aluminum possibly wrapped with some 275/55/20's on the rear and some 265/45/20's on the front.

JROC's Chevy · 04-09-2014, 02:36 PM

Pics coming soon. Got a my leaf springs coming in and gonna get to work. Chevydog I decided to go with the C-notch kit. thanks for your advice.

ChevDog1 · 04-09-2014, 03:06 PM

Glad I could help!

Desert1957 · 04-10-2014, 08:47 AM

Is this a hole in the frame? Hope not.

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Desert

JROC's Chevy · 04-10-2014, 09:56 AM

Desert its not a hole but in the picture it sure looks like one

. Its grease or something, probably from me looking aroung under it.

JROC's Chevy · 04-30-2014, 11:27 AM

Fella's finally got to do some work on the ole truck. http://imgur.com/JwhdYDh
Here is a picture of it finished. http://imgur.com/5v1aUIu
I do have one question, I noticed the rear shackle's do not stand straight up and down, is this common? The new leaf spring measured exactly the same as the old one which was 52". To me it looks as if I may need to relocated the rear bracket closer to the cab to get the lowering that I want. I am gonna set the bed on first to see how it stands before i do anything.

J Knight · 04-30-2014, 05:05 PM

I would recommend moving the shackle mount to the correct location for the springs you have.

JROC's Chevy · 04-30-2014, 05:21 PM

Gotcha. Thanks for your advice.

JROC's Chevy · 05-07-2014, 05:17 PM

Got the rear bracket relocated. Now on to brake shoes and drums. http://imgur.com/rIJwdbc Got 2 questions. The shocks that are on the truck are not located in the correct mounting hole on the frame and the truck has been lowered 4" and I dont think that the shocks are lowering shocks. ? is... can I just relocate the existing shocks to the correct mounting holes? I have pulled the specs on lowering shocks and was curious if any shock with the same specs work? Example: the lowering shocks for my truck are Extended length 22.50" and collapsed length of 13.50" ...will any gas filled shock with these specs work?

JROC's Chevy · 05-08-2014, 12:21 PM

bump

JROC's Chevy · 05-27-2014, 11:47 AM

Brake shoes/drums wheels tires done! Bed about done! here are some pics: http://i.imgur.com/58aF0xw.jpg , http://imgur.com/4mmuBI8 ,http://imgur.com/SSnxYEx , http://imgur.com/NxEOjZG, http://imgur.com/m5hGs1q. The shocks that were on the truck were not located in the correct mounting hole on the frame so I bought new shocks that have the same specs as lowering shocks and was curious if this will be ok. Example: the lowering shocks for my truck are extended length 22.50" and collapsed length of 13.50" ...I am guessing any gas filled shock with these specs will work? Guys one question...after I got it all back together the truck sits higher than when I bought it (http://imgur.com/X8pifSW) and I was hoping to keep that stance, my question is, If I flip the axle back on top of the leaf springs will this get it back to where it was and will it have a good ride to it? I would like for it to sit about 3"-4" lower.

Pop's C-10 · 05-28-2014, 09:07 PM

nice

JROC's Chevy · 08-15-2014, 03:27 PM

Guys its been a while but here is an update on the truck. http://imgur.com/lBTqg8Q - http://imgur.com/oVtTtNW - http://imgur.com/gVCgxEz. ChevyDog I can now drive it around!

ChevDog1 · 08-15-2014, 04:24 PM

Awesome! Good to see it all put back together (and safe to drive).

You are now ahead of me. Mine is driveable, but I still haven't registered, or insured it. My twin daughters just turned 16 and they are sucking my wallet dry! Drivers licenses, gas, birthday presents, b-day party, tuition for the next year of high school, medical bills, school shopping for clothes, etc.

I'm at the point where I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to get to finish it...

03-27-2014, 01:26 PM	#1
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	1979 Silverado lowering issue Hello everyone. I am new to the site and I just bought a 1979 C-10 Silverado. It has a issue with the rear suspension. The truck has been lowered but not sure exactly how much, Its possibly a 2/4 or 3/4 drop. Some knot head welded the rear leaf spring attached to the underside of the bracket! If any one has a good idea of how to go about fixing this problem... please help me out. Lowereing bracket? Cut weld and reset leaf spring in bracket? I like the way the truck sits and would like to keep close to the same ride profile, maybe an inch taller. I will post some pics tomorrow of the truck and rear leaf spring problem. Thanks.

03-27-2014, 01:54 PM	#2
Cherub Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 970	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue pictures would help clarify __________________ 2014 LTZ Z71 Silverado 82 C15 LQ4/4L80E Conversion 78 Suburban build (SOLD) 83 4x4 Suburban(SOLD) 82 C15 (my first truck)

03-27-2014, 02:51 PM	#3
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Here is a pic of the truck. I will post some more pics tomorrow of the leaf springs.

03-27-2014, 03:06 PM	#4
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue http://imgur.com/iYc6uW1

03-28-2014, 10:01 AM	#5
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Here are the pics of the rear leaf spring job that was done on my 79 chevy. First two pics are the passanger side rear and front leaf spring attachment. Last two pics are the drivers side front and rear leaf spring attachment. http://imgur.com/2FZnp9H http://imgur.com/CqNpknY http://imgur.com/QI42Ods http://imgur.com/v1O4o3j

03-28-2014, 06:51 PM	#6
pwradder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: stafford springs ct Posts: 149	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue it looks like if you put the spring back where it's supposed to be it'll be about three inches lower in the rear-not what you want. is the rear mounted over the leafs or under it? i cant figure out how the truck is lowered but someone needed to do that to lift it. __________________ 1977 srw cc lb 396/700r/4:11's/6'' bds lift/ 35's. sold 1986 suburban 350/700r/3:73's 31's: parted out. 1980 silverado swb 5.3/700r/ 2'' drop/ daily driver. sold 1985 c10 long bed 5.3/700r/2'' drop/17" wheels/ daily driver. sold 1970 c10 long bed-new project! getting ready for the 6.0

03-28-2014, 08:34 PM	#8
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue From the profile pic of the truck, it also appears that the axle has been flipped on top of the rear springs. Correcting the rear end of the springs will probably drop you about 3" from where it sits now. If you do not want to go any lower, you might want to flip the axle back under the springs, and order a shackle / hangar drop to do at the same time.

03-29-2014, 12:45 AM	#9
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Ok, guys the axle is on top of the leaf springs. So you guys are saying I need new springs and need to put the new springs on top of the axle? What size drop shackles do I need to keep the same ride height? From what I have researched the truck sits about 3"/4" lower than stock height. Do you guys think it needs a 4" rear drop once I get the new springs and axle flipped? Thanks for the advice!

03-29-2014, 01:13 AM	#10
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Btw chevy dog, the truck is parked. I knew I had to get that fixed ASAP. It also had the frame cut for some reason just above the rear axle. I am having a plate welded into the cut section. Someone abused this ole truck, but I plan on getting her in good operational shape first than get the looks down. The rims and tires will be replaced with some 2012 camaro 5 star polished aluminum possibly wrapped with some 275/55/20's on the rear and some 265/45/20's on the front.

04-09-2014, 02:36 PM	#11
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Pics coming soon. Got a my leaf springs coming in and gonna get to work. Chevydog I decided to go with the C-notch kit. thanks for your advice.

04-09-2014, 03:06 PM	#12
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Glad I could help!

04-10-2014, 08:47 AM	#13
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Is this a hole in the frame? Hope not. Desert

04-10-2014, 09:56 AM	#14
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Desert its not a hole but in the picture it sure looks like one. Its grease or something, probably from me looking aroung under it.

04-30-2014, 11:27 AM	#15
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Fella's finally got to do some work on the ole truck. http://imgur.com/JwhdYDh Here is a picture of it finished. http://imgur.com/5v1aUIu I do have one question, I noticed the rear shackle's do not stand straight up and down, is this common? The new leaf spring measured exactly the same as the old one which was 52". To me it looks as if I may need to relocated the rear bracket closer to the cab to get the lowering that I want. I am gonna set the bed on first to see how it stands before i do anything.

04-30-2014, 05:05 PM	#16
J Knight Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Baytown TX Posts: 2,219	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue I would recommend moving the shackle mount to the correct location for the springs you have. Attached Images __________________ John 82 Chevy Silverado 350ci/TH350



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04-30-2014, 05:21 PM	#17
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Gotcha. Thanks for your advice.

05-07-2014, 05:17 PM	#18
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Got the rear bracket relocated. Now on to brake shoes and drums. http://imgur.com/rIJwdbc Got 2 questions. The shocks that are on the truck are not located in the correct mounting hole on the frame and the truck has been lowered 4" and I dont think that the shocks are lowering shocks. ? is... can I just relocate the existing shocks to the correct mounting holes? I have pulled the specs on lowering shocks and was curious if any shock with the same specs work? Example: the lowering shocks for my truck are Extended length 22.50" and collapsed length of 13.50" ...will any gas filled shock with these specs work? Last edited by JROC's Chevy; 05-07-2014 at 05:26 PM.

05-08-2014, 12:21 PM	#19
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue bump

05-27-2014, 11:47 AM	#20
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Brake shoes/drums wheels tires done! Bed about done! here are some pics: http://i.imgur.com/58aF0xw.jpg , http://imgur.com/4mmuBI8 ,http://imgur.com/SSnxYEx , http://imgur.com/NxEOjZG, http://imgur.com/m5hGs1q. The shocks that were on the truck were not located in the correct mounting hole on the frame so I bought new shocks that have the same specs as lowering shocks and was curious if this will be ok. Example: the lowering shocks for my truck are extended length 22.50" and collapsed length of 13.50" ...I am guessing any gas filled shock with these specs will work? Guys one question...after I got it all back together the truck sits higher than when I bought it (http://imgur.com/X8pifSW) and I was hoping to keep that stance, my question is, If I flip the axle back on top of the leaf springs will this get it back to where it was and will it have a good ride to it? I would like for it to sit about 3"-4" lower. Last edited by JROC's Chevy; 05-27-2014 at 12:05 PM.

05-28-2014, 09:07 PM	#21
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue nice __________________ 1981 C-10 (Pop's) 1978 Camaro 2006 Lacrosse

08-15-2014, 03:27 PM	#22
JROC's Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Calera, AL Posts: 52	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Guys its been a while but here is an update on the truck. http://imgur.com/lBTqg8Q - http://imgur.com/oVtTtNW - http://imgur.com/gVCgxEz. ChevyDog I can now drive it around!

08-15-2014, 04:24 PM	#23
ChevDog1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Banks, OR Posts: 497	Re: 1979 Silverado lowering issue Awesome! Good to see it all put back together (and safe to drive). You are now ahead of me. Mine is driveable, but I still haven't registered, or insured it. My twin daughters just turned 16 and they are sucking my wallet dry! Drivers licenses, gas, birthday presents, b-day party, tuition for the next year of high school, medical bills, school shopping for clothes, etc. I'm at the point where I'm starting to wonder if I'm ever going to get to finish it...

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