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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa, Ca
Posts: 586
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Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
There are 2 ways I can go when dropping the rear of my 69 GMC, Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles. The flip kit sure costs alot less but I will lose alot of my suspension travel in the process even with a c notch. The dropped leafs are much more expensive but save my susspension travel.
What is more performance oriented? What will handle better? I would like to know what other peoples opinions are on the 2 set ups, pros/cons Thanks
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My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,982
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
Flip kit.
You will lose some travel w/both methods. The dropped leafs/shackles will give you about 5" of drop & a flip kit nets between 5~6" of drop @ a lower cost. The flip kit does not compromise the hauling capacity (other than the lost suspension travel). Dropped leafs may/may not compromise hauling capacity depending on the springs manufacturer. Lowering the truck either way will improve handling because of the lower center of gravity. Add some quality sway-bars & bushings w/some good shocks & tires to get the most out of the suspension regardless of way you decide to drop the rear.
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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. |
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#3 |
King of Rust
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 359
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
I'm in the same boat, not sure which way to go. The only thing holding me back with the flip kit is welding in the c-notch, cause I have no welding skills. It is really cheap though.
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Alton, New Hampshire
Posts: 274
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
I went with the dropped leafs and shackles from GMCPauls (they offer drop leafs with up to a 5" drop and their shackles will give you another 1" or 2" drop). Unfortunately, they are not yet installed on my '71. I ordered new KYB Gas Adjust shocks, 2.5" drop spindles and 1" drop front springs, with a 3.5"/6" final drop in mind. Also ordered poly bushings and low profile sway bar brackets for my OE bar up front. Hope to post some before and after pics within the next 30 days. Am real interested as to how it will change the handling and ride.
Mark
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71 Cheyenne SWB |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Puyallup, WA
Posts: 1,662
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
Converting it to coils would be nice.
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72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: here
Posts: 5,789
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
I flipped mine but havent notched it yet, but will by summer.
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#7 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
Keep in mind, no matter how you lower it, you will lose the same amount of travel. Whether you use a spring and shackle combined for 6 inch drop or a 6 inch flip kit, the axle will set 6 inches closer to the frame. What I'm saying is that inch for inch, you lose the same amount of travel no matter how you lower it.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#8 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Santa Rosa, Ca
Posts: 586
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
I see your point, cheep or expensive, I still have the same problem. Looks like I will c notch the frame and use a flip kit. Thanks!
__________________
My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht |
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#9 |
King of Rust
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 359
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
You ever drop it??
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,982
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
They offer bolt-in c-notches. The frame rails are the same for leaf & coil 1/2 ton 2wd trucks.
__________________
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. |
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#11 |
King of Rust
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 359
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
Yeah I might go that route, get someone to weld them later. You cant beat the price for the flip kits and bolt-in c-notches.
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#12 |
Licensed to Thrill!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northwest, GA
Posts: 1,673
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
Where are you guys buying the flip/c-notch kits?
DLB |
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#13 |
Official Site Guitar Shredder
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oz
Posts: 3,955
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Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
i got mine for my 72 from southern kentucy classics. real cheap and great service . for my 67 i went through gmc pauls both places are good, but i live here in indianapolis and gmc pauls is like 45 mins from me. so i would check him out
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,982
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Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles
That's how I initially did mine. They were bolted in until I started pulling my trailer. I felt the added insurance from welding them in was worth the effort.
__________________
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. |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Posts: 7,893
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Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
trailer or not id weld up the bolt in notches just for the extra security and strength
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-steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME |
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#16 |
Licensed to Thrill!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northwest, GA
Posts: 1,673
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Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
I'm having no problem finding the C-Notch's, but the flip kit is a different story...
Does everything just relocate correctly magically when you put the springs on top of the axle, I wouldn't think so... DLB |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bakersfield,CA
Posts: 7,893
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Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
im sure the pinion angle would change a bit but other than that i think everything else would be fine, exept shocks being to long
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-steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME |
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#18 |
King of Rust
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 359
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Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
You have to be careful with the spring width, IIRC the older springs are wider so the 73+ flip kits wont work.
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#19 |
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DALLAS,TX
Posts: 21,982
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Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
Actually, it's the opposite. Pre-73 leaf width is 2.25"; post 72 leaf width is 2.5".
__________________
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. |
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#20 |
Licensed to Thrill!
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Northwest, GA
Posts: 1,673
|
Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
Corn - how did you flip yours, what was involved?
DLB |
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#21 | |
King of Rust
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: St Petersburg, FL
Posts: 359
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Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles
Quote:
1963-1972 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) Only Fits Vehicles With 2.25" Leaf Springs 1963-1972 GMC Pickup (C/K) Only Fits Vehicles With 2.25" Leaf Springs http://www.stylinconcepts.com/part.a.../categoryid/30 |
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