Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

REDNOSE65 · 03-01-2010, 02:21 PM

Kinda new at this. Not gonna use bags (For Now).
What's the cheapest and safest way to drop the ass end of my truck?
Any sugestions would be much appreciated.

64GMCHorsepower · 03-01-2010, 02:51 PM

Hey, I just asked this same question yesterday.......

Shackles......cheap
heat leaf springs or remove leafs......cheap
drop mono springs......expensive....
do axle flip......cheap, but a big drop...like 5"

can you bag it if you have leafs? I would think you would have to get rid of the leafs and go the floating rear end deal with springs, whatever that is called....

daverod · 03-01-2010, 03:31 PM

About 500lbs of sand should do the trick.

Since you live in Texas it would be cheap and easy to find. Seems like it would be safe.

REDNOSE65 · 03-01-2010, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daverod

About 500lbs of sand should do the trick.

Since you live in Texas it would be cheap and easy to find. Seems like it would be safe.

I knew I'd get some lame remarks...thanks you proved me rite. Rock on

daverod · 03-01-2010, 03:48 PM

Any time

I was told thats how they did it in they old days

63 extreme low · 03-01-2010, 03:51 PM

How low do you want to go? Shackles or flip kit would be cheap. Probably need c-notch with the flip kit though. Never heat springs!!

daverod · 03-01-2010, 03:56 PM

Would'nt shackles raise it?

REDNOSE65 · 03-01-2010, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64GMCHorsepower

Hey, I just asked this same question yesterday.......

Shackles......cheap
heat leaf springs or remove leafs......cheap
drop mono springs......expensive....
do axle flip......cheap, but a big drop...like 5"

can you bag it if you have leafs? I would think you would have to get rid of the leafs and go the floating rear end deal with springs, whatever that is called....

Cool man, thanks. Might look into removing leafs or shackles. See what works best.

REDNOSE65 · 03-01-2010, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daverod

Would'nt shackles raise it?

Anyone have answer for that???

REDNOSE65 · 03-01-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63 extreme low

How low do you want to go? Shackles or flip kit would be cheap. Probably need c-notch with the flip kit though. Never heat springs!!

Don't think Ima c-ntch it...I don't know enough about it.
I'd like to lower 3 maybe 4 inches in the back and maybe another 2 in the front.

64GMCHorsepower · 03-01-2010, 04:30 PM

If you use shackles, they lengthen the spring,and lower the overall frame height.....

They are fairly cheap, running around 60.00 bucks......

REDNOSE65 · 03-01-2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 64GMCHorsepower

If you use shackles, they lengthen the spring,and lower the overall frame height.....

They are fairly cheap, running around 60.00 bucks......

I just called a local hotrod shop and they said they did'nt have shackles that far back. Any ideas where I can find them???

**N2TRUX** · 03-01-2010, 07:30 PM

Try www.summitracing.com

SCOTI · 03-01-2010, 08:32 PM

Decide on what drop you want first. It's usually much easier to go w/a flip kit vs. trying to find shackles & hangers (definitely easier to build). If you're set on shackles & hangers, parts for a 71-72 should work w/minor (if any) tweaks.

About the rear shackles: Dropped shackles are longer vs. stock. Since the shackle acts as a pivot point, one end stays fixed to the truck, the other is attached to the end of the leaf. With the longer shackle, the end of the leaf mounts higher vs. where it would have been originally. That difference in locating heights would be the amount of drop. It would raise the truck if the shackle pivoted down (but they pivot up on trucks).

You can always swap to truck arms & coils too....

jonzcustomshop · 03-01-2010, 09:31 PM

by far i think the easiest would be a flip kit, and then a c notch and lowering blocks if it is still not low enough...

1971gmcshortbed · 03-01-2010, 09:37 PM

Cpp sells drop leaf springs for that, I just sold some to davestrucks.

64GMCHorsepower · 03-01-2010, 10:55 PM

I just installed my shackles........It made a big difference......And fairly easy also.....

SCOTI · 03-02-2010, 02:04 AM

Flip kits for trucks (60-72) w/2.25" wide leafs....
http://www.stylintrucks.com/part.asp...2&scid=FROOGLE

REDNOSE65 · 03-02-2010, 04:27 PM

Thanks for the info guys...still doin my homework see what will work best for me.

muddpile · 03-03-2010, 02:09 AM

I did a flip kit on my 72 without doing a C-Notch. I have 8000 miles on it now, and have purchased a C-Notch kit. I do not reccommend a flip kit without a notch, it's just too close.....

Vernski · 03-04-2010, 12:06 AM

Take 3 leaves out that will lower it 4" if you want more use shackles CPP has them and you will need to get shorter U-bolts....Vernski

protrash64 · 03-04-2010, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muddpile

I did a flip kit on my 72 without doing a C-Notch. I have 8000 miles on it now, and have purchased a C-Notch kit. I do not reccommend a flip kit without a notch, it's just too close.....

I second that. My truck has leaf springs and with the flip kit the axle is just about at frame level. It's a good look.

kalirodding · 03-04-2010, 12:14 AM

Any pics Vernski?

Vernski · 03-04-2010, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kalirodding

Any pics Vernski?

Yeah I posted 4 pic's in post #21 ....Vernski???

SCOTI · 03-04-2010, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vernski

Yeah I posted 4 pic's in post #21 ....Vernski???

There's one in every crowd . . .....

03-01-2010, 02:21 PM	#1
REDNOSE65 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DALLAS, TEXAS Posts: 1,908	Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Kinda new at this. Not gonna use bags (For Now). What's the cheapest and safest way to drop the ass end of my truck? Any sugestions would be much appreciated. __________________ RED NOSE '65 LOS HITTERS C.C DALLAS, TEXAS The making of a Red Nose... http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=396518 Last edited by REDNOSE65; 03-01-2010 at 02:22 PM.

03-01-2010, 03:31 PM	#3
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs About 500lbs of sand should do the trick. Since you live in Texas it would be cheap and easy to find. Seems like it would be safe. __________________ Daverods 64 C10 Daily driver 292 3 speed "Driver" Daverods 66 Build C10 Bags 350/350(On Hold) Daverods 52 Build 3100 S10 chassis,Bags, 350/700r4 "Click it" Last edited by daverod; 03-01-2010 at 03:33 PM.

03-01-2010, 03:48 PM	#5
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Any time I was told thats how they did it in they old days __________________ Daverods 64 C10 Daily driver 292 3 speed "Driver" Daverods 66 Build C10 Bags 350/350(On Hold) Daverods 52 Build 3100 S10 chassis,Bags, 350/700r4 "Click it" Last edited by daverod; 03-01-2010 at 03:52 PM.

03-01-2010, 03:51 PM	#6
63 extreme low Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 91	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs How low do you want to go? Shackles or flip kit would be cheap. Probably need c-notch with the flip kit though. Never heat springs!! __________________ 1963 Big Back window short fleet

03-01-2010, 03:56 PM	#7
daverod SSN 706 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pocatello Idaho Posts: 3,821	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Would'nt shackles raise it? __________________ Daverods 64 C10 Daily driver 292 3 speed "Driver" Daverods 66 Build C10 Bags 350/350(On Hold) Daverods 52 Build 3100 S10 chassis,Bags, 350/700r4 "Click it"

03-01-2010, 02:51 PM	#2
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Hey, I just asked this same question yesterday....... Shackles......cheap heat leaf springs or remove leafs......cheap drop mono springs......expensive.... do axle flip......cheap, but a big drop...like 5" can you bag it if you have leafs? I would think you would have to get rid of the leafs and go the floating rear end deal with springs, whatever that is called.... __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

03-01-2010, 04:30 PM	#11
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs If you use shackles, they lengthen the spring,and lower the overall frame height..... They are fairly cheap, running around 60.00 bucks...... __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

03-01-2010, 07:30 PM	#13
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Try www.summitracing.com __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

03-01-2010, 08:32 PM	#14
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,031	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Decide on what drop you want first. It's usually much easier to go w/a flip kit vs. trying to find shackles & hangers (definitely easier to build). If you're set on shackles & hangers, parts for a 71-72 should work w/minor (if any) tweaks. About the rear shackles: Dropped shackles are longer vs. stock. Since the shackle acts as a pivot point, one end stays fixed to the truck, the other is attached to the end of the leaf. With the longer shackle, the end of the leaf mounts higher vs. where it would have been originally. That difference in locating heights would be the amount of drop. It would raise the truck if the shackle pivoted down (but they pivot up on trucks). You can always swap to truck arms & coils too.... __________________ 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.* Last edited by SCOTI; 03-01-2010 at 08:33 PM.

03-01-2010, 09:31 PM	#15
jonzcustomshop 1961 crewcab Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: missoula, mt Posts: 6,164	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs by far i think the easiest would be a flip kit, and then a c notch and lowering blocks if it is still not low enough... __________________ 60 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=280904 61 crew build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646830 63 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=336537 64 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=448681 65 'burb build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=590715 65 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=281955

03-01-2010, 09:37 PM	#16
1971gmcshortbed Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 284	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Cpp sells drop leaf springs for that, I just sold some to davestrucks. __________________ My build, http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=379006

03-01-2010, 10:55 PM	#17
64GMCHorsepower Justified! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Valencia, Ca Posts: 1,366	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs I just installed my shackles........It made a big difference......And fairly easy also..... __________________ Chad 1964 GMC Fleetside Shortbed....350/700R4 tranny

03-02-2010, 02:04 AM	#18
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,031	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Flip kits for trucks (60-72) w/2.25" wide leafs.... http://www.stylintrucks.com/part.asp...2&scid=FROOGLE __________________ 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.*

03-02-2010, 04:27 PM	#19
REDNOSE65 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: DALLAS, TEXAS Posts: 1,908	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Thanks for the info guys...still doin my homework see what will work best for me. __________________ RED NOSE '65 LOS HITTERS C.C DALLAS, TEXAS The making of a Red Nose... http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=396518

03-03-2010, 02:09 AM	#20
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs I did a flip kit on my 72 without doing a C-Notch. I have 8000 miles on it now, and have purchased a C-Notch kit. I do not reccommend a flip kit without a notch, it's just too close..... __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open



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03-04-2010, 12:06 AM	#21
Vernski Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Rathdrum, Idaho Posts: 1,135	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Take 3 leaves out that will lower it 4" if you want more use shackles CPP has them and you will need to get shorter U-bolts....Vernski Attached Images

03-04-2010, 12:14 AM	#23
kalirodding CLASSIX Truck Club Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lodi Ca Posts: 318	Re: Dropping the back of a 60-66 with leaf springs Any pics Vernski?

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