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#1 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 156
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Question: Leaf spring drop
Figuring out the front end is pretty straight forward, and there's lots of info here about how to go about it. Same goes for coil rear ends. I've got leafs, and I like it that way, but I haven't seen too much about static dropped leaf rear ends. I'm looking at early classics 4" drop leafs and possibly the 1.5" drop shackles for a total of 5.5". If anyone could recommend a better vendor, I'm certainly listening. I don't know anything about drop leafs, and I do not want to c-notch it. How do these work out? Anybody have some pictures/good links?
Thanks. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Chesnee SC
Posts: 254
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That is what I have from Early Classic. Mine has the 4" dropped leafs with the 1.5" shackle. If your truck is a fleetside you will have to notch the crossmember under the bed or the leaf springs will hit it. My bed was still on so I just marked it where it was hitting and notched it with a plasma cutter. Not sure on a stepside.I took my bump stops off the rear end but there is probably 2 1/2" before bottoming out so no C-notch. Here are a couple pics. The first pic is just after I installed them and the second is after been driven and they settled some. My rear tires are 255/70/15 on a 8" wheel so you will know for reference. It has been done for about 2 years and have had no problems. I'm not sure who else makes the dropped leafs for these trucks. It rides a little rougher than factory but being lowered I figured it would. Any more questions just let me know.
Bryan
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1980 Malibu Classic 2 dr coupe 1964 Impala SS 4 speed 1968 GMC (major project) grandpa bought new 1969 Chevrolet C-10 Shortbed Fleetside 2008 GMC Canyon (daily driver) |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Aledo, Texas
Posts: 803
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Is there a way to center the rear wheels w/a leaf setup ? What about panhard bar and or sway bar ?
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84 step side 87 swb |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Chesnee SC
Posts: 254
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
There are no panhard bar or centering up. The leaf springs have a pin sticking down and the rearend has a hole in the spring perch. Once you line it up and the pin goes in you mount the u-bolts and it will not go anywhere. Thats all you do. The coil spring trucks have it because of the trailing arms. When you lower a coil spring truck the lowering wants to pull the rear to one side. So thats what an adjustable panhard does you use it to pull the rear end back to center.
Bryan
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1980 Malibu Classic 2 dr coupe 1964 Impala SS 4 speed 1968 GMC (major project) grandpa bought new 1969 Chevrolet C-10 Shortbed Fleetside 2008 GMC Canyon (daily driver) |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Blue ridge GA
Posts: 42
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
I am about to tackle this same thing what drop is on the front of that truck for my reference
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#6 |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Why not do a flip ? You get 5-6 drop, still uses stock springs, and drastically cheaper.
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#7 | |
67-72 parts collector,…
![]() Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 22,699
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Quote:
The only downfall is DJM is the only company making a " flip kit" for the 67-72. The other issue is getting the shock angles correct after doing the flip kit. The rear upper shock mounts are riveted to the frame. These can be drilled out and moved to a more "vertical" position on the frame,... but you will have to figure out the correct length rear shock, on your own.
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Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Chesnee SC
Posts: 254
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
It has 2 1/2" dropped spindles with 1 round cut off the factory coil springs.
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1980 Malibu Classic 2 dr coupe 1964 Impala SS 4 speed 1968 GMC (major project) grandpa bought new 1969 Chevrolet C-10 Shortbed Fleetside 2008 GMC Canyon (daily driver) |
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#9 | |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Quote:
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Chesnee SC
Posts: 254
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
You can also switch left to right and right to left to get a more vertical position if you can get to the rivets to drill out.
__________________
1980 Malibu Classic 2 dr coupe 1964 Impala SS 4 speed 1968 GMC (major project) grandpa bought new 1969 Chevrolet C-10 Shortbed Fleetside 2008 GMC Canyon (daily driver) |
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#11 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 156
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Great looking truck, Bryan. Pretty much what I'm looking for. What do you mean by the ride being rougher? Do you feel the ground more? Or is does it handle worse? Both?
I've got about the same wheel/tire combo and the box on it is a 91 step, so until I get that off of there I'm not worried about clearance as the wheels tuck pretty nice. Searching around google, It's sounds like quite a debate between flip and lowering leafs. I read a lot of info about riding rough, but in both directions. From what I understand, lowering leafs should maintain apx the same stiffness as factory, and the flip will be a 'softer' ride? Is this correct? I want to be able to put some weight in the bed (not a ton, but some here and there) and it seems like the flip would loose more of that ability? I definitely do not want to cut the frame (beyond my ability), and might not even use the shackles. The leafs are ridiculous in cost for what they are... |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 549
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
I like my DJM flip. Just use front sized shocks for drop shocks and drill out shock mounts to install new studs: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577529
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Life is too long to go slow... ![]() 71 GMC 1500 Super Custom LWB 350/350 AC(replaced w/vintage air)/PS/PB 2.5 CPP Spindle, 1" CPP Drop Spring, CPP Front and Rear Sway Bars/DJM Flip, new General Spring KC 5 spring pack, HEI /IntReg Alt 20x8.5 OldSkools 5" BS, 275/45 Falkens |
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#13 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 549
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
I also just hauled 15 sheets of sheetrock, a door, and 12 rolls of insulation (about 900 lbs) with no problems. It is actually smoother loaded up.
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Life is too long to go slow... ![]() 71 GMC 1500 Super Custom LWB 350/350 AC(replaced w/vintage air)/PS/PB 2.5 CPP Spindle, 1" CPP Drop Spring, CPP Front and Rear Sway Bars/DJM Flip, new General Spring KC 5 spring pack, HEI /IntReg Alt 20x8.5 OldSkools 5" BS, 275/45 Falkens |
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#14 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Chesnee SC
Posts: 254
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Thanks! I guess what I'm saying is the ride is stiffer being lower to the ground compared to driving it at stock height.
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1980 Malibu Classic 2 dr coupe 1964 Impala SS 4 speed 1968 GMC (major project) grandpa bought new 1969 Chevrolet C-10 Shortbed Fleetside 2008 GMC Canyon (daily driver) |
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#15 |
CAN'T FIX NOTHIN
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!!
Posts: 2,112
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Back in the 80s I always just took two rear end spring pads set them in place with the rear end on top of the springs waited till dad wasnt looking and tightened them down with the U bolts then used dads welder and welded the new pads to the rear end housing , never had a problem ,
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1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC |
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#16 |
CAN'T FIX NOTHIN
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!!
Posts: 2,112
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Bryan H man that pic makes me want to go to a cruz inn tonite !
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1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC |
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Chesnee SC
Posts: 254
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
That was taken at the Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, TN. I actually found the pic on the internet. JDSMotorsports.com always post pics of the event and he actually took one of mine.
__________________
1980 Malibu Classic 2 dr coupe 1964 Impala SS 4 speed 1968 GMC (major project) grandpa bought new 1969 Chevrolet C-10 Shortbed Fleetside 2008 GMC Canyon (daily driver) |
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#18 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: nevada iowa
Posts: 285
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
this is a rear flip, with 3" drop front coils and 2" drop spindles on 20's and 22's
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#19 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 156
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Dang, No Rice, nice ride. Love the patina with those wheels and drop.
So, what am I missing here? Flip is cheaper. Both seem to be more or less the same amount of work once you get into it. As far as I can tell, no large vendors make drop hangers for these. So, given the significant cost increase, what's the advantage to shackles and drop leafs? I mean other than the fact that it kinda weirds me out a bit turning the suspension upside down. I certainly don't mind the work, but what gives? |
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#20 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 156
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Bryan, stiffer suspension/handling from being lower to the ground sounds good to me... You like that the way it is, or wish you flipped? If so, why? Is it just more performance, and less 'floaty' truck?
Thanks again for the help, all. |
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#21 | |
Watch out for your cornhole !
![]() Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Azle, Texas
Posts: 14,162
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
Quote:
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I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin |
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#22 |
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Palmyra, NJ
Posts: 14
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Prescott Arizona
Posts: 343
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
If you installed the rear end above the leaf packages then you must have "C" notched the frame too right?
Any way gorgeous truck
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68 GMC SWB Vortec 5.3 98 Chevy Blazer ZR2 94 Mazda Miata, LS2 6 speed, sold "No matter what happens, nobody gets out alive" |
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#24 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Phoenix Arizona
Posts: 67
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
I'm took the leaves apart to rebuild. Previouly had two extra leaves added to this truck. I thinned it down to the main leaf and the 2nd leaf with the overload. than I lengthened the stock shackles 2". Like stated above you will have to notch the bed crossmember.
1st I tried it with the overload flipped. Bottomed to easy. Flipped it back. Much better. FWIW I found a Daystar urathane bushing kit for a 50?-70? Ford that matched the leaf springs 1 1/4" size. Shackles take 1 1/2". |
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#25 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: portland oregon
Posts: 156
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Re: Question: Leaf spring drop
That looks sharp AZBIG1. So you're running the drop shackles with 2 leafs removed, and it bottomed too easy with just a straight flip and stock shackles or with the extra 2" shackles on the flip?
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