Rear Spring flip on a '81 C10

[Richs'55]

Long story, but putting a '55 cab & box on a '81 C10 frame. Want to lower the truck. Got the front figured out but have questions on the rear.

Has anybody flipped the springs under the axle without doing a C cut? Has it worked out for you and how much did it lower the truck (rear).

Anybody ever changed the spring mount higher on the frame to get a lower stance? Is there any kits like this? Looks like there would be room to do this and still not get into the box floor.

Any other ideas? I want to lower it around 5-6 inches.

[rs74]

Your basic flip kit should gain you around 5-6". That is what I did on my short bed.

[Rascal_one2001]

Best bet is just a flip kit and a bolt in c notch.

[Richs'55]

Originally Posted by rs74

Your basic flip kit should gain you around 5-6". That is what I did on my short bed.

And you did the C cut too, or didn't need to do it and rides OK?
I will mention that this truck will never carry an additional load as far as I am concerned. It will be turning into a show truck and won't be making a run to the dump on weekends.

[school boy]

I done a flip kit with 2 inch shackles and didn't notch the frame but did cut off the bump stops. I have about an inch I believe between the axle and frame. 200 lbs on the tail gate will flatten the frame on the axle. Personally I have 5000lb helper bags to do any hauling.

[UKNOWME]

Not to get off subject but what are you having to do to mate the frame and body? Is the wheelbase the same? I'd like to see pics if you've already started.

[Richs'55]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

Not to get off subject but what are you having to do to mate the frame and body? Is the wheelbase the same? I'd like to see pics if you've already started.

Just got the 81 down to the frame and cleaned up. Motor and transmission are ready to go back in.
I do need to take 3 inches out of the wheelbase. Was going to replace the rear springs anyway. Was thinking when I do the flip of the axle, could I just order springs with a 3 inch offset from the spring pin (or slightly more because of the flip pushing the axle back even more), which would take care of the wheelbase correction.
I am using the EZ-Swaps chassis swap for the '55 body. Uses new body mounts for the cab and radiator support. Also using narrow wheels with 4 inch backset to bring the front width under the fenders.

Sorry to get all this on the wrong forum but I will be posting up some pics on the 47-59 forum.

Thanks for the info on my '81 frame questions though.

[rs74]

You should be able to just remove the rear bump stops and have no issues with bottoming out and the flip kit. Might want to put some shock extenders on it if you are planning on running the stock shock. I didn't run a C-notch on mine. Didn't want to cut the frame. A lot of guys run this flip kit with no issues.

[gasmn1620]

look in the for sale section and buy those flip brackets from specialtyretail. $40 shipped i think and it lowers the back around 5". Super easy to install. I did it. Fit was great, shipping is fast and they are cheap.

[gasmn1620]

[Tilt]

Originally Posted by gasmn1620

look in the for sale section and buy those flip brackets from specialtyretail. $40 shipped i think and it lowers the back around 5". Super easy to install. I did it. Fit was great, shipping is fast and they are cheap.

This is what I did and did not notch the frame. No problems

[ultrahd4me]

I'm running a 6" drop in the rear with a flip kit and adjustable shackle on the bottom hole. No c-notch and I have 3" between the axle tub and frame. Bump stop and bracket are removed, and the ride is very good.

[gasmn1620]

no frame notch for me either. I haven't even hit the bump stops and I could cut those off and get another 3-4 inches of travel.

[Rich84]

No C notch - no problems..

[Rascal_one2001]

I am running a flip kit with a full factory 4 leaf + overload spring and before I put in the notch my axle hit the frame hard on dips in the highway even with bumps cut out. If I stand on my rear bumper and bounce I max mine out even with the notch but the notch comes with pilow bump stops so it is not noticeable when it hits.