72 rear leaf lowering - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sledge_hammer · 11-23-2003, 08:57 PM

Hi guys,

Lowering my 72 C10, s/b, s/s that has rear leafs. The truck was a 6 cyl 3 spd prior to change over. Wanting guidance on how to lower the rear. Installing a western classic 2 1/2 spindles on the front, and wanting to lower the back 4-5". And are there options on removing the leafs, and going to a ladder bar set up?

Powered by 68 Chevelle 396, 30 over, T-400.

Also, what size wheel and tire combo is recomended, that is the same front and rear. If you are giving sizes, please include off set.

thanks

sledge_hammer
from southern bc

PS referred here by longhorn man (chevy talk)

dinnut · 11-23-2003, 09:11 PM

im sure somebody sells drop leafs. do you like that chevelle engine? 20s are awesome if you can afford some nice ones

gr8scott51 · 11-23-2003, 10:30 PM

I've got a friend with a '70 w/leafs pondering the same thing. He says a flip kit from Classic Performance Products (www.classicperform.com) or similar will drop the rear 5 or 6 inches. I think early classic enterprises, no limit have similar. You might try WES at Classic Heartbeat in Olympia, WA. A run for the border might save you some coin.

good luck, scott

Longhorn Man · 11-24-2003, 12:58 AM

sledge_hammer, glad to see you made it over here.
gr8scott51...does that kit require a c-notch in the frame rail?

72shadetree · 11-24-2003, 01:07 AM

andy i dont think you need a c notch.the rear is mounted under springs just move it on top

Longhorn Man · 11-24-2003, 01:23 AM

True, but I know on other model trucks, just flipping it requires a C-notch or a set of lifting shackles.

67cst · 11-24-2003, 01:55 AM

hey sledge-got any pics? maybe ive seen your truck around, im from kelowna but down in pen lots cause my dad lives in summerland

gr8scott51 · 11-24-2003, 01:56 AM

From the "how to" on the CPP or ECE sites, no mod to the frame is required.

Scott

Oh yeah, wheel size. Should be able to find threads on this using search, but 15 x 8s with 4-1/2" backspace is normal.

jorgensensc · 11-24-2003, 02:34 AM

I had a flip kit on an '82 C10 and honestly it rode horrible!!! If you do the flip kit, be sure and get the lowered shocks, or you will go through them like gum

krue · 11-24-2003, 02:43 AM

Welcome to the board from South Mississippi!

Ackattack · 11-24-2003, 12:47 PM

I took out a leaf on my truck to lower it. It seems to ride fine. Though I plan on making some sort of anti axle wrap/traction bars in the future.

As for wheels , right now I'm running 15x8 with 245/60/15s on the front and 15x10 with 295/50/15s on the back.

72MARIO · 11-24-2003, 04:02 PM

I have a 72 Shorty leaf truck. I used a 2" western drop sackle. And I went to a spring shop and had the rear springs darched 3" I have a 2.5" spindle and a 1" spring. There is no motor or tranny in it yet so I dont know exactly how it will sit. I don't suggest removing any springs excepy if you have aover load spring. that wil give you about 1". Classic Performance Products also sell's drop springs for the rear if you are into spending alot of money.

Later Mario

slogo · 11-24-2003, 08:55 PM

I have a set of CPP 5.5in drop springs that i will sell never used. and you will need a C-notch. pm me if i can help you.

sledge_hammer · 11-25-2003, 12:25 AM

Thanks for the offer Slogo, that drop would be too much, I am running full headers and they would interfer with clearance with that much drop. Thanks anyway.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 11-25-2003, 02:00 AM

Welcome to the board from southern oregon ... I would go with the flip kit and a c-notch... I have also heard of somehow flipping the rear schackle..

11-23-2003, 08:57 PM	#1
sledge_hammer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: penticton bc Posts: 19	72 rear leaf lowering Hi guys, Lowering my 72 C10, s/b, s/s that has rear leafs. The truck was a 6 cyl 3 spd prior to change over. Wanting guidance on how to lower the rear. Installing a western classic 2 1/2 spindles on the front, and wanting to lower the back 4-5". And are there options on removing the leafs, and going to a ladder bar set up? Powered by 68 Chevelle 396, 30 over, T-400. Also, what size wheel and tire combo is recomended, that is the same front and rear. If you are giving sizes, please include off set. thanks sledge_hammer from southern bc PS referred here by longhorn man (chevy talk) __________________ 72 C10 s/b s/s 396 T400

11-23-2003, 09:11 PM	#2
dinnut Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: missouri city, tx Posts: 4,486	im sure somebody sells drop leafs. do you like that chevelle engine? 20s are awesome if you can afford some nice ones __________________ 70 longbed 496/th400/Ford 9"

11-23-2003, 10:30 PM	#3
gr8scott51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 1,839	flip it I've got a friend with a '70 w/leafs pondering the same thing. He says a flip kit from Classic Performance Products (www.classicperform.com) or similar will drop the rear 5 or 6 inches. I think early classic enterprises, no limit have similar. You might try WES at Classic Heartbeat in Olympia, WA. A run for the border might save you some coin. good luck, scott __________________ Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. - Scott

11-24-2003, 01:07 AM	#5
72shadetree KEEP ON TRUCKING Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: martinsville va Posts: 2,563	andy i dont think you need a c notch.the rear is mounted under springs just move it on top __________________ 72 cheyenne 2wd lwb 71 k20 sons bassett va

11-24-2003, 01:55 AM	#7
67cst i love summertime Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Kelowna BC Posts: 4,303	hey sledge-got any pics? maybe ive seen your truck around, im from kelowna but down in pen lots cause my dad lives in summerland __________________ 1967 shortbox stepside Chevy, 365 hp 327, th400. GLOVE BOX LIGHTS FORSALE, click link for info http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=273724

11-24-2003, 12:58 AM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	sledge_hammer, glad to see you made it over here. gr8scott51...does that kit require a c-notch in the frame rail?

11-24-2003, 01:23 AM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	True, but I know on other model trucks, just flipping it requires a C-notch or a set of lifting shackles.

11-24-2003, 01:56 AM	#8
gr8scott51 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 1,839	nope From the "how to" on the CPP or ECE sites, no mod to the frame is required. Scott Oh yeah, wheel size. Should be able to find threads on this using search, but 15 x 8s with 4-1/2" backspace is normal. __________________ Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. - Scott

11-24-2003, 02:34 AM	#9
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	I had a flip kit on an '82 C10 and honestly it rode horrible!!! If you do the flip kit, be sure and get the lowered shocks, or you will go through them like gum __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

11-24-2003, 02:43 AM	#10
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Welcome to the board from South Mississippi! __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

11-24-2003, 12:47 PM	#11
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,525	I took out a leaf on my truck to lower it. It seems to ride fine. Though I plan on making some sort of anti axle wrap/traction bars in the future. As for wheels , right now I'm running 15x8 with 245/60/15s on the front and 15x10 with 295/50/15s on the back. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

11-24-2003, 04:02 PM	#12
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	I have a 72 Shorty leaf truck. I used a 2" western drop sackle. And I went to a spring shop and had the rear springs darched 3" I have a 2.5" spindle and a 1" spring. There is no motor or tranny in it yet so I dont know exactly how it will sit. I don't suggest removing any springs excepy if you have aover load spring. that wil give you about 1". Classic Performance Products also sell's drop springs for the rear if you are into spending alot of money. Later Mario __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD Last edited by 72MARIO; 11-24-2003 at 04:07 PM.

11-24-2003, 08:55 PM	#13
slogo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Morristown,TN Posts: 482	I have a set of CPP 5.5in drop springs that i will sell never used. and you will need a C-notch. pm me if i can help you.

11-25-2003, 12:25 AM	#14
sledge_hammer Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: penticton bc Posts: 19	slogo Thanks for the offer Slogo, that drop would be too much, I am running full headers and they would interfer with clearance with that much drop. Thanks anyway. __________________ 72 C10 s/b s/s 396 T400

11-25-2003, 02:00 AM	#15
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Welcome to the board from southern oregon ... I would go with the flip kit and a c-notch... I have also heard of somehow flipping the rear schackle.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..



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