Bell tech lowering questions.

[Rellim51]

I just bought this 78 C10 and I'm installing a bell tech 4/6 drop. The truck had already been lowered when I got it by heating the front springs and shackles in the rear.



Here's my parts pile.



After installing the 3" drop spindles and 1" drop springs, the truck is only 1 1/4" lower in the front. I'm thinking about cutting a coil on the front to get it lower. Does anyone know how much cutting a coil on the bell tech springs will lower it?

My next question is about the lower shock mounts on the rear. The shock bolt interferes with the spring plate and u bolt. Has anyone dealt with this before or do I have something installed wrong?

[midnight rambler]

Get a shock relocator kit.

[Rellim51]

Don't you still have to put a bolt through the stock bracket to mout the relocation bracket?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Rellim51

Don't you still have to put a bolt through the stock bracket to mout the relocation bracket?

Yes you do. But... you only have to put the bolt in once. Swapping the shock @ any point after doesn't require touching that specific bolt. You need to put the shock relocator bracket on 1st, then the spring plate. An alternative is using a bolt that's 'just' long enough that it won't interfere w/the plate or retaining hardware (it's not just on the Bell Tech kits either).

[Tx Firefighter]

First, nice job there. You stepped up and bought absolute top of the line lowering components.

Second, I did a flip kit on my truck and used Belltech Nitrodrop rear shocks. I called Belltech tech line to get a part number for shock relocators. They do not sell or recommend shock extenders for 73-87 flip kit drops. I followed their advice with the part number shocks they call for and no shock extenders. It all fit well and the truck rides very nice. After driving it a few months, I do not feel any need to seek out shock brackets.

Not the best picture, but here is my truck with my homemade flip kit and the Belltech shocks. The shock bolt hit my u bolt too, so I just added a flat washer under the head to space it away a bit. The truck rides very good without extenders.

[Tx Firefighter]

I just noticed, both our trucks are 78 models. You have three leafs plus an overload. I have 7 leafs plus an overload. I wish I knew exact details about which trucks got which. Mine is a half ton just like yours, but it started as a longbed that I shortened. Maybe that's the difference. My SPID doesn't show any "Heavy Half" or "Big 10" nomenclature.

[geezer#99]

Doesn't look like your new ubolts are threaded enough!

[Rellim51]

It's close but there are just enough threads on them.

[geezer#99]

I think you'll get a suprise when you run out of thread while torqueing them to 140 lb/ft.
You'll be out of thread just tightening them by hand.
Easier to cut another inch or two on each side.
What are you doing about your pinion angle adjustment?

[INSIDIOUS '86]

I've run into the same issue but with djm garbage.

First off bell tech wants to sell thier drop shocks. They won't fit with extenders. Second. The straighter the shock is the better it works. Period. I went from no shock extenders to adding them and immediately the truck was smoother and suspension more responsive. Now that I added bilstein van shocks I can go much lower and it rides perfect I've since welded my extensions on

[Rellim51]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

I think you'll get a suprise when you run out of thread while torqueing them to 140 lb/ft.
You'll be out of thread just tightening them by hand.
Easier to cut another inch or two on each side.
What are you doing about your pinion angle adjustment?

I'm assuming the pinion angle adjustment is built into the brackets already. The last flip kit i installed (1993 Chevy) came with adjustment shims. This one didn't so I'm assuming they're not needed.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by Rellim51

I'm assuming the pinion angle adjustment is built into the brackets already. The last flip kit i installed (1993 Chevy) came with adjustment shims. This one didn't so I'm assuming they're not needed.

Not likely. You'll need to check the pinion angle and get some shims.

[SCOTI]

I never had issues w/a flip kit + shackles on my 74.

[cool68]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I never had issues w/a flip kit + shackles on my 74.

post some pictures of the installed kit, and what brand it is. Thanks

[C.W]

Originally Posted by INSIDIOUS '86

I've run into the same issue but with djm garbage.

First off bell tech wants to sell thier drop shocks. They won't fit with extenders. Second. The straighter the shock is the better it works. Period. I went from no shock extenders to adding them and immediately the truck was smoother and suspension more responsive. Now that I added bilstein van shocks I can go much lower and it rides perfect I've since welded my extensions on

I am dealing with trying to find extenders now as one of my nitro drops was rubbing the frame a bit and dented it causing it to leak. They dont quite line up with the frame indents the way they should.
I found a store with djm relocators but which shocks do you use after installing the relocator kit?
Do you go back to a stock length or still need drop shocks?