how do i lower my truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

randyjohn · 08-09-2007, 04:19 AM

i've been doing a lot of research on this and other websites over the last few months and still and scratching my head as to how i will drop my truck in the back. i'm looking for a 3/4, maybe a 4/6.

it's a 74 gmc 2500. it has the 14 bolt, 10 1/2" ring, 8 lug rearend (3 1/4" OD i think). 9 leaf springs. from pictures i've seen of stock 1/2 ton spring mounts they're the same. there is 7 5/8" clearance between the axle tube and bottom of frame without the bumpstop and 7 3/4" clearance between the top of the diff and bottom of bed so a c-notch would be moot i think.

the front i know they make spindles for because i have 1 1/4 rotors. the back is what's got me stumped. i would actually prefer bags so that i can still haul a heavy load with it (it's going to be my hot rod shops parts runner and maybe have trailer duty). as far as bags go, do i ditch the leafs? take a couple of leaves out and use helper bags?

any insight or ideas are welcome and appreciated.

Prerunner1982 · 08-09-2007, 04:17 PM

Not sure why nobody has replied to this yet...

Since you do have such a large axle (big diff), I dont know if a flip kit would be the way to go, especially if you plan on using the truck to haul.. however, perhaps removing a few leaves (or just replacing them with 1/2ton leaf packs) and doing a flip kit may be ok for street duty and then having the bags to keep the diff off the bottom of the bed when hauling/towing.

It also depends on how low you want to go? if you only want a few inches looking into a shackles..

Ivan D. · 08-09-2007, 05:29 PM

Yes, installing lowering shackles will give you 2" drop, swapping the hangers too will give you another 2" drop, so total of 4" drop. Flip kit is usually 5-6" drop, but that's with the regular half-ton leafs, with the monsters you have I won't be surprised if you end up with the diff like 1/2" from the bed if you do a flip kit. I've seen some 1-ton trucks lowered, they have the 14-bolt axle like you do, and they cut out the section of the bed floor between the C-notches of the frame.

randyjohn · 08-10-2007, 12:05 AM

Quote:

they cut out the section of the bed floor between the C-notches of the frame.

cutting the bed is something i absolutely DON'T want to do. i want to be able to haul any and everything. there must be a way...

Ivan D. · 08-10-2007, 01:37 AM

Well then, stick with shackles and hangers, that's 4" drop right therem and you retain yer stock springs and load-carrying capabilities.

08-09-2007, 04:19 AM	#1
randyjohn Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: grand forks, nd Posts: 154	how do i lower my truck? i've been doing a lot of research on this and other websites over the last few months and still and scratching my head as to how i will drop my truck in the back. i'm looking for a 3/4, maybe a 4/6. it's a 74 gmc 2500. it has the 14 bolt, 10 1/2" ring, 8 lug rearend (3 1/4" OD i think). 9 leaf springs. from pictures i've seen of stock 1/2 ton spring mounts they're the same. there is 7 5/8" clearance between the axle tube and bottom of frame without the bumpstop and 7 3/4" clearance between the top of the diff and bottom of bed so a c-notch would be moot i think. the front i know they make spindles for because i have 1 1/4 rotors. the back is what's got me stumped. i would actually prefer bags so that i can still haul a heavy load with it (it's going to be my hot rod shops parts runner and maybe have trailer duty). as far as bags go, do i ditch the leafs? take a couple of leaves out and use helper bags? any insight or ideas are welcome and appreciated. __________________ It's peanut butter jelly time. '74 GMC 3/4 TON 2WD LB

08-09-2007, 04:17 PM	#2
Prerunner1982 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,906	Re: how do i lower my truck? Not sure why nobody has replied to this yet... Since you do have such a large axle (big diff), I dont know if a flip kit would be the way to go, especially if you plan on using the truck to haul.. however, perhaps removing a few leaves (or just replacing them with 1/2ton leaf packs) and doing a flip kit may be ok for street duty and then having the bags to keep the diff off the bottom of the bed when hauling/towing. It also depends on how low you want to go? if you only want a few inches looking into a shackles.. __________________ Jon 1982 Chevy Silverado 350/th350.... RETIRED 1993 Jeep XJ 2 door(Cherokee) 4wd 4.0ltr/AX-15 (5spd)/NP231 .... Oklahoma Roll Call

08-09-2007, 05:29 PM	#3
Ivan D. glamoros piece o' lowlife Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Redford, MI Posts: 1,164	Re: how do i lower my truck? Yes, installing lowering shackles will give you 2" drop, swapping the hangers too will give you another 2" drop, so total of 4" drop. Flip kit is usually 5-6" drop, but that's with the regular half-ton leafs, with the monsters you have I won't be surprised if you end up with the diff like 1/2" from the bed if you do a flip kit. I've seen some 1-ton trucks lowered, they have the 14-bolt axle like you do, and they cut out the section of the bed floor between the C-notches of the frame. __________________ The more I drink, the more I drink, the more I drink... diesel, reg cab, long bed, 4 across the rear, single stack, wooden stakes, and lotsa lights - the Hay Express

08-10-2007, 01:37 AM	#5
Ivan D. glamoros piece o' lowlife Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Redford, MI Posts: 1,164	Re: how do i lower my truck? Well then, stick with shackles and hangers, that's 4" drop right therem and you retain yer stock springs and load-carrying capabilities. __________________ The more I drink, the more I drink, the more I drink... diesel, reg cab, long bed, 4 across the rear, single stack, wooden stakes, and lotsa lights - the Hay Express



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