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Old 10-20-2007, 06:44 AM   #1
70GMCer
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Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

I'm trying to determine which way to go on lowering my GMC which has a leaf rear. I even thought of changing to a coil rear, but thinking that would be extreme. Anyway, what would be the best way to do this. I really don't want to get into any welding. I want to come down to around a 4" drop. Any pictures of a leaf rear lowered would help.
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Old 10-20-2007, 07:48 AM   #2
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

hey 70 i dont have a pic for you but i do have some input.....i HAD lowered rear leaf springs and they was awfull... it did set the truck down about 4 or so inches but i had terrible axle wrap and it rode like crap..... i soon switched them out for a flip kit.....i gained a few inches but it rides just fine.....i also didnt have to do a c notch. now im not shure how if it would hit with a load because i never use my truck as a truck.. but there is not axle wrap or wheel hop.... i run a mild small block..(ZZ3) ...IMO i would run a flip kit.....it was easy to instahl...about an hour and a half..and 8 years and no problems....hope this may help.......tony
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Old 10-20-2007, 07:59 AM   #3
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

ECE sells lowered leaf springs and shackles. May be others.
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Old 10-20-2007, 09:28 AM   #4
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

Here's mine with lowered leaf springs (4" spring and 1" shackle = 5" total drop). It does ride hard on bumps only, but that could be my shocks.
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Old 10-20-2007, 11:32 AM   #5
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

There are mounts made to lower springs on frames off `73-ups.Should work on pre-`73s.
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Old 10-20-2007, 09:30 PM   #6
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

If they make lift shackles, then you could flip it & put lift shackles on if you didn't want it as low as the flip alone
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Old 10-21-2007, 10:16 AM   #7
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

What about those aluminum lowering blocks I see? I want to keep the same ride comfort. Are those blocks safe?
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Old 10-21-2007, 10:31 AM   #8
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

Those are for use on a coil spring rear.
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Old 10-21-2007, 10:44 AM   #9
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Boog View Post
Those are for use on a coil spring rear.
I've also seen them for leafs...............
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Old 10-21-2007, 11:00 AM   #10
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

If you want to raise the rear yes. Your leaf springs are over your axle so adding a spacer block will only raise it. If your axle was above the leafs then a block would lower it more. See? Or has your axle already been flipped?
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Old 10-21-2007, 12:31 PM   #11
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

The axle has not been flipped. The leafs are on top of the axle,
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Old 10-21-2007, 04:43 PM   #12
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Re: Lowered Rear Leaf Springs?

if the leafs are on top it will raise your truck... with a flip kit you will not need blocks..... i would go down to your local speed shop and just buy new spring perches...they are about 15 bucks... cut off your old perches and weld the new ones one.... under the axle..... this is the cheapest way i can think of... and i have done it... youll need new u bolts...just flip your new u bolts where the threads are on top and your plates are also..i have done this a few times...and its the cheapest way to do it and is just as safe as a flip kit or more safe
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