ECE Drop Leaf vs flip kit?

[muddpile]

The more I look at my 72 leaf truck, the more I think it would look better without wheelgap and with larger wheels. To lower the front, springs and spindles are obviously the way to go, but what about the rear? Should I go all out and pick up the ECE drop leafs and shackles, or just do it the old fashioned way and flip kit it? Any suggestions or advice? Thanks!

[EighthD]

I put the 4 inch drop leafs on my 71swb. And I like the way it rides and looks

[C10-Driver]

If you are doing to drop the truck more than 4", I would suggest a flip kit is the way to go. The shackles and lowering springs are going to change the suspension geometry whereas a flip kit is simply going to relocate the axle from the bottom to the top of the spring.

[muddpile]

EighthD, so you just have the 4" leafs in the rear? That stance is nice! What do you have up front? Also, what size wheels and tires are you running? It looks like what I have, 4 15x8 rally wheels off a square body, but it's hard to tell. Thanks!

C-10 Driver, what is involved in a flip kit? I'm not 100% sure on what all I need, so is there a kit I can buy? I think I need to cut the perch off the top of the spring and weld it to the bottom, correct? If so, how hard of a task is that and what tools are required? I have an angle grinder, dremel, 110V MIG, etc. Also, what all U-bolts and stuff would I need to get it done? I think it would give me a 6" drop by my measurement, correct? And is a Cnotch necessary?

[El Bombero]

Yeah! Can you buy a flip kit? I havent seen one. Also, does anyone have any pictures of their installed flip kit to post up so we can get a better idea of how it all goes down? (no pun intended) Much appreciated!

[EighthD]

I have 2.5 drop spindles in the front but I also cut the spring just a 1/4 turn . The wheels are 15x8 if you the tire size I will go look for you . let me know.

[EighthD]

hers a side view not the best pic.

[70C10Step]

I got my flip kit through DJM Suspensions... Very affordable. Have not installed yet, waiting on my wheels to arrive...

[Rokcrln]

I built my own flip kit and here is a link to the build and the flip work starts on page 12 I think. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...223158&page=12
I am not sure about for our trucks but I know some of the flip kits out their for later years you do not cut off the old perch. The new one uses the old one for alignment and pinion set up. It drops over the axle and when you clamp it down it set it all including the off set for centering the wheel back up in the opening! If they make this for ours I would go that route before doing my own again depending on price. I had just over $100 in my own kit with U bolts and all plus alot more time then a bolt on kit.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

[C10-Driver]

Originally Posted by muddpile

C-10 Driver, what is involved in a flip kit? I'm not 100% sure on what all I need, so is there a kit I can buy? I think I need to cut the perch off the top of the spring and weld it to the bottom, correct? If so, how hard of a task is that and what tools are required? I have an angle grinder, dremel, 110V MIG, etc. Also, what all U-bolts and stuff would I need to get it done? I think it would give me a 6" drop by my measurement, correct? And is a Cnotch necessary?

I did mine the way you are thinking and it is do-able but there is a bit of work to figure out correct pinion angles when you are welding the perches back on. The purchased kit is much more straightforward. Basically, you take the U-bolts off, move the axle on top of the spring, insert the flip bracket that comes with the kit and bolt it back together. N2TRUX has some pretty good pictures on the installation. His truck is a 73-87 but I know there are members that have installed similar kits on their 67-72's. Here is a link:

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4290400437

The flip itself will get you about 5 inches. If you take a leaf or two out at the same time, it will net you about 6" of drop. DJM Suspension or Belltech sell the kits. You can buy just the flip or you can get complete kits with brackets, U-bolts, shocks, C-notch and everything else you need to drop the vehicle. It will probably just come down to price and preference as to which one to purchase. By the time you buy all the individual components, the complete kits are usually a pretty good deal.

[rogergodding]

Eighthd: nice stance! I have the ECE 2.5 drop spindles on the front and have planned for several years to dropt the back with their leafs..... not to change the subject, BUT I see that you have relocated the gas tank......... any pics of what you did under the bed/inside the fender etc? I just moved my tank..... bed still off

[muddpile]

Well, I've done my research and the flip kit sounds like the best option. DJM have them for a little over $150, so that part is settled.

http://www.djmsuspension.com/Product...63C10Parts.htm

Now the next problem is my truck will have a gasser-ish stance. You know what that means, the front needs to come down as well. I've looked into various ways, and it looks like ECE spindles are the way to go. What else would I need beside those to get the correct stance? I see ECE sells 1", 1 1/2" and 2" drop springs, but which would give me what I'm looking for? Or would whacking the stock springs lower be the answer? Thanks.

[bad6772]

not the best pics but its all i have i can go out 2morrow and get some more if needed

[1972CheyenneSuper]

Originally Posted by bad6772

not the best pics but its all i have i can go out 2morrow and get some more if needed

Beautiful frame! Who's notch did you use? Did you weld it in along with bolting it in or just bolt it in? Thanks.

[C10-Driver]

If you were doing a 6" drop in the rear, 4" up front would work about perfect. A 2" drop spindle combined with a 2" drop spring will do the trick. If you wanted to save some dough on drop springs, take a coil out of the ones you have which will net you the 2" you are looking for.

[70GMCer]

So, notching the frame is a must when using the flip kit, right?

[C10-Driver]

Originally Posted by 70GMCer

So, notching the frame is a must when using the flip kit, right?

Not a must but you really limit your suspension travel without it and would likely be bottoming out on the bumpstops on a regular basis.

[muddpile]

bad6772, whose flip kit did you use, or did you make it yourself? Also, I have the flip kit figured to a 5" drop (maybe my spring stack is thinner?) so I think 2.5" spindles up front and 1" springs should do it.