Lowering question

[djunkie]

I want to lower my '87 more. Right now it's got I believe lowered spindles up front and longer shackles in the back. I was planning on cutting a half a coil off the front to get it down another inch and doing a flip kit in the back. My question is, do I need to reinstall the stock shackles in the back when putting on the flip kit? Also, how critical is the c-notch? Will I be hitting frame without it? Thanks.
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[SBTork]

Originally Posted by djunkie

I want to lower my '87 more. Right now it's got I believe lowered spindles up front and longer shackles in the back. I was planning on cutting a half a coil off the front to get it down another inch and doing a flip kit in the back. My question is, do I need to reinstall the stock shackles in the back when putting on the flip kit? Also, how critical is the c-notch? Will I be hitting frame without it? Thanks.
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You don't need to go back to the stock shackle but you should. And yes, notch it! If you dont notch it you'll be about 1.5"-2" from the frame with the axle. That's measuring off the stock shackles. You'll have to remove the factory bump stop and bracket that is riveted to the frame in the rear, but if you notch it you'll be cutting that part out anyways.

[djunkie]

Originally Posted by SBTork

You don't need to go back to the stock shackle but you should. And yes, notch it! If you dont notch it you'll be about 1.5"-2" from the frame with the axle. That's measuring off the stock shackles. You'll have to remove the factory bump stop and bracket that is riveted to the frame in the rear, but if you notch it you'll be cutting that part out anyways.

Is there another option for bringing the back down more without doing the flip kit?
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[lilpoindexter]

My 1/2 ton short stepper flipped truck axle tube is 3" from frame (less the hideous factory bump stop bracket). I put a little mushroom tip bump stop on it. The leaf spring pack is stock. Even when I helped a friend move, my axle didn't touch.

[1beatnik]

I bought a multi-leaf dearched and used a shackle and hanger kit, its low, but I didnt notch my frame. Oh yea its my daily driver other than winter, and it hauls and drives fine.

[Cole Trickle]

cut it you puss....

[djunkie]

Originally Posted by Cole Trickle

cut it you puss....

I'm gonna need to find some stock shackles for the back. I think it'll be too low with the longer ones I have and the flip kit.
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[Cole Trickle]

Originally Posted by djunkie

I'm gonna need to find some stock shackles for the back. I think it'll be too low with the longer ones I have and the flip kit.
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look in the used section or ask around. gotta be a ton that will just find a trash bin

[djunkie]

Originally Posted by Cole Trickle

look in the used section or ask around. gotta be a ton that will just find a trash bin

I think Jimmy may still have his from when he lowered his '85. I just really don't feel like tearing the truck apart right now to be honest.
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[slinginrods]

Flipped mine never hits,used 13.00 spring perches welded em to the axle and used front shocks in the rear.
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[djunkie]

Well just an update. I installed the flip kit and put stock shackles back on it. Thing is on the ground. I plan on doing a c-notch but IMO this went lower than it should have. I have about 1" till it hits frame right now. Other trucks I've seen with a flip kit aren't this low. I'm thinking I have some really wore out leaf springs as its super soft in the rear too. For now I put a set of air shocks on it and it really helped. But I'm thinking I need new leafs. Any recommendation on where to get some? I have the 4 leaf pack with an overload leaf in there making it 5 total.

Heres a pick of it without the air shocks and then one with the air shocks aired up.

[lanconcj]

I think it looks perfect.

[djunkie]

Originally Posted by lanconcj

I think it looks perfect.

In which picture? Its about 1 1/2 inches higher in the second pic with the air shocks aired up. Thats where I want it. But I really don't wanna rely on the air shocks. I'm wondering if a new set of leaf springs will bring it up a bit.

[cochino12]

bell tech makes a shorter shackle which will raise it back up an inch or so. Looks great in the second picture

[DREAMER1]

You could always try the local salvage yard for leafs. It's always (most always) trial and error. Your truck may have hauled alot more than others making the leafs softer. When I did my front I was rubbing like crazy. I installed new shocks and I only rub when I hit a bad pothole or something.

IMO looks fine the way you have it now with the air shocks.
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[djunkie]

Originally Posted by DREAMER1

You could always try the local salvage yard for leafs. It's always (most always) trial and error. Your truck may have hauled alot more than others making the leafs softer. When I did my front I was rubbing like crazy. I installed new shocks and I only rub when I hit a bad pothole or something.

IMO looks fine the way you have it now with the air shocks.
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I like the stance with the air shocks also. I'd just like to not have to use the air shocks to bring it up to that level. I'm thinking a new set of leaf springs should bring it up a bit. Then I'll just use the air shocks for if I ever plan on loading something heavy in the bed.

[Hulk Will Smash]

As I read through this thread the first thing that comes to mind is "Hotboat is a magazine too?!"

And so I'm not completely useless my R30 has a flip kit without a c notch and man when it hits, it's Loud!!
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[djunkie]

Originally Posted by Hulk Will Smash

As I read through this thread the first thing that comes to mind is "Hotboat is a magazine too?!"

And so I'm not completely useless my R30 has a flip kit without a c notch and man when it hits, it's Loud!!
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LOL!!! Haven't heard that one in a while. Had some good times on that website.
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[Hulk Will Smash]

I saw a couple familiar names and was like "where have I seen them before?" I'm still on Riverdave's as well. Really dig the look of your square by the way. Keep up the good work!
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[djunkie]

Originally Posted by Hulk Will Smash

I saw a couple familiar names and was like "where have I seen them before?" I'm still on Riverdave's as well. Really dig the look of your square by the way. Keep up the good work!
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Thanks. What was your screen name back in the Hotboat days?
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[Ford Assassin]

What part number are those air shocks? My ride height is perfect after my axle flip, I just want them to level out the rear when towing my camping trailer.

Thanks!!

[made2drag]

go to a parts store like autozone and buy a lift shackle. in stall it and your done. they are shorter than a stock shackle and should lift it 1-2 inches. i got 3 1/2 inch drop by just pulling leafs....kept the main one and the 3rd longest one on my k5/jimmy.

[grs]

Mine was lowered when I got it. It was not C-notched. The left rear shock would bottom out. It has shorter shocks I think. I C-notched it myself. I did not take the bed off to C-notch it. I had a bracket made to reinforce the frame area. Watch out for wires on the drivers side. You will have to bend the brake line out of the way on the passenger side.

[made2drag]

man thats a sweet c notch. very heavy duty....overkill is always good!