My DJM flip kit install pics

[454HO]

Originally Posted by lolife99

454HO,... I've done at least 6 flip kits on 73-87 trucks and I've never drilled a hole. I've never removed the leaf spring centering pin (bolt). Normally the u-bolt plate straddles the bolt. (In the center of the plate where it dips down) I'm trying to figure out why you had to do that.

Because the DJM instructions said to.

1 - The thickness of the DJM axle locator bracket is about 3/8". The height of the spring center bolt sticking thru the spring pack is about 1/2". If you do not remove and flip the spring center pin, then it will stick up thru the axle locating bracket. This may (or may not) cause interference with the axle tube.

2. Since the DJM axle locator bracket has an offset hole, the spring center bolt no longer lines up with the 'dip' that is in the stock spring plate. So the hole is needed to provide clearance.

What kit have you used? I would certainly like know if there is an easier way.

[454HO]

Just thought I would throw these pics into this thread as well. These are the DJM 3" drop lower control arms. I have the upper A-arms too. Sorry I don't have pics of the install, but it is a pretty simple remove and replace.











I'm still a few weeks away from getting the truck running, much less drivable. So hang tight on seeing the finished stance.

[moneyeater]

Looks like your headers will be very near to the street!Mine hang very low too we bent them upwards a little to clear the flange from scraping!
I´m curious how low yours will sit!

[beaterC10]

Originally Posted by C10 the GEM

Are the shock extenders necessary for only the stock shocks or do you need them for the aftermarket ones designed for the drop?

I have used shock extenders with both stock and drop shocks on my flip kit install. I started with Doetsche drop shocks and replaced them with stock shocks when I could no longer endure the ride from the drop shocks. No shock related issue after two years with stock shocks. I use my truck to tow and haul trash and building materials on a regular basis.

My vote is install the shock extenders and a decent set of stock shocks.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by 454HO

Because the DJM instructions said to.

1 - The thickness of the DJM axle locator bracket is about 3/8". The height of the spring center bolt sticking thru the spring pack is about 1/2". If you do not remove and flip the spring center pin, then it will stick up thru the axle locating bracket. This may (or may not) cause interference with the axle tube.

2. Since the DJM axle locator bracket has an offset hole, the spring center bolt no longer lines up with the 'dip' that is in the stock spring plate. So the hole is needed to provide clearance.

What kit have you used? I would certainly like know if there is an easier way.

I have used DJM, Western, Belltech and even the old Stull kits from the 80's. I just rotate the lower u-bolt plate to put the center pin (bolt) in the dip of the lower plate. Torque the u-bolts and your done. The axle locator always has the hole towards the front of the truck to locate the rearend in the center of the wheelwell,... and save any driveshaft cutting. Most kits use the OEM u-bolt plate,... but some applications (from DJM) use an aftermarket u-bolt plate. The only flip kit I haven't done is the '07-'08 trucks,... and I'm doing one of those next week. Everything looks good with your install. Just the "hole" thing made me wonder,...

[benoit454]

I got a few questions...
how low do those front controal arms drop you up front?

Stock springs with them?

How much do they set ya back(cost)

Looks to me like your headers will run right under the crossmember. So...

What year is your truck because I wonder if my 84 is that way like yours because I wanna put on some long tubes but I'd hope the pipes could run straight back and not need bent. So is that stock crossmember? ANyone tell me if our 84 has same one, haven't climbed under there to check lately, and what headers do you have anyways?

[454HO]

Originally Posted by benoit454

I got a few questions...
how low do those front controal arms drop you up front?

Stock springs with them?

How much do they set ya back(cost)

Looks to me like your headers will run right under the crossmember. So...

What year is your truck because I wonder if my 84 is that way like yours because I wanna put on some long tubes but I'd hope the pipes could run straight back and not need bent. So is that stock crossmember? ANyone tell me if our 84 has same one, haven't climbed under there to check lately, and what headers do you have anyways?

You are getting off topic, but I will let you slide since I posted the pics.

Control arms are advertised 3" drop. Yes, stock springs for a small block. I have swapped in a big block though, so I don't know the actual drop yet. Need to finish up the engine before I can measure. Cost?? I bought them years ago... but I know they are considerably more expensive than drop spindles.

That is not the crossmember that came on this '86 truck. It's a double hump that I salvaged from my old '77 big block truck. The headers are Hedman Elites.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I just rotate the lower u-bolt plate to put the center pin (bolt) in the dip of the lower plate.

So you rotate the spring plate 90°?? I guess that would work as long as the U-bolts still go thru the holes.

[lolife99]

No,... I just rotate the plate forwrd until the bolt falls in the "dip" of the factory u-bolt plate. The hole you drilled and the "dip" are only about an inch apart. Like I said,... what you did looks fine,.... I've just never had to do that. Keep the pics coming. And,... I like the big block!

[spr85gmc]

i feel like an idiot all of a sudden when i installed my flip kit it didnt have directions and none us had ever put a kit on any truck before, looking at your truck i just relized what those to parts were for they were shock extenders (im an idiot). so now i knw what im doing this weekend putting on my shock extenders................ woooooooooo hoooooooooooo for double work.

[slash crashley]

thanks for updating the thread with the play by play 454HO.

i just ordered my parts, this thread is going to be very helpful with the install.

[mexgrhd68]

that was some helpful info!!!!! keep it coming!

[mercman1951]

Any overall before and after pics? Looking good!

[454HO]

Sorry, not yet. I need to get some longer studs for the upper control arms.

[Square84]

to SPR85GMC ha ha very funny good stuff. as far as flip kit i used the western and it comes with new plate with 2 holes drilled in it to locate the rear axle didnt have to remove or replace leaf spring bolt and no drilling.

[C10 the GEM]

Is the western chassis flip kit a good product? Im looking to get the 5/7 inch lowering kit from them.

[Square84]

westerns kit is real nice new spring plates, u bolts, washers, aircraft nuts, and spring perches. all coated so they dont rust and for 50 dollars extra they throw in shock extenders.

[454HO]

Finally got the truck out of the shop and took a decent after pic.



It looks a little deceiving 'cause the ground slopes down toward the front of the truck. But that's the best I can do at the moment.

I added this pic to post 11 back on page 1 of this thread. You can see the before pics there too.

[rustSpot]

Looks Good!

[Mr79C10]

Oh Yea!!!!

[chevymotocross]

What size tire you running with that drop? They almost look like a 255/70/15 ? If so, that is perfect, since that is the size tire I was planning on running when I do my drop. Instead, I am only doing a 4'' rear drop (shackles and hangers) and 2.5'' spindles with possibly 1'' springs since I want more of a rake than your truck has, plus I don't want to notch my frame, like with the flip kit.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by chevymotocross

What size tire you running with that drop? They almost look like a 255/70/15 ?

These tires are 275/60 x 15, and the rims are 8" wide with 4.5" backspace.

[BaddBusa2005]

Very nice setup. I would like for mine to tuck the front tire some though.

I have a flip kit 2" front drop springs, and 3 inch spindles. I hope it tucks the front a bit. I really like how your truck sits.

[Anthony Fremont]

Cool 454HO, why did you choose drop A-arms over drop spindles? Is there an advantage?

[Rob73-87]

Originally Posted by C10 the GEM

Are the shock extenders necessary for only the stock shocks or do you need them for the aftermarket ones designed for the drop?

Hello again,

I installed a flipkit from belltech and had to discover that there were no shock extenders in their kit ??!!

What should I do now ?

Should I buy some of another brand ? Or what do you think ?

I thought the stuff from the belltech guys should be pretty good and now this....?

thanks for your opinions,

Rob