Question: Leaf spring drop

[AZBIG1]

No flip. running 2 leaves plus the factory overload(thick leaf on bottom) and extended shackles. Factory overload has a small arch to it. I tried it flipping just the overload upside down so that it looks like a frown(dumbing it down best i can). To soft for me.

[19673ontree]

Here you go this is what you need , I know these are listed for 73 to 87 but im 99% sure thes will work perfect $41 bucks , well a little over $50 with shipping we used to make these out of peices of steel ,,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/73-87-CHEVY-...7973b0&vxp=mtr

[jdw]

So, can anyone tell me what the advantages of lowering shackles and leafs are over a flip? Given the significant cost difference, the work seems the same once you get into it. My thoughts were soft ride on a flip, and more payload on shackles and leafs? Is this correct?

[19673ontree]

If you flip it will still have all the stock leafs so your strength is still there , taking leafs out will make it weak and spongy , if you are worried about ride quality im sorry LOL

[no_rice]

the firmness or lack there of, doesnt change on a flip. your still using all the exact same springs, same rearened, everything. its just a new mounting plate and ubolts to secure the rearend above the springs. with different leafs, yes, then you could either buy firmer or softer leafs.

the only thing you will have is less suspension over all travel, so you could possibly bottom out easier. that will be the case when you lower it regardless of which route you choose. you will need to trim the bump stops shorter so you have a little extra travel.

with the flip you will need to relocate the top shock mount. there is already a hole in the bracket, and you can buy shock mounting kits at an auto parts store for very little $$.

i actually put air shocks in the back so i could adjust my ride depending on what is or is not in the truck with me.

i have not done a c-notch and now that i have the air pressure set up good, it takes a big bang to bottom it out against whats left of the bump stops.

also, it depends on how much drop you want. an axle flip is about a 6 inch drop in the rear. mine has old stock leafs that have sagged about an inch so im really setting about 7 inches lower. and yes a c-notch would be nice at some point, but i have bigger plans eventually.

[BanditDave]

Thanks for the reply Rice.

[no_rice]

tire size is 245/40r20 and 285/35r22. dont know the backspacing off hand.

i like it, but i really keep thinking id like to do a set of deep steelies with poverty caps or something. just cant seem to shake that thought.

[BanditDave]

Originally Posted by no_rice

tire size is 245/40r20 and 285/35r22. dont know the backspacing off hand.

i like it, but i really keep thinking id like to do a set of deep steelies with poverty caps or something. just cant seem to shake that thought.

Let me know if you would be interested in letting them go....might take them off your hands. *****in' truck, regardless!

Take care,
Dave

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by no_rice

tire size is 245/40r20 and 285/35r22. dont know the backspacing off hand.

i like it, but i really keep thinking id like to do a set of deep steelies with poverty caps or something. just cant seem to shake that thought.

Funny how that works.

The guy with 20/22 combo wants old school 15s and the guy with the 15s wants the big hoops. Human nature is funny sometimes.

[no_rice]

lol, if they do get changed, they would still be a slightly oversized steel wheel. unless i stumble across some 15's i cant pass up... but i still would prefer oversized steel if i go that route.

[19673ontree]

LOL I do not want 22's

[GMB1985]

What if a man was putting in a big hp motor in his truck which lowering method would be the strongest for it like keeping the rear end from rolling and just plain stronger would the flip kit be the way to go or the lowering leaf and if I did the flip kit is it always a must to c notch even if you don't haul anything

[Low8lug]

Niice truck No Rice. I think I'm ganna be in the 7" drop range when I get done bolting up my flip kit it's a 3/4 ton so it's 8 leafs I believe I'll have to look again to check but in pretty sure I need a c notch what do you guys recommend for a long bed with leafs? Pics would be helpful I'm thinking bolt it and then weld and possibly box in too?

[Mike C]

Back from the dead post! LOL

My 69 short step had the optional 5 leaf HD springs and flip netted 7 1/4" drop. I removed the overload because it hit the CalTrac bars.

The DJM flip kit I used is nice because it allows adjustment of pinion angle. Most likely, when the 427 goes in the truck, I will remove the flip kit and replace with a welded and braced perch. At that point I will have fine tuned the pinion angle and feel the welded perch will be a better high output solution.

No flip kit on my truck, but haven't had more than 500# in the bed since. I removed stock bump stops as well as pads on the housing. I used the little poly stops that came in the kit, and yes, they are needed and make a HUGE difference if there is contact between housing and frame.