84' 3/4 lowered advice

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Like jrpontiac indicated, a flip-kit can be done on the cheap by adding (welding) new leaf mounting pads under the axle tube vs. on top & using fresh/new U-bolts/nuts (don't re-use U-bolt hardware; you can re-use the original plates). But, you'll get more than 6" of drop (closer to 8" depending on how thick the spring pack is). You would need to source the pads & U-bolts for the correct OD of your axle tubes.

The shackles/hangers will get you 4" drop. You could remove some leafs to play around w/additional drop.

There is also another possibility that doesn't require welding but would require some modification (cutting, trimming, drilling, & measuring because you won't have specific instructions). You could use a 98-00 3/4 ton 8-lug flip/c-notch kit. They're similar in design. The axle tube OD should be the same (14bolt GM housings). The main difference is in the frame-rail profile but the 98-00 c-notch could be trimmed to fit where necessary.

yeah I was planning on doing the axle flip but i dont want my truck that low... so ill just do the shackles/hangers drop... do youll think this will work?http://https://www.carid.com/belltech/4-rear-shackle-and-hanger-lowering-kit-mpn-6907.html[/IMG]

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Nightrider

yeah I was planning on doing the axle flip but i dont want my truck that low... so ill just do the shackles/hangers drop... do youll think this will work?http://https://www.carid.com/belltech/4-rear-shackle-and-hanger-lowering-kit-mpn-6907.html[/IMG]

Tinydb84 provided a direct replacement shackle/hanger combo (https://www.summitracing.com/tx/part...4/applications).

Anything beyond the square body style could be different (the link you provided is for the body style AFTER the squares).

[tinydb84]

Here is my C20 with a 6'' drop in the rear. The front was stock height at the time.

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Tinydb84 provided a direct replacement shackle/hanger combo (https://www.summitracing.com/tx/part...4/applications).

Anything beyond the square body style could be different (the link you provided is for the body style AFTER the squares).

AWESOME thanks alot! so now we have the back end done... im thinking about a 2 or 3 inch spindle drop with a 1 or 2 inch spring drop so it will be 4 either way does that sound good? those are the spindles
http://www.x2industries.com/chevrole...l#.Wvy0fkxFxN7

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Here is my C20 with a 6'' drop in the rear. The front was stock height at the time.

that looks gooooddddddd

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Nightrider

AWESOME thanks alot! so now we have the back end done... im thinking about a 2 or 3 inch spindle drop with a 1 or 2 inch spring drop so it will be 4 either way does that sound good? those are the spindles
http://www.x2industries.com/chevrole...l#.Wvy0fkxFxN7

The rear typically requires more drop vs the front to be level. That's why you see 2/4 drops or 3/5; 4/6; 5/7 etc..... Whatever drop the rear of the truck ends up at you simply need to match the front to it. If not, there will be some rake.

I advise you to take measurements now & before taking the truck apart (now for ordering parts; before you start just to make sure nothing has changed). Take them WHERE you disassemble things so you have a solid control point in case you need to reference back to 'what you started with'. I write it all down in a little pocket notebook so I have it for reference. (and put it on masking tape @ each wheel opening for quick confirmation).

[tinydb84]

Scoti always has good advice. I'd follow any recommendations he has. 4/6 is a nice drop. The C20's usually have pretty tall tires so you wont look as low and you have to pay attention to your inner fender clearance.

[manimal]

I'd be careful of some drop spindles. research the company/brand you use. I have seen PERSONALLY a few spindle stubs break off due to poor quality.

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

The rear typically requires more drop vs the front to be level. That's why you see 2/4 drops or 3/5; 4/6; 5/7 etc..... Whatever drop the rear of the truck ends up at you simply need to match the front to it. If not, there will be some rake.

I advise you to take measurements now & before taking the truck apart (now for ordering parts; before you start just to make sure nothing has changed). Take them WHERE you disassemble things so you have a solid control point in case you need to reference back to 'what you started with'. I write it all down in a little pocket notebook so I have it for reference. (and put it on masking tape @ each wheel opening for quick confirmation).

awesome. I think im going to drop the front first... then i can play the back by ear and adjust what height it needs to be..... Just trying to find the best spindles right now... should i do a 2inch or 3inch spindle?? i would love to get a 4/6 drop.. i love on the outside/country.. the roads suck so i would like to get the best spring to spindle ratio..

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Scoti always has good advice. I'd follow any recommendations he has. 4/6 is a nice drop. The C20's usually have pretty tall tires so you wont look as low and you have to pay attention to your inner fender clearance.

ill make sure my tires wont rub

[Nightrider]

here are two pics of my truck..

[manimal]

http://www.performanceonline.com/

they sell WesternChassis spindles for a c20.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by manimal

http://www.performanceonline.com/

they sell WesternChassis spindles for a c20.

IF they have them in stock. If they don't, they substitute a different brand but don't mention it. Piss poor business move IMO

[manimal]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

IF they have them in stock. If they don't, they substitute a different brand but don't mention it. Piss poor business move IMO

did not know that. Thanks. That is a crappy way to do business. Ive never personally used DJM because of all the horror stories over their Ford products.

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

IF they have them in stock. If they don't, they substitute a different brand but don't mention it. Piss poor business move IMO

thats ****ty of them i found these...

https://www.performanceonline.com/71...e-2-half-inch/

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by manimal

did not know that. Thanks. That is a crappy way to do business. Ive never personally used DJM because of all the horror stories over their Ford products.

yeah crazy.... so what spring to spindle ratio is best??

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Nightrider

thats ****ty of them i found these...

https://www.performanceonline.com/71...e-2-half-inch/

yeah crazy.... so what spring to spindle ratio is best??

It just takes a call to verify they aren't substituting. They may not be for the squarebody suspension. In January, they were for the OBS/88-00 C20/30 spindles as the foundry where they get them was having issues & ceased production (their explanation).

The best spindle/spring ratio is subjective to each individual need. Using the combo of the two is usually the best approach. The deciding factors would be amount of drop & wheel choice (diameter, back-spacing/offset).

For a 4/6 on your described truck, I'd opt for a 2-2.5" spindle + trimming 1-coil from the factory springs if the truck rides decent @ the current height. Then, some combination to achieve the 6" drop on the rear. I usually opt for flip kits on C10's because IMO they're easier to install. Since flip kits on 3/4 or 1-ton trucks yield more than 6" of drop, you have to factor in what it will take to achieve/adjust to get the amount you want. Compare that to the alternatives (shackle/hanger; removing leafs; etc).

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

It just takes a call to verify they aren't substituting.

If they are substituting, it's not the end of the world either provided you're told. I would verify who the actual manufacturer is.

If it's Chassis Tech, research their pricing elsewhere (and their customer reviews). I canceled my order because I could get the Chassis Tech product elsewhere for cheaper yet POL (Western Chassis' daddy) maintained the same pricing as their WC brand.

Seemed to me like a 'Bait & Switch' tactic that I didn't care for so it cost them that sale (& possibly my business in the future).

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

If they are substituting, it's not the end of the world either provided you're told. I would verify who the actual manufacturer is.

If it's Chassis Tech, research their pricing elsewhere (and their customer reviews). I canceled my order because I could get the Chassis Tech product elsewhere for cheaper yet POL (Western Chassis' daddy) maintained the same pricing as their WC brand.

Seemed to me like a 'Bait & Switch' tactic that I didn't care for so it cost them that sale (& possibly my business in the future).

ok i will look into that.. dang

http://www.airbagit.com/spindles-ste...pi-gm7191d.htm

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Nightrider

ok i will look into that.. dang

http://www.airbagit.com/spindles-ste...pi-gm7191d.htm

AirBagIt.com= name change from the original AIM & yet another change (Chassis Tech). Google them all to make an informed decision.

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

AirBagIt.com= name change from the original AIM & yet another change (Chassis Tech). Google them all to make an informed decision.

ok this is what ive come up with... i looked up Chassis Tech spindles and could not find any for my truck on THEIR website.... sooo i looked up the Western Chassis spindles on summit, found the ones that fit my truck and they were $462... thats to much so I kept looking and found the same ones on another website for way cheaper.. only $300

https://www.streetpros.com/product_i..._Spindles.html

[manimal]

Originally Posted by scoti

airbagit.com= name change from the original aim & yet another change (chassis tech). Google them all to make an informed decision.

agreed

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by manimal

agreed

Im going to order https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d.../applications/ this weekend... Im not sure how to install the hangers because they look nothing like my stock ones... Someone explain to me how they fit? Once I figure that out Im order them...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by Nightrider

Im going to order https://www.summitracing.com/parts/d.../applications/ this weekend... Im not sure how to install the hangers because they look nothing like my stock ones... Someone explain to me how they fit? Once I figure that out Im order them...

In a nutshell.....

Secure vehicle on jack stands & verify you're safe to get under the truck (push test).
Remove the wheel, disconnect the shock & leaf spring by removing their hardware. (Do one side @ a time. Use a jack to raise/lower & hold-up the rear-end housing as needed).
Knock the rivets of the factory hangers off/out.
Align the new hangers w/the holes in the frame rails & install w/the new hardware.
Re-install the leaf pack & shock. Loosely snug the hardware for the leaf/shackle bushings but don't tighten them to spec.
Re-install wheel.

Repeat for the opposite side.

Once both sides are completed, set the truck back on the ground so the full weight is on the suspension. Tighten the leaf/shackle bushings hardware to spec.

[Nightrider]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

In a nutshell.....

Secure vehicle on jack stands & verify you're safe to get under the truck (push test).
Remove the wheel, disconnect the shock & leaf spring by removing their hardware. (Do one side @ a time. Use a jack to raise/lower & hold-up the rear-end housing as needed).
Knock the rivets of the factory hangers off/out.
Align the new hangers w/the holes in the frame rails & install w/the new hardware.
Re-install the leaf pack & shock. Loosely snug the hardware for the leaf/shackle bushings but don't tighten them to spec.
Re-install wheel.

Repeat for the opposite side.

Once both sides are completed, set the truck back on the ground so the full weight is on the suspension. Tighten the leaf/shackle bushings hardware to spec.

HAHAH Thank you!