Lowering Rear - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

87Silvy · 09-23-2004, 04:11 PM

What would I need to lower the rear of my truck so that it sits level?

**Captkaos** · 09-23-2004, 04:23 PM

If you are at stock height, just get some rear shackles. It should drop about 2 inches.

88Jimmy4x4 · 09-24-2004, 01:41 PM

http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/gara...suspension.htm

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=84340

Just remember with shackles you will have to notch the underside bed support for clearance. No biggie, but you will need a sawzall or something.

87Silvy · 09-24-2004, 03:08 PM

After reading the thread that Tim had posted, I think I want to go with the 2/4 drop. Could I use the 2" drop springs for the front and the 4" shackle/hanger kit for the rear? Do I have to notch the rear for the 4" drop?

cochino12 · 09-24-2004, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 87Silvy

After reading the thread that Tim had posted, I think I want to go with the 2/4 drop. Could I use the 2" drop springs for the front and the 4" shackle/hanger kit for the rear? Do I have to notch the rear for the 4" drop?

shouldnt have to.

mckpaul · 09-24-2004, 05:35 PM

I haven't done mine yet, but looking at it, just above the shackles, there's less than an inch clearence between the top of the shackle and a cross member bed support. I read somewhere that the crossmember had to be notched to allow for longer shackles. Doesn't look like a major thing, not really a suspension or 'support' crossmember, just looks like reinforcement for bed floor strength.

88Jimmy4x4 · 09-24-2004, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mckpaul

I haven't done mine yet, but looking at it, just above the shackles, there's less than an inch clearence between the top of the shackle and a cross member bed support. I read somewhere that the crossmember had to be notched to allow for longer shackles. Doesn't look like a major thing, not really a suspension or 'support' crossmember, just looks like reinforcement for bed floor strength.

Yup, its no biggie if you have the tools.

cliffsta · 09-24-2004, 09:16 PM

i think / thought if you used hangers all you had to do was, well, hang it. Are hangers different than shackles? What about shims? How do shims work?

88Jimmy4x4 · 09-24-2004, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cliffsta

i think / thought if you used hangers all you had to do was, well, hang it. Are hangers different than shackles? What about shims? How do shims work?

Spring hangers are more work IMO, its not easy getting those old rivots out. Shackles are between the spring hanger and the spring eye at the rear. Shims are just that....shims, kinda like a wedge if you will that goes under the spring pack to adjust the pinion angle upwards or downwards.

cliffsta · 09-24-2004, 11:02 PM

so outta the 3 listed above, which is best for ride quality using original leaf springs?
if i were to invest in new springs, they would be drop n e ways

**swervin ervin** · 09-25-2004, 02:36 AM

You don't want to use the front hangers by themselves. It throws the pinion angle all out of wack.

09-23-2004, 04:11 PM	#1
87Silvy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Texas Posts: 326	Lowering Rear What would I need to lower the rear of my truck so that it sits level? __________________ 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 2005 Chevrolet Silverado

09-23-2004, 04:23 PM	#2
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	If you are at stock height, just get some rear shackles. It should drop about 2 inches. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

09-24-2004, 01:41 PM	#3
88Jimmy4x4 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: houston, texas Posts: 1,974	http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/gara...suspension.htm http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=84340 Just remember with shackles you will have to notch the underside bed support for clearance. No biggie, but you will need a sawzall or something. __________________ 2008 Silverado Z71 RCSB 1991 GMC Jimmy 4x4 1976 GMC Sierra C15 SWB

09-24-2004, 03:08 PM	#4
87Silvy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Texas Posts: 326	After reading the thread that Tim had posted, I think I want to go with the 2/4 drop. Could I use the 2" drop springs for the front and the 4" shackle/hanger kit for the rear? Do I have to notch the rear for the 4" drop? __________________ 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 2005 Chevrolet Silverado Last edited by 87Silvy; 09-24-2004 at 03:13 PM.

09-24-2004, 05:35 PM	#6
mckpaul Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Houston Posts: 300	I haven't done mine yet, but looking at it, just above the shackles, there's less than an inch clearence between the top of the shackle and a cross member bed support. I read somewhere that the crossmember had to be notched to allow for longer shackles. Doesn't look like a major thing, not really a suspension or 'support' crossmember, just looks like reinforcement for bed floor strength. __________________ Paul 1984 Chevy C-10 LWB/305

09-24-2004, 09:16 PM	#8
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	i think / thought if you used hangers all you had to do was, well, hang it. Are hangers different than shackles? What about shims? How do shims work? __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

09-24-2004, 11:02 PM	#10
cliffsta Stepsides RULE Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pineville, LA Posts: 1,921	so outta the 3 listed above, which is best for ride quality using original leaf springs? if i were to invest in new springs, they would be drop n e ways __________________ 1981 Chevy C10 Custom Deluxe Stepside 350 V8, headers, side exhausts, 3-speed auto SOLD 1980 Chevy C10 Custum Deluxe Stepside 305 V8, Edelbrock Performer Intake, Edelbrock 1406 600CFM 4-barrel, TH350C. Bent rod. SOLD 1984 GMC Sierra Classic Longbed 6.2L Diesel SOLD 2009 Kawasaki KLX-250S too many mods for this signature 1999 Honda Accord EX 4-cylinder, 17" Motegi Wheels 215/45/17 Sumitomo tires, Tein S-Tech lowering springs, KYB GR2 shocks, Acura TL 20mm rear swaybar, debadged, blackhoused headlights, Short-Ram Intake Cardomain of the Accord

09-25-2004, 02:36 AM	#11
swervin ervin You get what you pay for Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Cherryville, NC Posts: 4,798	You don't want to use the front hangers by themselves. It throws the pinion angle all out of wack. __________________ Mike 1985 Chevy C-10



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