Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tranz am · 04-11-2007, 06:26 PM

There are 2 ways I can go when dropping the rear of my 69 GMC, Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles. The flip kit sure costs alot less but I will lose alot of my suspension travel in the process even with a c notch. The dropped leafs are much more expensive but save my susspension travel.
What is more performance oriented? What will handle better?
I would like to know what other peoples opinions are on the 2 set ups, pros/cons
Thanks

SCOTI · 04-11-2007, 09:00 PM

Flip kit.

You will lose some travel w/both methods.
The dropped leafs/shackles will give you about 5" of drop & a flip kit nets between 5~6" of drop @ a lower cost.
The flip kit does not compromise the hauling capacity (other than the lost suspension travel).
Dropped leafs may/may not compromise hauling capacity depending on the springs manufacturer.

Lowering the truck either way will improve handling because of the lower center of gravity. Add some quality sway-bars & bushings w/some good shocks & tires to get the most out of the suspension regardless of way you decide to drop the rear.

KAILUAZ · 04-11-2007, 09:17 PM

I'm in the same boat, not sure which way to go. The only thing holding me back with the flip kit is welding in the c-notch, cause I have no welding skills. It is really cheap though.

xmitsu10 · 04-11-2007, 09:24 PM

I went with the dropped leafs and shackles from GMCPauls (they offer drop leafs with up to a 5" drop and their shackles will give you another 1" or 2" drop). Unfortunately, they are not yet installed on my '71. I ordered new KYB Gas Adjust shocks, 2.5" drop spindles and 1" drop front springs, with a 3.5"/6" final drop in mind. Also ordered poly bushings and low profile sway bar brackets for my OE bar up front. Hope to post some before and after pics within the next 30 days. Am real interested as to how it will change the handling and ride.

Mark

68 P.O.S. · 04-11-2007, 09:29 PM

Converting it to coils would be nice.

corn · 04-11-2007, 10:03 PM

I flipped mine but havent notched it yet, but will by summer.

Tx Firefighter · 04-12-2007, 07:14 AM

Keep in mind, no matter how you lower it, you will lose the same amount of travel. Whether you use a spring and shackle combined for 6 inch drop or a 6 inch flip kit, the axle will set 6 inches closer to the frame. What I'm saying is that inch for inch, you lose the same amount of travel no matter how you lower it.

tranz am · 04-14-2007, 12:39 AM

I see your point, cheep or expensive, I still have the same problem. Looks like I will c notch the frame and use a flip kit. Thanks!

KAILUAZ · 05-31-2007, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tranz am

I see your point, cheep or expensive, I still have the same problem. Looks like I will c notch the frame and use a flip kit. Thanks!

You ever drop it??

SCOTI · 05-31-2007, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAILUAZ

I'm in the same boat, not sure which way to go. The only thing holding me back with the flip kit is welding in the c-notch, cause I have no welding skills. It is really cheap though.

They offer bolt-in c-notches. The frame rails are the same for leaf & coil 1/2 ton 2wd trucks.

KAILUAZ · 05-31-2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

They offer bolt-in c-notches. The frame rails are the same for leaf & coil 1/2 ton 2wd trucks.

Yeah I might go that route, get someone to weld them later. You cant beat the price for the flip kits and bolt-in c-notches.

Orange · 05-31-2007, 04:19 PM

Where are you guys buying the flip/c-notch kits?

DLB

bad6772 · 05-31-2007, 06:11 PM

i got mine for my 72 from southern kentucy classics. real cheap and great service . for my 67 i went through gmc pauls both places are good, but i live here in indianapolis and gmc pauls is like 45 mins from me. so i would check him out

SCOTI · 05-31-2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAILUAZ

Yeah I might go that route, get someone to weld them later. You cant beat the price for the flip kits and bolt-in c-notches.

That's how I initially did mine. They were bolted in until I started pulling my trailer. I felt the added insurance from welding them in was worth the effort.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-31-2007, 07:37 PM

trailer or not id weld up the bolt in notches just for the extra security and strength

Orange · 05-31-2007, 08:23 PM

I'm having no problem finding the C-Notch's, but the flip kit is a different story...

Does everything just relocate correctly magically when you put the springs on top of the axle, I wouldn't think so...

DLB

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-31-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orange

I'm having no problem finding the C-Notch's, but the flip kit is a different story...

Does everything just relocate correctly magically when you put the springs on top of the axle, I wouldn't think so...

DLB

im sure the pinion angle would change a bit but other than that i think everything else would be fine, exept shocks being to long

KAILUAZ · 05-31-2007, 08:47 PM

You have to be careful with the spring width, IIRC the older springs are wider so the 73+ flip kits wont work.

SCOTI · 05-31-2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAILUAZ

You have to be careful with the spring width, IIRC the older springs are wider so the 73+ flip kits wont work.

Actually, it's the opposite. Pre-73 leaf width is 2.25"; post 72 leaf width is 2.5".

Orange · 06-01-2007, 07:38 AM

Corn - how did you flip yours, what was involved?

DLB

KAILUAZ · 06-01-2007, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Actually, it's the opposite. Pre-73 leaf width is 2.25"; post 72 leaf width is 2.5".

You are correct sir;
1963-1972 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
Only Fits Vehicles With 2.25" Leaf Springs
1963-1972 GMC Pickup (C/K)
Only Fits Vehicles With 2.25" Leaf Springs
http://www.stylinconcepts.com/part.a.../categoryid/30

04-11-2007, 06:26 PM	#1
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles There are 2 ways I can go when dropping the rear of my 69 GMC, Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles. The flip kit sure costs alot less but I will lose alot of my suspension travel in the process even with a c notch. The dropped leafs are much more expensive but save my susspension travel. What is more performance oriented? What will handle better? I would like to know what other peoples opinions are on the 2 set ups, pros/cons Thanks __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

04-11-2007, 09:00 PM	#2
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,940	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles Flip kit. You will lose some travel w/both methods. The dropped leafs/shackles will give you about 5" of drop & a flip kit nets between 5~6" of drop @ a lower cost. The flip kit does not compromise the hauling capacity (other than the lost suspension travel). Dropped leafs may/may not compromise hauling capacity depending on the springs manufacturer. Lowering the truck either way will improve handling because of the lower center of gravity. Add some quality sway-bars & bushings w/some good shocks & tires to get the most out of the suspension regardless of way you decide to drop the rear. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

04-11-2007, 09:17 PM	#3
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles I'm in the same boat, not sure which way to go. The only thing holding me back with the flip kit is welding in the c-notch, cause I have no welding skills. It is really cheap though. __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics

04-11-2007, 09:24 PM	#4
xmitsu10 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Alton, New Hampshire Posts: 274	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles I went with the dropped leafs and shackles from GMCPauls (they offer drop leafs with up to a 5" drop and their shackles will give you another 1" or 2" drop). Unfortunately, they are not yet installed on my '71. I ordered new KYB Gas Adjust shocks, 2.5" drop spindles and 1" drop front springs, with a 3.5"/6" final drop in mind. Also ordered poly bushings and low profile sway bar brackets for my OE bar up front. Hope to post some before and after pics within the next 30 days. Am real interested as to how it will change the handling and ride. Mark __________________ 71 Cheyenne SWB

04-11-2007, 09:29 PM	#5
68 P.O.S. Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Puyallup, WA Posts: 1,660	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles Converting it to coils would be nice. __________________ 72 C10 lwb fleetside -stock 350/350 combo

04-11-2007, 10:03 PM	#6
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles I flipped mine but havent notched it yet, but will by summer.

04-12-2007, 07:14 AM	#7
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles Keep in mind, no matter how you lower it, you will lose the same amount of travel. Whether you use a spring and shackle combined for 6 inch drop or a 6 inch flip kit, the axle will set 6 inches closer to the frame. What I'm saying is that inch for inch, you lose the same amount of travel no matter how you lower it. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

04-14-2007, 12:39 AM	#8
tranz am Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Santa Rosa, Ca Posts: 586	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles I see your point, cheep or expensive, I still have the same problem. Looks like I will c notch the frame and use a flip kit. Thanks! __________________ My build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=456220 Best 1/4 mile time 12.1 @ 111 w/traction issues 1969 GMC SWB 1964 chevy II Nova ht

05-31-2007, 04:19 PM	#12
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Flip kit or droped leafs and shackles Where are you guys buying the flip/c-notch kits? DLB __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.

05-31-2007, 06:11 PM	#13
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,955	Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles i got mine for my 72 from southern kentucy classics. real cheap and great service . for my 67 i went through gmc pauls both places are good, but i live here in indianapolis and gmc pauls is like 45 mins from me. so i would check him out

05-31-2007, 07:37 PM	#15
GREASEMONKEY72 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bakersfield,CA Posts: 7,893	Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles trailer or not id weld up the bolt in notches just for the extra security and strength __________________ -steven Alte Seele S.S. "Allison" '72 C/10 LWB 350SB/TH350 - DD PITBULL IS NOT A CRIME

05-31-2007, 08:23 PM	#16
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles I'm having no problem finding the C-Notch's, but the flip kit is a different story... Does everything just relocate correctly magically when you put the springs on top of the axle, I wouldn't think so... DLB __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.

05-31-2007, 08:47 PM	#18
KAILUAZ King of Rust Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: St Petersburg, FL Posts: 359	Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles You have to be careful with the spring width, IIRC the older springs are wider so the 73+ flip kits wont work. __________________ 1970 GMC 2500, 350, TH400, front disks, thats it! My Pics

06-01-2007, 07:38 AM	#20
Orange Licensed to Thrill! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Northwest, GA Posts: 1,673	Re: Flip kit or dropped leafs and shackles Corn - how did you flip yours, what was involved? DLB __________________ 1971 GMC.Lowered. Overdrive. Orange. Krue's excellent FAQ Index.



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