My DJM flip kit install pics

[454HO]

I just installed one of these on my '86 SWB last weekend. Thought I would share some pics since there are quite a few threads on lowering right now. This is not meant to be a how-to thread, just some random pics from my installation. If you have questions, feel free to ask.

EDIT - Okay, I re-ordered the pictures and added some captions to make this more of a how-to. I will admit up front this is not 100% comprehensive, so don't sue me if I've missed a step. And as always recommended, please READ and FOLLOW the manufacturer's directions first. Use this only as a supplement.

I bought the DJM-FK1024-5 kit from Summit Racing for $84.75. Since I bought a few other things at the same time, I shared the $11.75 handling charge across multiple items. This is just the basic flip kit from DJM. There is also a deluxe flip kit that comes with new spring plates and U-bolts, as well as a C-notch kit available.

Basic flip kit.


Step 1 - remove shock absorbers and the original leaf springs from the truck. You will need a good floor jack and at least 2 sets of jack stands along with a selection of sockets and wrenches. I used a large set of jack stands under the rear bumper and a smaller set to support the axle. I also had the front of the truck on a third set of stands to get more room under there to work. I don't remember all the bolt sizes, but I know there are 3/4", 11/16", 5/8" and 9/16" fasteners. You will probably need a breaker bar and some WD-40 to bust some of these bolts loose. An impact wrench is useful if you have one, but not all of the bolts will be accessible.



Step 2 - remove and reverse the spring center bolt.

Spray threads with WD-40


Use Vise Grips as backup, and impact wrench to remove nut


Flip the bolt so that the 'head' is on the top-side and nut is on bottom-side.


Use large channel locks to squeeze springs back together so you can start the nut. Tighten with impact wrench.


Step 3 - drill a hole in the original spring plate to clear the nut of the spring center bolt you just flipped. I used a 3/4" hole saw for this. It took maybe 5 minutes total to drill both spring plates. The hole is centered side-to-side, and is offset approximately 1" front-to-back. You will need to measure your installation to get the exact placement.



Step 4 - re-install the springs under the axle. I supported one end of the axle with the floor jack and used a jack stand to hold the spring while I stabbed the bolts. Just start the nuts, do not tighten yet.



Step 5 - install the U shaped axle locator bracket from the kit on top of the spring with the offset hole toward the FRONT on the truck. Then install the original U-bolts and the modified spring plate so that the hole drilled previously lines up with the spring center bolt. Tighten U-bolts to factory specs.

[454HO]

Step 6 - install the shock extenders. Use the bolts that come with the kit. I was only able to install 2 bolts. The third bolt interfered with the spring plate. Eventually I will remove the plate and grind a notch to clear the bolt head, but for now this will have to do.





Step 7 - remove the factory bump stops

Why? Is this really necessary?

YES, they WILL hit.



So… use a grinder, drill, chisel, Sawzall, or whatever you have available to remove them.





Then you will have about 3” space between the axle tube and frame.



I still need to punch the remains of the rivets out of the frame and install the poly-urethane buttons that came in the kit. I will update with that picture when I get it done.


Step 8 -tighten the spring eye bolts and install new shocks. I put the truck’s weight on the rear axle before tightening the spring eye bolts. This eliminates any pre-load on rubber bushings. Go back and inspect all your work. DONE!

[454HO]

Here are some random pics

[454HO]

I did the install myself, working inside a 10'x25' boat storage stall. I used common hand tools plus an electric impact wrench. As you can see, I still need to grind down the rivets and remove the factory bump stops.

[squarebody]

thanks for the pics! 5inch Drop? do you have any of the whole truck

[slug]

Thats The Same Kit I Used. Instalation Was Strait Forward.

[Malo83]

Looks good I need to get some of those red poly bump stops, didn't come with my kit.

[slepysal]

Nice !! Hey stupid question,why do you need to drill a hole ?

[454HO]

Originally Posted by slepysal

Nice !! Hey stupid question,why do you need to drill a hole ?

If you notice in the first few pics of the leaf spring there is a bolt in the center that holds the leaves together... it also locates the rear end on the spring. When you put the rear end on the top side of the spring, that bolt is sticking thru the bottom side of the spring. If you do not drill the hole in the spring plate, the bolt interferes and will not let the spring plate sit flat. Sorry I did not get a clear picture of the bolt sticking thru that hole. Next time I crawl under the truck to grind on the bump stops I will snap a pic of it to add to the thread.

[slash crashley]

thanks alot for taking the time to document this. every time i'm under my truck i always go thru the logical steps for the flip kit in my head. i'm hoping to install this kit in a couple of weeks or so. if you wanted to make it a step-by-step how to that'd be cool.

i'll probably be doing mine in a hangar at work. i've got a jack and jack stands but no electric impact wrench. think i can get by doing it by hand?

i've got 20"s all around and already am concerned with clearance issues on the inner sidewalls on the rear. (i'm already running 1/4" spacers) i'm thinking i'm going to flip the bed bolts around or just grind em down smooth and flush.

again, thanks for the pictorial. it shed a lot of light on the subject for me.

any pics of the finished stance?

[454HO]

Originally Posted by squarebody

thanks for the pics! 5inch Drop? do you have any of the whole truck

The truck is still up on the jack stands waiting for more work to be done. I just slapped the wheel back on to get an idea of the fender-to-tire gap. And since the axle is already bottomed out on the factory bump stops I am sure it will sit a little bit lower than what these pics show.

If you look real close you can see the DJM 3" drop lower control arms on the front. I will try to find a pic from the front that show them better.

This is what the truck looked like when I got it back in Sept of last year.





[EDIT]

And here is what it looks like after.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by slash crashley

if you wanted to make it a step-by-step how to that'd be cool.

Well, it's pretty intuitive. But here is a crack at it.

1 - read and follow the DJM Directions
2 - done
.
.
.
.
.
.

Just kidding. I will try to write something up and add it to the thread.

Originally Posted by slash crashley

i'll probably be doing mine in a hangar at work. i've got a jack and jack stands but no electric impact wrench. think i can get by doing it by hand?

An impact wrench is not required. In fact, there are only a few bolts that I was able to use it on due to space. You will need a set of deep 1/2" sockets and a set of combo wrenches

Originally Posted by slash crashley

any pics of the finished stance?

Not yet.

[moneyeater]

Originally Posted by 454HO

If you notice in the first few pics of the leaf spring there is a bolt in the center that holds the leaves together... it also locates the rear end on the spring. When you put the rear end on the top side of the spring, that bolt is sticking thru the bottom side of the spring. If you do not drill the hole in the spring plate, the bolt interferes and will not let the spring plate sit flat. Sorry I did not get a clear picture of the bolt sticking thru that hole. Next time I crawl under the truck to grind on the bump stops I will snap a pic of it to add to the thread.

I installed a BellTech flip kit and the new springplates that were included had the propper holes drilled!
Other than that this is a nice photostory.Can´t wait to see the dropped truck!

[454HO]

Originally Posted by moneyeater

I installed a BellTech flip kit and the new springplates that were included had the propper holes drilled!
Other than that this is a nice photostory.Can´t wait to see the dropped truck!

DJM has a deluxe kit that comes with new U-bolts and spring plates too. But it costs twice as much.

[Mr79C10]

Looks like a good install to me, When ya gonna shave off those bump stops? They gotta go...

[C10 the GEM]

How much room do you have between the rear axle and the frame? (with no bump stops)

I am going to install the same flip kit soon and your thread helped on explaining the installation!

Looks great, cant wait to see the finished product!

[Mr79C10]

DJM SAYS that you dont have to "C" notch. But I need to get that done. You will bottom that frame to axle out on some hard bumps R&R tracks. You will need to go slower then ever before. A "C" notch is recommended.

[454HO]

Originally Posted by Mr79C10

DJM SAYS that you dont have to "C" notch. But I need to get that done. You will bottom that frame to axle out on some hard bumps R&R tracks. You will need to go slower then ever before. A "C" notch is recommended.

*Lowered w/ 3" Control arms, 2" Lower Coils and 4" shackles and hangers W/ FLIP KIT

You are running 4" hanger/shackle AND a flip kit????

[Mr79C10]

Originally Posted by 454HO

You are running 4" hanger/shackle AND a flip kit????

Yes, yes, But Im running it at the highest setting, Which should be close to stock.

[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?

[andresco50]

Good pics... well done

[C-10volvo]

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?

Yes you will need to buy drop shocks still. The shock extenders are there only to provide a less harsh angle for the shocks to operate at. From looking at the pictures, the extenders look to be about a 3 inch difference. With a 5 inch overall drop, 2" is enough to blow most shocks.

[Slonaker]

I need to remove my rear bumpstops and the pedestal that holds them. Let us know how hard it is, and what method seems best (grinding, chiseling, etc.).

Slonaker

[454HO]

I have edited the first few posts to add some step by step instruction. Scroll back up to the top and let me know if I screwed something up.

[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.