Leaf Spring Drop??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mas09ts · 04-02-2009, 12:18 AM

How do you drop a leaf spring truck, without doing a coil swap? Anyone used the drop springs from Early classic Enterprises~http://www.earlyclassic.com/?
Can you take individual leaf's out or is that not a good idea? Any Pics guys?

*MonteSS454* · 04-02-2009, 12:23 AM

Not a good idea to take out leafs, as it could possible buckle in the rear.

DJM Suspension makes an axle flip kit for these. 5" in the rear and you can go to 6" with a 1" lowering block or 7" with a 2" block.

http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.as...tfamilyid=3339

mas09ts · 04-02-2009, 12:26 AM

Thanks MonteSS454, Anyone else?

jbristo67 · 04-02-2009, 12:29 AM

How far do you want to go. They are pretty simple just a lot more work than the coil drops.let me know how far and I will tell you what you need

*MonteSS454* · 04-02-2009, 12:35 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/70-72...3A1|240%3A1318

Tad bit cheaper.

If you end up with this kit let me know how the install goes. I've just been putting off buying it.

mas09ts · 04-02-2009, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbristo67

How far do you want to go. They are pretty simple just a lot more work than the coil drops.let me know how far and I will tell you what you need

I don't really know maybe 4 or 5

mas09ts · 04-02-2009, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonteSS454

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/70-72...3A1|240%3A1318

Tad bit cheaper.

If you end up with this kit let me know how the install goes. I've just been putting off buying it.

Thats a good price but I cant do it a the moment hope its availible when i can do it, I was jsu wanting info on how to do it.

*MonteSS454* · 04-02-2009, 12:45 AM

Basically put the axle on the leafs, with the right hardware anyways

mas09ts · 04-02-2009, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonteSS454

Basically put the axle on the leafs, with the right hardware anyways

Yeah, do u think that'd be easier than buying and installing the drop leaf's, I know it would probably be cheaper.

*MonteSS454* · 04-02-2009, 12:50 AM

Leafs are a pain to mess with when the aren't bolted in. Took me and another buddy (About 350lb total) to get one of my leafs back into place after changing a shackle.

fjthompsoniii · 04-02-2009, 01:24 AM

A good friend of mine took out every other leaf then proceeded to put a pumped up 454 in and run low 11s at the track in a 70 lwb without the springs giving him any trouble with buckling or breaking if anything the added flex improved the ride and helped it hook up.... just something to think about if your budgets as tight as mine right now.

**Papa Smurf** · 04-02-2009, 01:49 AM

I notice the kits described in the links above specify 1/2 ton. What about 3/4 ton ? I have a nice 3/4 ton 72 Sierra that would look really good if it's tail wasn't 3 feet off the ground.

Papa Smurf

*MonteSS454* · 04-02-2009, 02:07 AM

I don't think there would be much differences in the 2 rear ends, same axle housing sizes, leafs, etc......Maybe someone else can chime in on this one.

jwn1975 · 04-02-2009, 02:13 AM

flip the axle and take out a leaf or two if its too high. Ive done several that way without a problem.

jbristo67 · 04-02-2009, 02:43 AM

4 is a more difficult drop than 5. 5 is easy it is a simple flip. 4 you will need shackles and hangers and if they are riveted to the frame they are not much fun but the shackles are easy. Good thing about these trucks is you don't have a gas tank to fight with when changing out your hangers.

falvarez12001 · 04-02-2009, 09:07 AM

I've been using these for the past 3 years on my Longhorn. They work great I have the 5 inch with 2 inch drop shckles:

http://www.performanceonline.com/sto...cat=782&page=1

**leddzepp** · 04-02-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fjthompsoniii

A good friend of mine took out every other leaf then proceeded to put a pumped up 454 in and run low 11s at the track in a 70 lwb without the springs giving him any trouble with buckling or breaking if anything the added flex improved the ride and helped it hook up.... just something to think about if your budgets as tight as mine right now.

I have pulled leafs before with no problem.

**bowtie72** · 04-02-2009, 01:20 PM

My truck was done by PO. Its leafs. Flipped axle on top and c-notched. Works great but rides rough.

jbristo67 · 04-02-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bowtie72

My truck was done by PO. Its leafs. Flipped axle on top and c-notched. Works great but rides rough.

Your front end needs to come down a little bit

69lemans · 04-02-2009, 02:53 PM

I don't want to hijack your thread,but maybe somebody could answer this:instead of buying the aftermarket extended shackles,would it be safe to weld a couple straps up the sides of the factory shackles and relocate the holes? I think with that and by taking out the thickest spring yiu could get it about 3" lower

BradE · 04-29-2009, 04:08 PM

For those that have done a leaf spring flip (5 inches), have you had any trouble with the rear shocks? Did you put in a shock re-locater kit and/or install a C-notch? Thanks!

mas09ts · 04-29-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradE

For those that have done a leaf spring flip (5 inches), have you had any trouble with the rear shocks? Did you put in a shock re-locater kit and/or install a C-notch? Thanks!

I'd like to know this also, I think I may do the flip too. . .

eseaton · 04-29-2009, 08:50 PM

You could always go with the shackles for the 2 in and then have the leaves rearched for the rest of it. I have a 67 1/2 ton that i am going to pull leaves out of, but I am going to go off of my sring guys advice and pull what he says so I dont have issues. He's been in buisness for 40+ and also makes custom leaf springs and hangers.

Kansas Tinner · 04-29-2009, 08:57 PM

I've taken leafs out on my '68 half ton with no problem. I dont haul anything in it except for a cooler. It still rides good. Only problem is i want to lower it more in the rear but dont want to take out anymore leafs. Oh well.

**Orange71shorty** · 04-29-2009, 10:00 PM

I bought the 4 inch drop leafs that are actually a reverse eye on the rear mount. They are designed to ride as stock. They bolted up very nicely, just jacked up the rear frame and unbolted each side individually. It took all of an hour and a half total but my bed was off. Used drop spindles in front for a nice stance.

04-02-2009, 12:18 AM	#1
mas09ts Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gate City VA Posts: 576	Leaf Spring Drop??? How do you drop a leaf spring truck, without doing a coil swap? Anyone used the drop springs from Early classic Enterprises~http://www.earlyclassic.com/? Can you take individual leaf's out or is that not a good idea? Any Pics guys? __________________ Mitch 22yrs. Young 1970 GMC Short-Step 350/TH350 Combo. . . . Sold Dec 2011 Current Project 68 Gmc "Second Chance" Go to my 68 GMC Shorty Rebuild Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...39#post6341739

04-02-2009, 12:23 AM	#2
MonteSS454 Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 821	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? Not a good idea to take out leafs, as it could possible buckle in the rear. DJM Suspension makes an axle flip kit for these. 5" in the rear and you can go to 6" with a 1" lowering block or 7" with a 2" block. http://www.stylintrucks.com/parts.as...tfamilyid=3339

04-02-2009, 12:26 AM	#3
mas09ts Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gate City VA Posts: 576	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? Thanks MonteSS454, Anyone else? __________________ Mitch 22yrs. Young 1970 GMC Short-Step 350/TH350 Combo. . . . Sold Dec 2011 Current Project 68 Gmc "Second Chance" Go to my 68 GMC Shorty Rebuild Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...39#post6341739

04-02-2009, 12:29 AM	#4
jbristo67 resident oilfield trash Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock TX Posts: 1,465	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? How far do you want to go. They are pretty simple just a lot more work than the coil drops.let me know how far and I will tell you what you need __________________ 1967 SWB C10 396/400 factory air factory tach (sadly had to send to a new home) 1986 Honda 70 Fourtrax 1991 Chevrolet K5 blazer 2wd 1982 Mastercraft Pro Star 190 Stars and Stripes 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 2011 Nissan Armada

04-02-2009, 12:35 AM	#5
MonteSS454 Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 821	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/70-72...3A1\|240%3A1318 Tad bit cheaper. If you end up with this kit let me know how the install goes. I've just been putting off buying it. Last edited by MonteSS454; 04-02-2009 at 12:36 AM.

04-02-2009, 12:45 AM	#8
MonteSS454 Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 821	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? Basically put the axle on the leafs, with the right hardware anyways

04-02-2009, 12:50 AM	#10
MonteSS454 Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 821	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? Leafs are a pain to mess with when the aren't bolted in. Took me and another buddy (About 350lb total) to get one of my leafs back into place after changing a shackle.

04-02-2009, 01:24 AM	#11
fjthompsoniii Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: enumclaw wa Posts: 58	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? A good friend of mine took out every other leaf then proceeded to put a pumped up 454 in and run low 11s at the track in a 70 lwb without the springs giving him any trouble with buckling or breaking if anything the added flex improved the ride and helped it hook up.... just something to think about if your budgets as tight as mine right now. Last edited by fjthompsoniii; 04-02-2009 at 01:25 AM. Reason: mis spell

04-02-2009, 01:49 AM	#12
Papa Smurf Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ben Wheeler, TX Posts: 96	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? I notice the kits described in the links above specify 1/2 ton. What about 3/4 ton ? I have a nice 3/4 ton 72 Sierra that would look really good if it's tail wasn't 3 feet off the ground. Papa Smurf __________________ 72 Sierra Grande 2500 BB 72 Sierra 2500, 42K miles, factory buckets 72 Cheyenne 20 72 Chevy SWB, Factory BB, Leaf Spring

04-02-2009, 02:07 AM	#13
MonteSS454 Account Suspended Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Claremore, Oklahoma Posts: 821	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? I don't think there would be much differences in the 2 rear ends, same axle housing sizes, leafs, etc......Maybe someone else can chime in on this one.

04-02-2009, 02:13 AM	#14
jwn1975 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Red Lodge Montana Posts: 240	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? flip the axle and take out a leaf or two if its too high. Ive done several that way without a problem.

04-02-2009, 02:43 AM	#15
jbristo67 resident oilfield trash Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock TX Posts: 1,465	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? 4 is a more difficult drop than 5. 5 is easy it is a simple flip. 4 you will need shackles and hangers and if they are riveted to the frame they are not much fun but the shackles are easy. Good thing about these trucks is you don't have a gas tank to fight with when changing out your hangers. __________________ 1967 SWB C10 396/400 factory air factory tach (sadly had to send to a new home) 1986 Honda 70 Fourtrax 1991 Chevrolet K5 blazer 2wd 1982 Mastercraft Pro Star 190 Stars and Stripes 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 2011 Nissan Armada

04-02-2009, 09:07 AM	#16
falvarez12001 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Antonio , TX Posts: 140	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? I've been using these for the past 3 years on my Longhorn. They work great I have the 5 inch with 2 inch drop shckles: http://www.performanceonline.com/sto...cat=782&page=1 __________________ Why, Because it's my truck 1972 Chevy Longhorn, Dropped 4-7 1984 Chevy Shortbed custom Deluxe (Daily Driver)

04-02-2009, 01:20 PM	#18
bowtie72 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 361	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? My truck was done by PO. Its leafs. Flipped axle on top and c-notched. Works great but rides rough. Attached Images __________________ 1968 SWB "Little White Truck" 1972 LWB LS 4l80 "Plain Jane!!"

04-02-2009, 02:53 PM	#20
69lemans Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: simpsonville,sc Posts: 417	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? I don't want to hijack your thread,but maybe somebody could answer this:instead of buying the aftermarket extended shackles,would it be safe to weld a couple straps up the sides of the factory shackles and relocate the holes? I think with that and by taking out the thickest spring yiu could get it about 3" lower



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04-29-2009, 04:08 PM	#21
BradE yard boy Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Franklin, TN Posts: 119	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? For those that have done a leaf spring flip (5 inches), have you had any trouble with the rear shocks? Did you put in a shock re-locater kit and/or install a C-notch? Thanks! __________________ 1984 Chevy c20

04-29-2009, 08:50 PM	#23
eseaton Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 190	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? You could always go with the shackles for the 2 in and then have the leaves rearched for the rest of it. I have a 67 1/2 ton that i am going to pull leaves out of, but I am going to go off of my sring guys advice and pull what he says so I dont have issues. He's been in buisness for 40+ and also makes custom leaf springs and hangers.

04-29-2009, 08:57 PM	#24
Kansas Tinner Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Derby, Kansas Posts: 11	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? I've taken leafs out on my '68 half ton with no problem. I dont haul anything in it except for a cooler. It still rides good. Only problem is i want to lower it more in the rear but dont want to take out anymore leafs. Oh well.

04-29-2009, 10:00 PM	#25
Orange71shorty Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Helena, Montana Posts: 567	Re: Leaf Spring Drop??? I bought the 4 inch drop leafs that are actually a reverse eye on the rear mount. They are designed to ride as stock. They bolted up very nicely, just jacked up the rear frame and unbolted each side individually. It took all of an hour and a half total but my bed was off. Used drop spindles in front for a nice stance.

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