why does my truck sit level? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jb1016 · 04-14-2009, 08:47 PM

First off, I apologize, cuz I'm a freakin' noob when it comes to suspension stuff. I've got a 93 shorty, and it sits level -- 32" front, 32" rear. I like that it's level, but I want to go a little lower in the future, and all the mild kits out there are designed for a bigger drop in the rear. I'm hoping somebody can tell me why it's lower than stock in back? There's nothing back there that looks aftermarket...do the leaf springs sag over time? Is it possible that one of the leaves was taken out of each side? Or could it just be that my shocks are worn out?

Thx in advance, and sorry for the noobie questions

**N2TRUX** · 04-14-2009, 11:50 PM

Most 88-98's sit high in the rear. Just adding a shackle makes a big difference in appearance.

While it could be leaves that have sagged, I would look closely at your rear suspension. Are you sure the shackles are stock? Does it have the lower overload spring in place?

Something doesn't sound normal to me.

the lights · 04-15-2009, 01:05 AM

correct me if i am wrong but dont these trucks have a type of torsion bar system that will raise or lower the front? could be why it is level.

nicks05z71 · 04-15-2009, 07:35 AM

4x4s in that year have torsion fronts. 2wd would have coils.

jb1016 · 04-15-2009, 12:22 PM

Plus, 32" is supposedly the stock ride height for the front; stock height for the rear is 34".

N2, I might have to crawl under and take some pics, since I don't really know what I'm looking at under there...I mean, you guys will know a lot better than me whether you're looking at stock equipment or not.

jb1016 · 04-15-2009, 07:27 PM

All right, here's what I got...

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STEPPED 69 · 04-15-2009, 07:33 PM

you have an aftermarket lowering shackle

jb1016 · 04-15-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEPPED 69

you have an aftermarket lowering shackle

the main thing in the second pic?

andrewmp6 · 04-15-2009, 08:19 PM

Yes the thing with all the holes holding the leaf spring that is a shackle.Its probably got a level kit on it which is why its level.

jb1016 · 04-15-2009, 08:29 PM

Thanks for the help guys. And thanks for not laughing at me too hard

**N2TRUX** · 04-15-2009, 10:52 PM

We are all here to learn, bro. If your shackle was stock it would be much shorter and wouldn't have all the holes in it.
Two of the holes are for adjustment, the others are there cause it looks cool..

entourageguy · 04-16-2009, 07:18 AM

Usually with the lowering shackle there is a wedge for the leaf spring mount to correct pinion angle. How does it drive?

jb1016 · 04-17-2009, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by entourageguy

How does it drive?

A little bit like a buckboard

It's definitely rougher than stock; even small bumps will shake me up pretty good and make loud crashing noises.

cleidus88 · 05-12-2009, 01:00 PM

where can i buy some of those shackles? I'm wanting to level mine as well or is there a better way

aggie91 · 05-12-2009, 01:40 PM

One thing that I noticed on your picture of the shackel is that it is installed backwards. The "open" side the shackel should be facing the spring. Part of the rough ride could be the shackel bottoming out against the spring as it flexes and moves. The other could be the rear end housing hitting the bump stop on the frame.

If you do not like the level look, you could move the spring eye down one hole on the shackel and get about one inch of rise on the rear end.

Either way, I would flip the shackel around.

04-14-2009, 11:50 PM	#2
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: why does my truck sit level? Most 88-98's sit high in the rear. Just adding a shackle makes a big difference in appearance. While it could be leaves that have sagged, I would look closely at your rear suspension. Are you sure the shackles are stock? Does it have the lower overload spring in place? Something doesn't sound normal to me. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

04-15-2009, 01:05 AM	#3
the lights Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: turlock CA Posts: 98	Re: why does my truck sit level? correct me if i am wrong but dont these trucks have a type of torsion bar system that will raise or lower the front? could be why it is level.

04-15-2009, 07:35 AM	#4
nicks05z71 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Willard,Ohio Posts: 87	Re: why does my truck sit level? 4x4s in that year have torsion fronts. 2wd would have coils.

04-15-2009, 07:33 PM	#7
STEPPED 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Glen Ellen CA Posts: 12	Re: why does my truck sit level? you have an aftermarket lowering shackle

04-15-2009, 08:19 PM	#9
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: why does my truck sit level? Yes the thing with all the holes holding the leaf spring that is a shackle.Its probably got a level kit on it which is why its level.

04-15-2009, 10:52 PM	#11
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,021	Re: why does my truck sit level? We are all here to learn, bro. If your shackle was stock it would be much shorter and wouldn't have all the holes in it. Two of the holes are for adjustment, the others are there cause it looks cool.. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra" Last edited by N2TRUX; 04-15-2009 at 10:52 PM.

04-16-2009, 07:18 AM	#12
entourageguy Yellow truck club Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Barrie Ontario Posts: 2,080	Re: why does my truck sit level? Usually with the lowering shackle there is a wedge for the leaf spring mount to correct pinion angle. How does it drive? __________________ ................................................................ Brian ...... My hub garage address http://www.hubgarage.com/mygarage/59apache I gue$$ everything has it'$ price ALL GONE NOW *59 Chev Apache* *PRAISE THE LOWERED* 350 700r lokar shifter power MII front end, shockwaves tilt, 4 wheel discs 4-link and bags 10 bolt limited

05-12-2009, 01:00 PM	#14
cleidus88 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Panama City Fl. Posts: 4	Re: why does my truck sit level? where can i buy some of those shackles? I'm wanting to level mine as well or is there a better way

05-12-2009, 01:40 PM	#15
aggie91 I'm just glad to be here! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Longview, TX Posts: 4,788	Re: why does my truck sit level? One thing that I noticed on your picture of the shackel is that it is installed backwards. The "open" side the shackel should be facing the spring. Part of the rough ride could be the shackel bottoming out against the spring as it flexes and moves. The other could be the rear end housing hitting the bump stop on the frame. If you do not like the level look, you could move the spring eye down one hole on the shackel and get about one inch of rise on the rear end. Either way, I would flip the shackel around. __________________ Karl 1965 Chevy Stepside(Grandpa's Old Blue) and (July 2015 Shop Build!)(2020, the Saga Continues) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=372424 The LST Challenge: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post7812257 Korbin's 1st Square: "Sunburn" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=418618 1985 GMC Sierra: "White Trash", Korbin's 2nd now... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=632305 Henry - 1984 Chevrolet, Owen's 1st Square Last edited by aggie91; 05-12-2009 at 01:41 PM.



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