`71 leaf lowering.... HELP!

[71red]

Much needed help. I have a 1971 GMC 1500 2 wheel drive with leaf rear. I want to drop the truck 4.5/6 (front/rear) or somewhere really close. I fully expect to c-notch the rear and I have the spindles and springs for the front.

My problem is that I can`t seem to find anywhere (in the forums and online) any flip kits for this year. I even visited a couple of offroad/specialty shops and they tell me this is going to be a custom setup and most likely going to have to chop up my bed. I did find 1 brief write up on a DIY flip with home made saddles. Is this the only way for me to go? And is it safe?

Thanks for any and all input in advance!
Now let`s git this thing in the grass!!!

[bedsled71]

if you can weld.. then buy some spring saddles. set it up, set your pinion angle and burn them in... if you do the other styles make sure the ends fit right up into the bottom of the stock saddles... the alignment hole for the center spring bolt needs to be off center for this application too

[butternut1972]

Have you checked bell tech? I have one in my truck and it works good.

[5150.4.67]

I did just that. Welded on new saddles with dropped spring shackles from ECE. Done-ski.....
Oh, I think DJM Suspension might have flip kits.......

[5150.4.67]

Yup, DJM has em. Part# FK1012

[SCOTI]

A true 67-72 kit would be the easist 'no modification' approach. A 73-87 kit would prob work w/some slight grinding on the 'U'/flip saddles so they fit within the OE leaf mounts (IIRC, the 71-72 leafs were 2.25" w, the 73-87's are 2.5" w).

[71red]

AWESOME! thanks for the feed back! I will check into these options. As far as pinion angle. what should that be?

[71red]

Originally Posted by bedsled71

if you can weld.. then buy some spring saddles. set it up, set your pinion angle and burn them in... if you do the other styles make sure the ends fit right up into the bottom of the stock saddles... the alignment hole for the center spring bolt needs to be off center for this application too

What do you mean about "ends fitting up" ?
Thanks

BTW Found that DJM kit for 70-72 @ http://djmfactorystore.com/shop/arti...%3DFK1012-5%26
Thanks 5150.4.67!!!

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 71red

What do you mean about "ends fitting up" ?

He's prob referring to the slight grinding I mentioned....

AWESOME! thanks for the feed back! I will check into these options. As far as pinion angle. what should that be?

Differnt trucks w/different ride height need different pinion angles. From what I've researched while trying to set mine up, you want about 1° difference between opposing angles on the trans tailshaft & the pinion yoke (trans -3; pinion +2).

[5150.4.67]

The angle between the engine and rear end should be the same (and opposite) for general purposes.
For instance 3 degrees between trans and driveshaft, and -3 degrees between driveshaft and rear end at ride height. Use shims to alter angle.
Make sure they are 2.25 in's wide, not 2.5.
CPP should have shims, maybe even Summit.
You will need an angle finder as well.
Jay

[5150.4.67]

Lots of good info on this site as well.....

[71red]

Right on! thanks again. You all have saved me big time! Just ordered the flipkit today.