Will NEW leaf springs lower my truck more with a flip kit? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TIMSPEED · 10-14-2003, 08:20 PM

I'm currently running a DJM flip kit on the rear of my 75 C10, with the stock 75 leaf springs (6 pack). If I were to put a NEW set of leaf springs (6 pack) on, would it lower the rear of my truck more because of the bigger arch? (Bigger arch, because no spring sag, because brand new springs)
Thanks guys.

crazy longhorn · 10-14-2003, 08:45 PM

No, it will most likely raise the truck....

TIMSPEED · 10-14-2003, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by crazy longhorn
No, it will most likely raise the truck....

But my axle is ABOVE the spring pack...so wouldn't a tighter wound spring pack sit my axle up higher, thus lowering my truck...

SWEET7T · 10-15-2003, 01:04 AM

Nope...
more arch means that the spring is farther from the frame, which means that your axle will be lower, causing your truck to ride higher.
If you do a spring-under on your truck with the current springs, you will lower your truck by how thick the spring pack is. If you get new springs of the same type (OE replacement springs) They will be somewhat taller until the settle (keep in mind that your current springs may also be sagging causing the truck to ride a little lower than it did when it was new).
So, if you did a spring-under conversion and still wanted to go even lower, you could add a little block between your spring pack and your axle.

SWEET7T · 10-15-2003, 01:07 AM

whoops... just realized that you already did the spring-under flip. But the rest still applies.

*1FaastC10* · 10-15-2003, 05:40 PM

whatever you do, dont block it. use shacles and/or hangers if you want to go lower. the guy who invented lift/drop blocks should be shot.

crazy longhorn · 10-15-2003, 07:06 PM

Blocks are ok.....provided that you dont get carried away! I have used lift blocks on the rear of a 4x4, & not had any problems. the set I made were 2 1/2". I have seen guys stack blocks on a 4x4 to get 6-8" of lift(a no no). also i have seen guys run blocks on the front of a 4x4(a big ugly no no!). On the same hand , using lowering blocks on a 2wd , you must take care not to do too far.....you dont want suspension pcs below the rim , incase of a blowout. That makes a lot of "pretty sparks",& is no fun to control

good luck,crazyL

*1FaastC10* · 10-15-2003, 07:57 PM

blocks on any truck that is built to race is a hideous idea. Tim stated in an earlier post that he has intentions of racing his truck in the future. the extra forces exerted on the suspension under competition circumstances can very well cause the truck to spit the block out. not to mention the increased axle wrap and decreased traction. you would just be adding to a problem you've got already. we all know these trucks wont hook for squat.

crazy longhorn · 10-15-2003, 08:24 PM

I didnt see anything about racing......but yes , I do agree. The blocks will add to the leverage factor & cause more problems. To be totally honest......for racing, toss the leaf springs & go ladder or 4 link

crazyL

SWEET7T · 10-16-2003, 10:30 AM

I agree with CrazyL, and 1fastc10, if you plan on racing your truck, the spacer blocks will cause more leverage on the spring pack causing spring wrap = less traction & axle hop.
If racing this truck... why not go with a design that is better for it?! Just like CrazyL said, throw a 4-link, ect under that truck!!!

If $$$ doesn't allow a new rear suspension setup... you may want to look into putting on a longer shackle (this will cause the back of the spring pack to move up and lower your truck by 1/2 of how much longer the shackle is over the stock length. If you installed a shackle say 4" longer than the stock one, it would lower your truck by ~2") Keep in mind that this will change your pinon angle, if there is too much of a difference, you will need to use shims to correct your pinon angle.
Another idea is to just move your complete spring perches up on the frame. Just take measurements and keep everything lined up.
Good Luck

10-14-2003, 08:20 PM	#1
TIMSPEED Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Modesto, CA Posts: 1,321	Will NEW leaf springs lower my truck more with a flip kit? I'm currently running a DJM flip kit on the rear of my 75 C10, with the stock 75 leaf springs (6 pack). If I were to put a NEW set of leaf springs (6 pack) on, would it lower the rear of my truck more because of the bigger arch? (Bigger arch, because no spring sag, because brand new springs) Thanks guys. __________________ I have a few cars... See Them Here

10-14-2003, 08:45 PM	#2
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	No, it will most likely raise the truck.... __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-15-2003, 01:04 AM	#4
SWEET7T Try spinnin 4 rear tars Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 757	Nope... more arch means that the spring is farther from the frame, which means that your axle will be lower, causing your truck to ride higher. If you do a spring-under on your truck with the current springs, you will lower your truck by how thick the spring pack is. If you get new springs of the same type (OE replacement springs) They will be somewhat taller until the settle (keep in mind that your current springs may also be sagging causing the truck to ride a little lower than it did when it was new). So, if you did a spring-under conversion and still wanted to go even lower, you could add a little block between your spring pack and your axle. __________________ SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB

10-15-2003, 01:07 AM	#5
SWEET7T Try spinnin 4 rear tars Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 757	whoops... just realized that you already did the spring-under flip. But the rest still applies. __________________ SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB

10-15-2003, 07:06 PM	#7
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	Blocks are ok.....provided that you dont get carried away! I have used lift blocks on the rear of a 4x4, & not had any problems. the set I made were 2 1/2". I have seen guys stack blocks on a 4x4 to get 6-8" of lift(a no no). also i have seen guys run blocks on the front of a 4x4(a big ugly no no!). On the same hand , using lowering blocks on a 2wd , you must take care not to do too far.....you dont want suspension pcs below the rim , incase of a blowout. That makes a lot of "pretty sparks",& is no fun to control good luck,crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-15-2003, 05:40 PM	#6
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	whatever you do, dont block it. use shacles and/or hangers if you want to go lower. the guy who invented lift/drop blocks should be shot.

10-15-2003, 07:57 PM	#8
1FaastC10 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Elkhart, IN Posts: 6,399	blocks on any truck that is built to race is a hideous idea. Tim stated in an earlier post that he has intentions of racing his truck in the future. the extra forces exerted on the suspension under competition circumstances can very well cause the truck to spit the block out. not to mention the increased axle wrap and decreased traction. you would just be adding to a problem you've got already. we all know these trucks wont hook for squat.

10-15-2003, 08:24 PM	#9
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,402	I didnt see anything about racing......but yes , I do agree. The blocks will add to the leverage factor & cause more problems. To be totally honest......for racing, toss the leaf springs & go ladder or 4 link crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-16-2003, 10:30 AM	#10
SWEET7T Try spinnin 4 rear tars Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 757	I agree with CrazyL, and 1fastc10, if you plan on racing your truck, the spacer blocks will cause more leverage on the spring pack causing spring wrap = less traction & axle hop. If racing this truck... why not go with a design that is better for it?! Just like CrazyL said, throw a 4-link, ect under that truck!!! If $$$ doesn't allow a new rear suspension setup... you may want to look into putting on a longer shackle (this will cause the back of the spring pack to move up and lower your truck by 1/2 of how much longer the shackle is over the stock length. If you installed a shackle say 4" longer than the stock one, it would lower your truck by ~2") Keep in mind that this will change your pinon angle, if there is too much of a difference, you will need to use shims to correct your pinon angle. Another idea is to just move your complete spring perches up on the frame. Just take measurements and keep everything lined up. Good Luck __________________ SWEET7T 1970 C10, 2wd, LB, 307/TH350/3.08. PS, PB



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