How low can be done with just shackles on leaf springs

[camaney]

Hi I have a 69 c20 with rear leaf springs and want lower ir at least 3”,
Can it be done? I know it might hit the bed floor but I could raise the floor since it needs to be replaced

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by camaney

Hi I have a 69 c20 with rear leaf springs and want lower ir at least 3”,
Can it be done? I know it might hit the bed floor but I could raise the floor since it needs to be replaced

Shackles are typically 2" drop but they're available in varying drop/lift dimensions. It will depend on the manufacturer of the shackles used.

[camaney]

Thanks, is there another way to lower the rear with out doing an axle flip?

[Richard]

A 4" longer shackle will provide a 2" drop. The shackle may interfere with the bed. You can combine with a drop hanger in front of spring. With the 4" shackle a 4" higher front hanger would net a 4" drop. A 2" higher front hanger + a 4" shackle would net 3". Sorry do not have sources for you. Maybe out there with some searching. Easiest IMO is drop springs. You can find them if you look. Also there are several spring manufacturers that will build what you want. With drop springs you must take into account that your stock springs may have sagged over the years. A 4" spring may only net 3", which is what you want. Hope my input is of some help.

[Wikid61]

You can remove the rivets on the front hangers, move them upward. Drilling a series of holes to go 1/1.5/2 inches or more and by trimming the hangers if the bed is hindering the move. maybe someone will show this w/pix. There are kits on EBAY that will sell the new hangers & shackles for a 4 inch drop. But that too may be customized by drilling holes to gain a 1" hanger-2" shackle for a 3" net. Grade 8 bolts should be used on those hangers regardless.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Wikid61

You can remove the rivets on the front hangers, move them upward. Drilling a series of holes to go 1/1.5/2 inches or more and by trimming the hangers if the bed is hindering the move. maybe someone will show this w/pix. There are kits on EBAY that will sell the new hangers & shackles for a 4 inch drop. But that too may be customized by drilling holes to gain a 1" hanger-2" shackle for a 3" net. Grade 8 bolts should be used on those hangers regardless.

I am pretty sure your math is wrong. Moving on one end of the spring nets half of the drop. A 1" hanger and 2" shackle would net a 1.5" drop.

[camaney]

Originally Posted by Richard

A 4" longer shackle will provide a 2" drop. The shackle may interfere with the bed. You can combine with a drop hanger in front of spring. With the 4" shackle a 4" higher front hanger would net a 4" drop. A 2" higher front hanger + a 4" shackle would net 3". Sorry do not have sources for you. Maybe out there with some searching. Easiest IMO is drop springs. You can find them if you look. Also there are several spring manufacturers that will build what you want. With drop springs you must take into account that your stock springs may have sagged over the years. A 4" spring may only net 3", which is what you want. Hope my input is of some help.

Thanks I appreciate your input, I only want 3” lowered, I’m going to be searching for the lowering leaf springs, I never thought of that since I only had the coil springs on my trucks

[Richard]

Originally Posted by camaney

Thanks I appreciate your input, I only want 3” lowered, I’m going to be searching for the lowering leaf springs, I never thought of that since I only had the coil springs on my trucks

Another option is to have your stock springs de-arched. When I lowered my 94 extended cab I had stock springs de-arched 2" along with the flip kit for almost an 8" drop. I installed assist bags so I could still haul stuff. For this drop I had to do a custom notch in the frame. Because I knew I would return to the stock springs someday, I purchased a pair of springs from a wrecking yard for this purpose. Running my stock rear springs now with 2" blocks to level out the truck. Front is lifted 5" with spindles and 5/8" spring spacers.