Author Topic: Lowering a 1982 shortbed stepside  (Read 3446 times)

Offline truckguy

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Lowering a 1982 shortbed stepside
« on: February 17, 2018, 12:34:27 PM »
I want to lower the truck with a 4/6 drop. The front will be spindles and springs (with a HD 1.25" rotor upgrade). In reading about dropping the rear, it seems I'll need an axle flip to get the six inches. I'm not going to use the c-notch kits because I've read posts that show that they weaken the frame significantly and I want to be able to continue to use the truck for hauling and towing. I am OK with a notch as long as it cuts less than half the width of the frame rail. The finite element analysis (FEA) of frame strength after a notch shows that the overall height of the frame is what gives the strength. I haven't seen anyone discussing the mono leaf spring option. They seem like a good choice except for the cost.(https://www.brotherstrucks.com/73-87-REAR-MONO-LEAF-SPRING-SET-REVERSE-EYE-6/productinfo/MLSR087/).  Has anyone used a reverse eye mono leaf spring to lower the rear? And if so, what about frame clearance?

Offline Rapid Roy

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Re: Lowering a 1982 shortbed stepside
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2018, 01:57:09 PM »
Welcome to the site
1974 Cheyenne 10 LWB STOCK 350 W HEI /TH350/AC/4 BBL Quadrajet
Mopar by Birth
Chevy by Choice

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Lowering a 1982 shortbed stepside
« Reply #2 on: February 17, 2018, 02:58:51 PM »
welcome from maryland
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline truckguy

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Re: Lowering a 1982 shortbed stepside
« Reply #3 on: February 17, 2018, 10:36:55 PM »
Thanks!

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Lowering a 1982 shortbed stepside
« Reply #4 on: February 17, 2018, 10:50:03 PM »
lol sorry i couldnt help you with your question. but how much do you plan on hauling and what type of trailer?
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Lowering a 1982 shortbed stepside
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2018, 08:02:12 AM »
You can just leave the main leaf and the second leaf in your spring pack with a lowering shackle and see if it sits where you want it.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10