Author Topic: Leaf  (Read 4269 times)

Offline tomkatt2935

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Leaf
« on: November 30, 2017, 12:49:52 AM »
Hello, first time posting here. My apologies if I'm asking something that's been asked before but I'm not finding any concrete answers when I search. I've got a 78 1/2 ton GMC SWB I've recently started fixing up a bit. Here's my problem. I ordered and installed a DJM 3/5 lowering kit, which consist of the DJM tubular lower control arms in front and a flip kit in the rear. After installing the front and rear components my front sits slightly under 2 inches taller in the front. I'd be content with the truck just sitting level. With the control arms I've used I assume that cutting a little of my coils would be not a good option because there potentially could be issues with bottoming out with the shorter spring. Am I correct on that or could I possibly cut a little off the coils and not have any issues? If that isn't a viable option could I add a leaf to the rear spring pack to get the rear up a little bit to level the truck out? Thanks in advance.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2017, 05:56:54 AM »
I would suggest lowering spindles.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline MrFiveOh

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2017, 10:48:42 AM »
Two options

Buy spindles and bring the front down at least 2 inches or wait approximately 3-6 months and let the new springs settle like they are supposed to do and then check spindle to bottom of fender. factory height is 19.5 inches from center of spindle to bottom of wheel opening.
1974 C-10 AKA "Smurf"
350/700R4 Hooker Headers 134-A A/C
4/5 Drop - Ridler 650 rims 20x8.5/20x10
Kenwood single din radio 2 IB-Flat Pioneer Subwoofers Rockford Fosgate Power 1000-bdcp amp

Offline tomkatt2935

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2017, 12:28:45 PM »
Will the springs settle? I didn't change the actual springs, just the control arms, springs are original as far as I know. I could get lowering spindles but would like to find a solution that works with what I've already got. From the research I've done I can't use lowering control arms with drop spindles.

Offline MrFiveOh

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2017, 03:14:06 PM »
Will the springs settle? I didn't change the actual springs, just the control arms, springs are original as far as I know. I could get lowering spindles but would like to find a solution that works with what I've already got. From the research I've done I can't use lowering control arms with drop spindles.

No they wont since they are old. My misunderstanding
1974 C-10 AKA "Smurf"
350/700R4 Hooker Headers 134-A A/C
4/5 Drop - Ridler 650 rims 20x8.5/20x10
Kenwood single din radio 2 IB-Flat Pioneer Subwoofers Rockford Fosgate Power 1000-bdcp amp

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2017, 04:35:20 PM »
Then the simplest solution is to raise the rear
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline tomkatt2935

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #6 on: November 30, 2017, 06:37:36 PM »
Raise the rear by adding a leaf spring?

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2017, 08:00:42 PM »
I thought you flipped the axle?
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                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline MrFiveOh

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #8 on: November 30, 2017, 10:40:07 PM »
I thought you flipped the axle?

he did, but since he went tubular arm instead of drop spindle and springs he cant use spindles in conjunction with tubular arms. Those are better reserved for laying frame (IMO). And since spindles dont jack with alignment now he has to change spring setup and get an alignment.
1974 C-10 AKA "Smurf"
350/700R4 Hooker Headers 134-A A/C
4/5 Drop - Ridler 650 rims 20x8.5/20x10
Kenwood single din radio 2 IB-Flat Pioneer Subwoofers Rockford Fosgate Power 1000-bdcp amp

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Leaf
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2017, 06:07:21 AM »
I thought you flipped the axle?

he did, but since he went tubular arm instead of drop spindle and springs he cant use spindles in conjunction with tubular arms. Those are better reserved for laying frame (IMO). And since spindles dont jack with alignment now he has to change spring setup and get an alignment.
So if the axle is flipped adding a leaf will not help. Adjustable shackles are a cheap alternative

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,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10