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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Brakes, Frame, Steering & Suspension => The Lows (Lowering/Drops) => Topic started by: jo3y1nf4nt3 on August 20, 2008, 02:07:02 am
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ok, im just talking using what i got plus maybe blocks. am i correct in thinking you can put the leaf springs (in my case, there are only 3 or 4 with one of them being a small one) UNDER the axle to lower it? if so, how much will it lower it? and upon doing it that method (if able to) what would i have to do to get a rake look from up front? 1.5 inch drop spindles? 2 inch?
OR is the only viable way to use lowering blocks. again, i have either 3 or 4 leaves in my 1/2ton swb and some 2" lowering blocks i took off my '66 nova ss. i don't want to scrape the truck or c-notch anything, matter of fact, i'd keep it at level stance if i could fit 20's with some meat on the tires as long as the wheel well was filled in nicely. but i'm thinking im going to hve to lower it some in order to accomplish this feat. thanks for your input.
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Jo, Yes you can get a "flip kit" to put the axle on top of the springs. This will lower it about 5 1/2"-6" or so depending on the number of leaves. You won't need a C-notch. Your going to need 2" lowering spindles & springs in the front to end up down where it belongs with the back.
The lowering blocks are not going to work with the axle in the stock location....they will RAISE the truck. Once you do the flip, I wouldn't think you would need the blocks to lower another 2", but you could use them if you wanted. Now you would be getting into notch territory.
A couple other options in the rear are lowering (longer) shackles....These are good for 2" (you have to notch your bed brace) & either buy lowering spring hangers or remove the rivets & move the stock ones(another 2"). Doing the rear this way will likely leave you 1 1/2" higher than what you really wanted. I would start with the flip! Have Fun & post some pictures when your done, Lorne
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wow...5.5 or 6" is wayyy more than i anticipated. maybe i should just look around for pix with 20's and se what the setup consisted of. againm, i dont want a slammed appearance, just something subtle. if i can find a good wheel/tire combo with plenty of meat on the tires and keep it the current stance, i'm doing it. but i doubt it'll be without modifications. thanks.
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Look at GotToHaul's ride, might be just the stance your looking for...
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7505.0 (http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7505.0)
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If you want to go down 1.5" in the front and keep a rake to the truck you need to lower the rear no more than 2" with (easiest method) hangers. It will probably require a pinion shim. This will keep the front lower than the rear by about .5-1" depending on the settle of the springs.
Think of it this way. Currently the truck sits approximately 2" higher in the rear than in the front, so if you like the current rake, lower it the same (or as close to the same) in the rear.