Author Topic: lowering leaf springs  (Read 5386 times)

Offline thachevythang

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 231
lowering leaf springs
« on: March 24, 2010, 12:44:26 am »
 I'm finally getting ready to order up a little something for more of a drop. Right now I'm guessing I have a 2 and 2, thats how I bought it. I'm wanting a 3 in the front maybe 4 in the back. Not long ago I read that a weak leaf spring can make your front end sag. So I was wondering If anybody has bought some aftermarket lowering leaf springs? After ordering my new suspension parts would that fix the sag or is there more to it?
All input is appreciated!
'85 SHORTBED

Offline 1980c10

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1205
Re: lowering leaf springs
« Reply #1 on: March 24, 2010, 02:12:24 am »
Assuming you have a 2wd; New spindles and coil springs will work in the front. rear shackles and hangers will work in the back for what you are looking for. If your truck does have a 2/2 drop then you may have new shackles and coil springs already. I don't really understand what you mean by "front end sag" in this context.

Offline thachevythang

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 231
Re: lowering leaf springs
« Reply #2 on: March 24, 2010, 06:26:49 am »
I don't really understand what you mean by "front end sag" in this context.

Sorry I was meaning that it sags on the passenger side, about an inch or two
'85 SHORTBED

Offline Captkaos

  • OWNER and Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18461
    • http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com
Re: lowering leaf springs
« Reply #3 on: March 24, 2010, 11:49:50 am »
that is called settling.  If you are trying to get it perfect with a Tape measure, you are wasting your time.  All springs settle differently so if you do get it right in the beginning it will eventually settle.  Also, check your body bushings.

Offline thachevythang

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 231
Re: lowering leaf springs
« Reply #4 on: March 25, 2010, 04:55:31 am »
So basically i should just order my drop kit and some new front springs and then see where im at? anybody have experience with new lowering leaf springs?
'85 SHORTBED

Offline Captkaos

  • OWNER and Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18461
    • http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com
Re: lowering leaf springs
« Reply #5 on: March 25, 2010, 02:39:26 pm »
There is a few people running lowering leafs.  I had a suspension company build mine on the one truck I have them on.

Offline modular93fox

  • Registered Users
  • *
  • Posts: 162
Re: lowering leaf springs
« Reply #6 on: March 25, 2010, 10:21:29 pm »
If you dont tow anything, you could remove a leaf or 2... I removed the overload spring on mine... wish I had known the factory centering bolt wasnt threaded all the way down :( I had to buy a new set of bolts from 4wheel parts becuase i didnt have a die for the dang thing. If the front is sitting 1-2" that sounds like a bunch.. maybe trim 1/4 coil off the other side to start with and see where you are. you could also get some thick rubber sheets 1/8 or 1/4" and make you a donut gasket to put at the bottom of the spring to give you a tad bit of lift if its too low. Kinda like the front/rear spring isolators on the ford mustangs..
clint
1987 5.3 4l60e Silverado - daily driver with A/C,P/W,P/L,TILT, HID projectors & 13.8" Rear Disc Brakes
A poor man buy's it twice