"PIC" - Will I have to notch bed frame for shackles?

[d stroud]

Truck is my daily driver '85 GMC 1/2 ton.  I would like to do a 3/4 drop on it but I really hate to have to cut the bed frame for lowering shackles.  It has the standard 5 leaf rear springs. 

It sure looks like it will take some cutting to the bed frame to be able to get longer shackles in there.  Or is there something I'm missing?  Looks like I have maybe 3/8" - 1/2" clearence now.

Also, instead of buying rear spring front hanger brackets, why can't I just move the current brackets up say 3" and re-install them with new bolts?  Would this not lower the rear of the truck 3"?  Something tells me it is not that simple or I would see more people doing it.

[loudnlow87]

people do relocate the hangers, but most just want to buy the kits for ease and peice of mind. thats how it was done 30+ years ago.

[79shortbed]

yes, i will get a pic of mine.....

[d stroud]

Thanks but, no need for a pic. 

I'm not going to cut the bed support frame, so the shacles are out.   I'll have to go a different route.

I will probably just relocate the front spring hanger.  Are there any drawbacks to doing it this way.  Why would folks buy aftermarket hangers if they can just relocate there factory hangers?

Surely, there must be a reason guys don't just move there factory hangers 

[Mr79C10]

Oh yeah,, Gotta cut that baby out.

[Captkaos]

Yes if you put shackles on there you WILL have to cut it. 
Most people don't want to take the time to drill holes in the frame to relocate the hanger and have to deal with it interfering with the bed also.  Aftermarket ones mount in the same location, only the spring eye is higher.  Keep in mind moving the front hanger will change your pinion angle so make sure you get it back to normal when you move it.

[d stroud]

Thanks fellows.

If I buy new front hangers will the pinion angle still change?  I'm thinkin yes but don't really know. 

That sucks about the shackles.  Would have been a quick and easy way to lower it.  But, I'm not going to cut the bed so I'll have to think of something else.  Probably new springs.

[Captkaos]

anytime you change the front hangers it will change your pinion angle.

[team39763]

Is there an easy way to check pinion angle?  Is there a "rule of thumb" for how much shim degrees for each inch of drop? 

[VileZambonie]

You can put a 1" lowering shackle without cutting anything. As far as pinion angle is concerned you want a negative pinion angle. Get under your truck and using a protractor measure your pinion angle b4 you do anything.

[1976Scottsdale]

Protractor works good, nothing more entertaining then watching a lifted truck go by driven by someone who want the looks but not the function and they have enough lift to need a ladder but I'll be dipped if that rearend and set parellel to the pavement and poppin' all the way.