Lowering Help

[gonzalo medina]

I just finished my frame and rear end what kind of set up should I use the hangers or the axle flip kit? Going down only two inches and want to make this as easy as possible. Want a smooth ride not really interestested in payload to much.

[GT-Racer]

Flip kit will be much more than just two inches, if I recall correctly. I would just use hangers if you only want that much. Being that those are the two options you mentioned.

[SmokeyBear]

You can always take a leaf out if the shackle drop doesn't give you enough drop. (and you're not worrying about payload as you said.) The shackle drop will give you 2 inches or so. The hanger flip will lower it 4-5 inches and the flip will be about 5 inches.

[layedout72]

why not get some blocks?

[Big D's 69]

Can't use blocks because the axle is below the leaf springs. Blocks would raise it on these trucks.

[marz68]

like smoky bear said go with the shackles and remove a leaf if you need to go lower since you will not be loading you truck with heavy stuff.

[gonzalo medina]

The hangers will just bolt to the existing shakles and allow the leafsprings to hang down further right? Which brand should I go with? Any mods that apply to the 2 inch drop.

[325hotford]

If you were to go the flip route, remember that you will have to c-notch the frame above the reat axle to get enough travel for a smooth ride.

[325hotford]

I do not know what a reat axle is, but it may be 1 key from a rear axle.

[layedout72]

flipping it really puts it that low? thats quite a drop...

[SmokeyBear]

The hangers are in front. They bolt directly to the leaf springs. If you cut the rivets and flip them 180 degrees you get about 4-5 inches drop. You can also buy them aftermarket but I don't see the point.

The shackles are in the rear. They are bolted at one end to the rear of the leaf spring and at the other at the top rear hanger. If you buy drop shackles they are longer than stock which puts the axle closer to the frame and gives you about 2 inches of drop.

If you flip the axle you are taking the axle from under the leaf springs and putting it on top of them. You'll get about 5-6 inches of drop but you'll probably have to notch your frame to keep from bottoming out.

I just flipped the hangers on mine. It cost me $10 in grade 8 hardware and about an hours time.

before...


after...

[71 LONG BED]

Hey SmokeyBear, Did you notch the frame? If not how much clearance do you have before you hit the frame?

[SmokeyBear]

I didn't notch the frame. I won't need to. I did the hanger flip not the axle flip. It's no where near the frame. There is probably 6 or seven inches maybe more.

[71 LONG BED]

Yea, now that I think about it, the leaf is on top. I guess there would be room.
What about pinion angle? Did you address that?

[SmokeyBear]

Yes. I'm glad you mentioned that. I will have to order pinion shims but I have to wait until I get my engine/tranny installed to get the correct angle. I've found em on online for about $10 a set in any angle you want. For those who do this with the engine/tranny already installed all you do is find your pinion angle at stock ride height and your new angle after the drop and they will send you the correct shims that go between your leaf spring pack and axle mount plate.