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Old 05-01-2013, 03:00 PM   #1
Mad Viking
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Right direction?

I just want some confirmation that I'm heading the right direction for lowering my 71' C20 with leaf springs. First of all, I use the truck all the time for towing and hauling dirt/gravel/wood etc so I want to have the full 3/4 ton capacity. So, this is what I was planning, I have a set of 2.5" drop spindles for the from from POL to drop the front. This will keep the front geometry the same. In the rear I have a set of Hedwig air over leaf helper bags. I am going to remove some of the leafs from each pack to help lower the rear. I will inflate the bags when I tow or haul heavy items. I was also planning on putting in a c-notch and doing an axle flip. This should accomplish my goal of getting about a 3/5 drop with the ability of being able to lower it to a 4/6 by replacing the front springs. Does this sound like it's the right way to do this or am I going about this the wrong way?
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Old 05-03-2013, 10:29 AM   #2
sKnNyPpY
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Re: Right direction?

I would leave the leaf packs alone if you want to maintain hauling heavy loads like that. Flip kit will get you low (in my case lower than I originally thought) and keep the integrity of the springs. I recently flipped the rear on my 71 GMC 1500 and actually upgraded my rear leafs from a 3/1 pack to a 5/1 pack. How many leaves ya got?
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71 GMC 1500 Super Custom LWB
350/350 AC(replaced w/vintage air)/PS/PB
2.5 CPP Spindle, 1" CPP Drop Spring, CPP Front and Rear Sway Bars/DJM Flip, new General Spring KC 5 spring pack, HEI /IntReg Alt
20x8.5 OldSkools 5" BS, 275/45 Falkens
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Old 05-03-2013, 10:44 AM   #3
sKnNyPpY
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Re: Right direction?

If your drop spindles are already on I would also do the flip before choosing lowering springs for the front. I put 1" drop springs on the front with 2.5" spindles and now think the front needs to come down another inch after doing the flip.
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Life is too long to go slow...
71 GMC 1500 Super Custom LWB
350/350 AC(replaced w/vintage air)/PS/PB
2.5 CPP Spindle, 1" CPP Drop Spring, CPP Front and Rear Sway Bars/DJM Flip, new General Spring KC 5 spring pack, HEI /IntReg Alt
20x8.5 OldSkools 5" BS, 275/45 Falkens
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Old 05-03-2013, 11:24 AM   #4
Ziegelsteinfaust
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Re: Right direction?

On my 3/4 ton a flip is not very practical because of the extra leaf packs. If yours doesn't have the overloads it is a practical idea.

Another idea is to move the front spring hanger up in the frame, and use a drop shackle in the rear.
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Old 05-03-2013, 11:46 AM   #5
Mad Viking
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Re: Right direction?

I have a 5 spring pack. I don't have the drop spindles on yet either. I am going to start the work when I get back from vacation in a couple of weeks. I was going to put the c-notch in first, flip the axle, install drop spindles and then install the helper bags. I'll look the truck over then to decide if I need to put lowering springs up front.
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Old 05-03-2013, 12:00 PM   #6
sKnNyPpY
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Re: Right direction?

That sounds good. I didn't notch but I'm not planning on hauling anything heavier than art work. Don't touch those springs except to flip man. Consider doing the ball joints when doing the spindles, too. Wish I did, at least I'm going back in to put 2" springs in when I do the ball joints. Check this, too: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=577529
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Life is too long to go slow...
71 GMC 1500 Super Custom LWB
350/350 AC(replaced w/vintage air)/PS/PB
2.5 CPP Spindle, 1" CPP Drop Spring, CPP Front and Rear Sway Bars/DJM Flip, new General Spring KC 5 spring pack, HEI /IntReg Alt
20x8.5 OldSkools 5" BS, 275/45 Falkens
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