how low should i go and how much to cut

[83highsierra]

ok im about to do the axle flip kit and i was wanting to match up the front. money is tight so i plan on cutting the front springs if i want to level the truck how much is a safe cut and what should i cut it with

[lolife99]

I use a cut-off wheel in a 4-1/2" grinder.
1/2 coil = approx. 1" of drop.
I wouldn't cut more than 1-1/2 coils for a 3" drop.
You really need to add drop spindles and then cut your springs.

[83highsierra]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I use a cut-off wheel in a 4-1/2" grinder.
1/2 coil = approx. 1" of drop.
I wouldn't cut more than 1-1/2 coils for a 3" drop.
You really need to add drop spindles and then cut your springs.

my initial plan was drop spindles till i saw the $$$$ so i was looking for a driveable temp. fix that looks good til i can afford spindles

[lolife99]

Where are you looking for spindles?
performance online sells them for $228.

http://www.performanceonline.com/197...P-SPINDLE-SET/

Just make sure and measure the width of your rotors before ordering.
They should be 1" wide or 1-1/4" wide.

Add spindles first.
Then cut coils.
If you do it the other way around,... you'll need to buy new springs,... because it will be too low.

[83highsierra]

the local shop priced them at 500

[83highsierra]

i just sunk most of my money on my engine and swap so right now im how u say "broke" but i have the axle flip bracket already and new leaf springsso i figured i would go ahead and lower it but if i have to get spindles looks like it will be awhile thanks for the advice

[lolife99]

The flip kit needs either shock extenders for the stock shocks or shorter drop shocks.

The front will need drop shocks for extreme cut stock coils.
A 2" drop coil will allow you to use stock front shocks.
Drop spindles will get you the first 2.5"-3" of drop, and keep your front geometry good.
Minor trimming of the front coils will get the front down even more.
Plus you will need a front end alignment when you are done.

To do it right,... takes a little more money, than just what the spindles costs.

[83highsierra]

yea i figured on the drop shocks in the back so looks like im gonna put about 600 to do it right and just drop 2" (spindles)in the front to keep the stock shocks and once done i will see how it looks and if the front needs to be lower i will trim the coils to level out.
thanks i didnt think it would get up that high im trying to make this truck a budget build so thanks again fr the FYI

[83highsierra]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

On your 83 if you cut one coil you will get +/- 2" drop. That will still leave you sitting nose high if you do a flip kit. You don't "have to" get a dropped spindle, but I would. I prefer to get as much drop as possible from spindle since it has no impact on the ride quality. From there I like to drop it with a cut spring

how high do u think the front will be i do plan on getting spindles eventually but my funds r not qiite their so i am looking for temporary now
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[83highsierra]

Or what if i get 4" drop springs thats what the guy i bought the bracket from said he did
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[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83highsierra

how high do u think the front will be i do plan on getting spindles eventually but my funds r not qiite their so i am looking for temporary now

It depends on how high your rear is now. If you have HD leaf springs your truck probably has a lot of rake. Dropping the rear 5" and the front 2" might get you fairly level. You really need to measure and try to calculate your end result.

The problem is if you cut one coil and get 2" now, then add spindles later it might be more than you need. This will depend on springs, shocks, and tire height. This is one of the many reasons I always suggest spindles first, and cut coils second. You have to determine if you think it will work right for you.

Originally Posted by 83highsierra

Or what if i get 4" drop springs thats what the guy i bought the bracket from said he did

For the front? NO WAY! I do not recommend 3" springs on 73-87 trucks as they ride like crap. Going with a 4" spring is setting yourself up for hating your trucks ride.

[SCOTI]

I haven't seen the question asked so why did you get new rear leafs along w/the flip kit? I would have re-used the original leafs & spent that money on the drop spindles.

[83highsierra]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I haven't seen the question asked so why did you get new rear leafs along w/the flip kit? I would have re-used the original leafs & spent that money on the drop spindles.

i had one broken leaf right at the shackle and a guy locally had brand new leaf springs for $25 a piece and rathe than buy one and run the risk of one side of the truck sitting higher i bought 2 for $50 i couldnt pass it up. and as far as the flip i didnt get the kit i got the "flip bracket" and im gonna re-use the the old harware and get new lowering shocks
so right now in the springs and brackets im invested $85 for bracket and springs

[N2TRUX]

Ok, since your doing this on a tight budget, lets get really basic. I recommend you cut your front for a 2" drop, and do a shackle and hanger in the rear for 4" drop. You will need the shackle no matter what, and you can move your stock hanger up on the frame to get 4" in the rear.

Later when you can afford it, go with spindles and a real flip kit that includes shock extenders.

[lolife99]

If you need a set of shock extensions,... look here:
http://www.performanceonline.com/197...S-KIT-RSE7387/

[RobThoreson]

i cut 1 1/2 coils on mine and had to remove the bump stops. bad idea. looks good and still drivable but gota watch for any bumps. bottoms out if i hit anything bigger than a dead critter if ya know what i mean. looking to bag it instead. idk how it will match up with the flip kit bc i had the 6 lief springs with a helper and went down to 2 with the stock helper. i have pix of it on here b4 i cut the front and will have pix of it after soon i hope (no camera) lol

[83highsierra]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Ok, since your doing this on a tight budget, lets get really basic. I recommend you cut your front for a 2" drop, and do a shackle and hanger in the rear for 4" drop. You will need the shackle no matter what, and you can move your stock hanger up on the frame to get 4" in the rear.

Later when you can afford it, go with spindles and a real flip kit that includes shock extenders.

Ok what do you mean by move hanger up on the frame what hanger? And as far as shackle will i need to get a certain one or can i not use factory?
Thanks
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[83highsierra]

Originally Posted by RobThoreson

i cut 1 1/2 coils on mine and had to remove the bump stops. bad idea. looks good and still drivable but gota watch for any bumps. bottoms out if i hit anything bigger than a dead critter if ya know what i mean. looking to bag it instead. idk how it will match up with the flip kit bc i had the 6 lief springs with a helper and went down to 2 with the stock helper. i have pix of it on here b4 i cut the front and will have pix of it after soon i hope (no camera) lol

yea im prolly gonna notch the frame their is a local guy who maked.them for $50
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[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by 83highsierra

Ok what do you mean by move hanger up on the frame what hanger? And as far as shackle will i need to get a certain one or can i not use factory?

You have to drill the rivets that hold the spring hanger for the rear leaf. Once drilled out you can move the hanger up on the frame 2". You will need to drill a couple of holes, and use bolts to re-attch the hanger. The only cost is your labor and a few new bolts and nuts.

To get another 2" drop use an aftermarket lowering shackle. They are really cheap and easy to install. These mods combine will lower the rear 4" for about 50.00 or less.

[83highsierra]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

You have to drill the rivets that hold the spring hanger for the rear leaf. Once drilled out you can move the hanger up on the frame 2". You will need to drill a couple of holes, and use bolts to re-attch the hanger. The only cost is your labor and a few new bolts and nuts.

To get another 2" drop use an aftermarket lowering shackle. They are really cheap and easy to install. These mods combine will lower the rear 4" for about 50.00 or less.

ok so your saying hold off on the flip kit for now and just get shackles and move the hangers to drop for now also if when i do end up doing the flip kit will i need to move the hangers again i dont want it to set on the ground cause if the hanger gives me 2" and the flip would give me about 5 wouldnt that give me a total of 7"?
is their a write up or pics to reference moving the hanger and where can you find cheap shackles

[N2TRUX]

If you go that route, you will need to move the hanger again when you do the flip. At that point its just a mtter of unolting it and moving it back to the stock holes.

It's not a great pic, but here is a hanger that has been moved up.