Flip Kit Shock Options - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**dagnabbitt** · 05-10-2019, 12:37 PM

My parts hoarding and collecting has reached the point where I can finally make some big changes to my 81 swb stepside. I have ECE lowering spindles and coils for the front, and a Belltech flip kit for the back. I'm going for a 4/6 drop and I have never done anything like this before. Incidentally the ECE guys are phenomenal to deal with: I wish I had gone with them for the rear as well.

I have learned from the forum that when installing the flip kit I will need to either install shock relocators, or get a shorter shock.

Normally I would just get the shock relocators, but I think I need new shocks anyway: I am thinking of foregoing the relocators and buying shorter shocks.

Anyone gone this route instead? If I do this, what shock should I buy: I know nothing about buying shocks unless they are the stock ones that the parts guy hands out by request.

flnole78 · 05-10-2019, 02:33 PM

I bought the belltech BT2208HF for the rear of mine. I also have just the flip kit and bolt in c notch.

**dagnabbitt** · 05-10-2019, 04:02 PM

Did you relocate your shocks, or go with a shorter replacement?

Tom · 05-10-2019, 06:37 PM

You don't relocate anything you merely bolt on extenders to the factory shock bracket so the shock mounts lower and has the same overall travel as before.

**dagnabbitt** · 05-10-2019, 06:39 PM

Extenders! Yes, that is what I meant. I understand that they are not particularly expensive, I will look into those. Was wondering though if I need shocks anyway, do I just buy shorter shocks, instead of new shocks and new extenders. Thanks for your input.

BIGglaSS · 05-10-2019, 11:24 PM

I'm not convinced that companies make "lowered shocks". They simply use another application and charge you more. After a little research, I discovered KYB 344055 for Toyotas and Nissans will work for the rear with a flip. The only catch is that the lower bushing for those shocks use a 12mm bolt, and our squarebodies use a 7/16" bolt. So, you will have to drill out the mounts to 12mm OR be able to re-use the old bushing.

Tom · 05-11-2019, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGglaSS

I'm not convinced that companies make "lowered shocks".

They are basically just shorter with more damping. Having used several sets of shocks on the front of my lowered trucks, I can say for sure there is a difference.

OP- Look at doestch tech. They have been the best for me overall. I haven't used them in the rear as I always get extenders but up front they out perform everything else.

GMC Guy · 05-11-2019, 03:04 PM

longer shocks with extenders made a noticeable improvement to my ride quality

**dagnabbitt** · 05-11-2019, 09:00 PM

Having looked into it I am seeing a lot of stuff about how Belltech designs the kit so it won't accept extenders, they want you to buy their shocks. Since I need some anyway I picked them up, they are for a 4-6 inch drop. I didn't think I would be so easily manipulated by a corporation, but apparently I am.

I'm discovering how fun it is right now to try to remove 40 year old shackle bolts. Of course the one by the gas tank won't budge and I'm too cautious to get out a torch or grinder because of where it is.

layinrocker65 · 05-11-2019, 09:42 PM

Go with the extenders. You can use your old shocks if they are in good shape, it keeps a better shock angle and you won’t limit the travel of the rear(compression and droop) with shorter shocks.

Ziegelsteinfaust · 05-12-2019, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by layinrocker65

Go with the extenders. You can use your old shocks if they are in good shape, it keeps a better shock angle and you won’t limit the travel of the rear(compression and droop) with shorter shocks.

This.

Plus the shock angles are better which helps with dampening through the magic of math, and angular stuff. I don't really understand

bluex · 05-12-2019, 10:49 AM

Extenders an stock replacement shocks are the way to go. I prefer KYB as to me they seem to give the best ride.

Rich84 · 05-13-2019, 10:04 AM

I put the Nitro drop shocks with a flip kit on my stepside. I will be changing over to extenders and the KYB's. When you see the angle of the drop shocks it just doesn't look right. I am also experiencing a bit of wheel hop. Not sure if they have anything at all to do with that though.

05-10-2019, 12:37 PM	#1
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,295	Flip Kit Shock Options My parts hoarding and collecting has reached the point where I can finally make some big changes to my 81 swb stepside. I have ECE lowering spindles and coils for the front, and a Belltech flip kit for the back. I'm going for a 4/6 drop and I have never done anything like this before. Incidentally the ECE guys are phenomenal to deal with: I wish I had gone with them for the rear as well. I have learned from the forum that when installing the flip kit I will need to either install shock relocators, or get a shorter shock. Normally I would just get the shock relocators, but I think I need new shocks anyway: I am thinking of foregoing the relocators and buying shorter shocks. Anyone gone this route instead? If I do this, what shock should I buy: I know nothing about buying shocks unless they are the stock ones that the parts guy hands out by request. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

05-10-2019, 02:33 PM	#2
flnole78 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Tallahasee, FL Posts: 1	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options I bought the belltech BT2208HF for the rear of mine. I also have just the flip kit and bolt in c notch.

05-10-2019, 04:02 PM	#3
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,295	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options Did you relocate your shocks, or go with a shorter replacement? __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

05-10-2019, 06:37 PM	#4
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,690	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options You don't relocate anything you merely bolt on extenders to the factory shock bracket so the shock mounts lower and has the same overall travel as before. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

05-10-2019, 06:39 PM	#5
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,295	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options Extenders! Yes, that is what I meant. I understand that they are not particularly expensive, I will look into those. Was wondering though if I need shocks anyway, do I just buy shorter shocks, instead of new shocks and new extenders. Thanks for your input. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

05-10-2019, 11:24 PM	#6
BIGglaSS Registered User Join Date: May 2014 Location: ID Posts: 663	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options I'm not convinced that companies make "lowered shocks". They simply use another application and charge you more. After a little research, I discovered KYB 344055 for Toyotas and Nissans will work for the rear with a flip. The only catch is that the lower bushing for those shocks use a 12mm bolt, and our squarebodies use a 7/16" bolt. So, you will have to drill out the mounts to 12mm OR be able to re-use the old bushing. __________________ My museum of good intentions: 1957 3100 BBW restomod -- 1970 442 W30

05-11-2019, 03:04 PM	#8
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options longer shocks with extenders made a noticeable improvement to my ride quality __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

05-11-2019, 09:00 PM	#9
dagnabbitt Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 1,295	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options Having looked into it I am seeing a lot of stuff about how Belltech designs the kit so it won't accept extenders, they want you to buy their shocks. Since I need some anyway I picked them up, they are for a 4-6 inch drop. I didn't think I would be so easily manipulated by a corporation, but apparently I am. I'm discovering how fun it is right now to try to remove 40 year old shackle bolts. Of course the one by the gas tank won't budge and I'm too cautious to get out a torch or grinder because of where it is. __________________ DAVE Edmonton, Alberta 1959 Apache 1967 K20 1968 C20 1970 C10 1972 GMC 2500 1981 C10

05-11-2019, 09:42 PM	#10
layinrocker65 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: California Posts: 521	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options Go with the extenders. You can use your old shocks if they are in good shape, it keeps a better shock angle and you won’t limit the travel of the rear(compression and droop) with shorter shocks. __________________ ‘53 GMC COE stock ‘53 Chevy 3100 LSA/TR6060 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?t=805949‘ '70 Chevy C10 LWB 350/sm465 ‘74 Chevy C10 SWB 5.3/4L80e, Vintage Air, Dakota Digital, US Mags

05-12-2019, 10:49 AM	#12
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options Extenders an stock replacement shocks are the way to go. I prefer KYB as to me they seem to give the best ride. __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/

05-13-2019, 10:04 AM	#13
Rich84 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Woodbury, Ct. Posts: 1,663	Re: Flip Kit Shock Options I put the Nitro drop shocks with a flip kit on my stepside. I will be changing over to extenders and the KYB's. When you see the angle of the drop shocks it just doesn't look right. I am also experiencing a bit of wheel hop. Not sure if they have anything at all to do with that though.



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