Rear end lowering 61 apache - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Rob 61 apache · 03-12-2018, 02:30 PM

I’m working on my 61 apache shortbox fleetside,my frame is sandblasted ready for some minor fixing and then ready for paint,I was wondering what is the most I can lower the rear of the truck with stock frame,im new to this site so any help would be awesome !

forestb · 03-12-2018, 04:21 PM

I wouldn't go much lower than 5.5 but I know some have done 6. When I tried 6 my axles hit the frame with no bump stops when going over big bumps.

Rob 61 apache · 03-12-2018, 07:18 PM

I’m putting a front crossmember from a 79,what would I have to do to it to make the truck sit level ,does anybody have any pictures of shortbox with 5 inch drop in back

forestb · 03-12-2018, 07:27 PM

Here is mine with a 5 inch drop in the rear. If you want it to sit level I think you need a 3 inch drop up front but don't quote me on that. Mine does not sit level. sorry mines a stepper not a fleet

Rob 61 apache · 03-12-2018, 07:32 PM

I like the ride height,and you’re truck,looks awesome,did you change you’re front cross member

forestb · 03-12-2018, 10:26 PM

Yes I have a 77 front cross member with 2 inch drop spindles and 2 inch drop coils. The rear sits a little lower now because I installed the wood and the bumper after that photo was taken. If I were you I would keep the torsion bar suspension if you are not planning on installing air bags. The ride is about the same. If I were you I would get a set of drop spindles with disc brakes and lower it the rest of the way using the torsion bars. If you are going to lower the rear 5 inches I would use 2 inch drop block and 3 inch drop coils. This will give you more travel and longer shocks than if you used a 5 inch lowering spring.

Rob 61 apache · 03-12-2018, 10:34 PM

I probably would have kept the original cross member but it had some big cracks in it,so that was the easiest fix for it

**G8rN@te61** · 03-13-2018, 08:38 AM

When you do a drop spindle with disk brakes does it still work with stock 15" wheels?

TheBrewery · 03-13-2018, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8rN@te61

When you do a drop spindle with disk brakes does it still work with stock 15" wheels?

It really depends on the brakes, you need to check that the assembly fits in your wheel, most of the kits advertise if it works with 15" wheels or not.

Just stay away from POL, they are horrible.

03-12-2018, 02:30 PM	#1
Rob 61 apache Registered User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: St. Paul Alberta Posts: 27	Rear end lowering 61 apache I’m working on my 61 apache shortbox fleetside,my frame is sandblasted ready for some minor fixing and then ready for paint,I was wondering what is the most I can lower the rear of the truck with stock frame,im new to this site so any help would be awesome !

03-12-2018, 04:21 PM	#2
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,584	Re: Rear end lowering 61 apache I wouldn't go much lower than 5.5 but I know some have done 6. When I tried 6 my axles hit the frame with no bump stops when going over big bumps.

03-12-2018, 07:18 PM	#3
Rob 61 apache Registered User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: St. Paul Alberta Posts: 27	Re: Rear end lowering 61 apache I’m putting a front crossmember from a 79,what would I have to do to it to make the truck sit level ,does anybody have any pictures of shortbox with 5 inch drop in back

03-12-2018, 07:27 PM	#4
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,584	Re: Rear end lowering 61 apache Here is mine with a 5 inch drop in the rear. If you want it to sit level I think you need a 3 inch drop up front but don't quote me on that. Mine does not sit level. sorry mines a stepper not a fleet Attached Images

03-12-2018, 07:32 PM	#5
Rob 61 apache Registered User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: St. Paul Alberta Posts: 27	Re: Rear end lowering 61 apache I like the ride height,and you’re truck,looks awesome,did you change you’re front cross member

03-12-2018, 10:26 PM	#6
forestb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 3,584	Re: Rear end lowering 61 apache Yes I have a 77 front cross member with 2 inch drop spindles and 2 inch drop coils. The rear sits a little lower now because I installed the wood and the bumper after that photo was taken. If I were you I would keep the torsion bar suspension if you are not planning on installing air bags. The ride is about the same. If I were you I would get a set of drop spindles with disc brakes and lower it the rest of the way using the torsion bars. If you are going to lower the rear 5 inches I would use 2 inch drop block and 3 inch drop coils. This will give you more travel and longer shocks than if you used a 5 inch lowering spring.

03-12-2018, 10:34 PM	#7
Rob 61 apache Registered User Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: St. Paul Alberta Posts: 27	Re: Rear end lowering 61 apache I probably would have kept the original cross member but it had some big cracks in it,so that was the easiest fix for it Attached Images

03-13-2018, 08:38 AM	#8
G8rN@te61 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Fort Mill, SC Posts: 203	Re: Rear end lowering 61 apache When you do a drop spindle with disk brakes does it still work with stock 15" wheels?



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.