Need help lowering the ass end of my 54 GMC pick em' up

[mytlo56]

Hey. Hope you guys can help. I'd like to drop the rear of a 54 GMC I just bought about two inches to level things out. What's the cheapest way I can do this? Will lowering blocks get the job done w/ mono leafs? What about rearching? Can you get two inches that way? I just really don't want to spend $400 on new springs.

[rickyracer1962]

did you already flip the rear end? (mount it on top of the spring pack instead of under it) this is usually good for a 6 inch drop if i remember right. you will have to c-notch the frame though, step it for the best results. i'm not sure how you go about it if its still closed driveline.

[OGNC]

RickyRacer, he only wants to go down 2-inches not 6. So there are a couple ways of doing it. You can move the spring hangers UP on the frame (might have to fab a small bracket for the top to mount to if it stiks up past the frame rails. That can be good for a couple inches. You can pull out a leaf or two from the leaf spring packs, but that is usually hit or miss on the height when it comes to old springs. You can have the eyes reversed on the leaf springs (a pretty good way to go). Or last -- but probably the most precise way to get a dead nuts 2-inch drop -- a new pair of leaf springs. Sure it is expensive, but it'll get you exactly what you want.

[jerry]

if you're still using the stock rear end the 2" blocks would be the way to go. they have an offset mount for the spring.

you could take out up to 3 alternating leaves but there is no way to tell the exact affect.


jerry

[raven]

I must concur with Jerry,
I just swapped an open drive rear end into my '54 Chevy pu and built 2" blocks for it and took two of the shortest leaves out.
r

[mytlo56]

Yeah, I was thinking blocks might be the cheapest way to go.

What's the best way to lose a couple inches up front as well.

I'm thinking three inch blocks in the rear, and a two inch drop up front.

Finally, will a two or three inch drop in the rear mess my pinion angle up real bad?

Thanks guys

[FONZI]

For your pinion angle you can use small wedges or wedge your blocks to the correct angle with a grinder. With an angle finder you can get it right where ya need it.


FONZI

[raven]

For the front you have many options.
I took two short leaves out and it settled it down about an inch or slightly more. You can also reverse the eyes on your main leaf or go with something like Chassis Engineering's two leaf front spring. I know someone else makes a mono-leaf front spring too.
Not to forget dropping the axle @ Industrial Chassis, or a new dropped one from worm.
r

[mytlo56]

Thanks fellas. OK, so here it goes:

Front- removing a couple coils and reversing eyelets
Rear- Two inch blocks

That should do it. Now I just need to get that body smoothed out a little and re-apply some sealer to match, same w/ the interior, get the seat reupholstered, door panels made, new starter for the crusty-assed 302 6, and exhaust, a new wood bed kit, the rims blasted and coated, and a little striping and I should be set.

Ugh, I better quit dickin' around on the computer and get busy...

Will get pic.'s up when it's done.

[OGNC]

Sorry, I hate lowering blocks. They cause all kinds of problems (axle wrap, scrub line, etc...). I know that it isn't a popular opinion, but I try to aviod using them. I am probably bias since I had a cheap block break and let the axle slide back while I was driving. Ever since I have avoided them.

[raven]

My two inch lowering block are solid steel that I drilled.
I don't think they will break.
As far as the scrub line goes, tall tires ans 16" wheels go a long way to overcome that one.
r

[Donzie]

I could send a couple of my sister-in-laws over. Let 'em sit in the box, THAT would lower the back end! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'd use the blocks. Real easy.