Leaf removal

[mobileortho]

Several years ago I lowered the rear of my 3600 by removing 3 leafs. I recently added a MMII up fron so now I'd like to drop it a tad more, about 1 1/2"-2". I'm thinking one more leaf should get me there. Question is would the remaining 3 leafs safely handle the weight of the truck? I'm not going to be hauling anything, just cruising.

[mr48chev]

If it rides good I think I would go with lowering blocks to get the rest of the drop you want.

The cost isn't all that high and you will keep the ride you have but lower.

From my own experience on my truck if you take out too many leaves the suspension keeps dropping after you hit that just right level. a few thousand miles later it is sitting a bit lower and keeps going down over time and miles.

[Hampshire]

mr48chev - I don't think that blocks would work. The frame arch on a 3600 is totally different from a 3100 - lot more room with a 3100. With a 3600 frame, you can't even put the axle on top of the leafs. Without a C-notch, you will be limited to about between 2-3" drop and be left with about 4 plus inches axle to frame. I went to 3 leafs and Viking coilovers. The leafs have very little arch left. It worked for me & rides great without bottoming, but I'm at the max with my stance. Other might want more.

[whitedog76]

Hampshire- Did you C-notch your frame when you shortened it?

[Hampshire]

Didn't C-notch. Thought I would have to, but it worked out with the stance I wanted. If you are doing the 4-5" FE drops that you commonly see here on the forum, I would think a C-notch would be needed to get the truck basically level. Many have done it (correctly), so It's not a big deal. I was all prepped to do it, but when I saw I had over 4" axle to frame with robust coil overs, I decided not to. Been on the road for two seasons & it's fine.

[mobileortho]

Thanks Hamp. I'm looking into following your lead with the coilovers.

[mr48chev]

OOPs I missed the 3600 part last night. That would end up being a lift kit, my bad.

On that one you might get away with removing another leaf.

The alternative would be to raise the spring hangers on the frame a bit if that is possible.

[whitedog76]

What about some helper air bags?

[Hampshire]

The alternative would be to raise the spring hangers on the frame a bit if that is possible.

...good point! I just remembered that at some time when I was looking at various ideas, I bought some Task Force hangers to mount on the top of the frame. I think that would have worked. Got the idea from some old thread.

[mobileortho]

Originally Posted by Hampshire

...good point! I just remembered that at some time when I was looking at various ideas, I bought some Task Force hangers to mount on the top of the frame. I think that would have worked. Got the idea from some old thread.

Hamp, which TF hangers did you get?

[mobileortho]

Or helper springs??? The ones that slide over the shocks?

[whitedog76]

Robert- Are you using the Chassis Engineering MII?

[mobileortho]

No, I bought a bolt on setup off EBay. It's pretty much the same one Speedway Motors offers.

[mobileortho]

Found this on Facebook. He said he just flipped the rear hangers & used some angled perches to correct the pinion angle. Looks pretty awesome to me!!