i don't know how i did it but i need help to fix it

[The_BullDog]

I have a 77 C10 with a 12 bolt rear end. i got a djm 5in flip and some 3in drop spindles. My truck was level when i started. i pulled off my leaf springs it is a stock 4 leaf but the PO took off the bottom small leaf. So i was sitting level with 3 leafs. took the leafs and shackles off sanded them painted them and put new bushings in. i re-install everything the way it was befor. I put the flip kit brackets above the leaft so the bolt fit in the offcentered hole with the holes towards the cab.i placed the rear end into the brackets and put the U bolts back on.

here's the problem.

using my stock spring plates i don't have enought clearance to put the shock extender on the mounting bracket. (i was sent the wrong shocks anyways but still i need shocks on the truck.
with the stock spring plate on and no shocks on my pass side is sitting a good 1 to 1.5 inches lower then the driver side.

what did i do wrong? how can i fix this? why is it so hard to just flip a rear end.

i have done flips befor and never had a problem.

[N2TRUX]

My first thought is are you SURE it was level before? Its not uncommon for these trucks to have a lean thats not noticed until its lowered.

If you are sure, its possible the new bushings, painted leaves, etc are binding enough to cause it. It might settle once you get some drive time on it.

[lolife99]

When you tighten the leaf spring bolts,... ALL of the trucks weight needs to be on the truck.
Did you perhaps tighten the leaf spring bolts with the truck in the air with no weight on the leaf springs?
Maybe you preloaded one side more than the other.

[The_BullDog]

thanks for the info guys. I went and got the right shocks and that brought it up alittle to match but the pass side is still down about half an inch but i didn't put the weight of the truck on the springs when i tightened them so i will redo those.

I do have another issue: (I hope someone can help with this) I took the truck out for the first run around the block and i have a hard clanging sound when i step on the gas every now and again. Any ideas?