Lowering an 86

[tex_waco_usmc]

Can someone help me with a lowering question:

I want to get 3.5" front and 5" rear drop.

Whats the best way? Secondly, if I do the rear axle flip kit do I need to C-Notch my frame?

If I do, does anyone have any pics of their C-Notch. Mind you I dont want to cut a hole in the floor of my bed on this one.

[Hook0215]

I was worried about the cutting holes in the bed thing too. I did 2 in spindles and cut 1 coil in the front springs. The rear however, I did 2 in shackles and 2 in hangers and to get the rest of the drop, I had my leaf springs de- arched 2 inches. I have a 305/35/20 on the rear and the wheell well sits right on top of the tire.
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[tex_waco_usmc]

Originally Posted by Hook0215

I was worried about the cutting holes in the bed thing too. I did 2 in spindles and cut 1 coil in the front springs. The rear however, I did 2 in shackles and 2 in hangers and to get the rest of the drop, I had my leaf springs de- arched 2 inches. I have a 305/35/20 on the rear and the wheell well sits right on top of the tire.
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Can you post some pics of how yours looks? Maybe some pics while you were doing it? Ive never cut a coil out so I am a little nervous and I didnt even realize you could do hangers and shackles in the rear...

[Hook0215]

Not sure how to post pics from my ipad....
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[J Knight]

Hook0215 it sounds like you did a 4.5/6in drop the hard way. It would have been easier to do a 5in flip and a 1-2in shackle. As far as the tire issue, what is your backspace on the wheels and how much room do you have from the outside of the tire to the fender lip? Also how much does the tire need to move out to clear the inner fender?
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[J Knight]

Originally Posted by tex_waco_usmc

Can someone help me with a lowering question:

I want to get 3.5" front and 5" rear drop.

Whats the best way? Secondly, if I do the rear axle flip kit do I need to C-Notch my frame?

If I do, does anyone have any pics of their C-Notch. Mind you I dont want to cut a hole in the floor of my bed on this one.

2.5in spindle, 1in spring and a flip kit. No c-notch needed.
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[Hook0215]

Originally Posted by J Knight

Hook0215 it sounds like you did a 4.5/6in drop the hard way. It would have been easier to do a 5in flip and a 1-2in shackle. As far as the tire issue, what is your backspace on the wheels and how much room do you have from the outside of the tire to the fender lip? Also how much does the tire need to move out to clear the inner fender?
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You're right. I did a 2/4 and was not happy with the results. Was still too high.....
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[tex_waco_usmc]

ok, the painful question:

Where to obtain the parts? Which are the best parts to use to do the rear axle flip and 2.5" spindles and 1" spring in the front?

Ive read many people talk about cutting their front springs... A little hesitant to do this but I know it isnt too hard. How much would I have to cut to get a 1" drop in the front to go with my 2.5" drop spindles?

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by tex_waco_usmc

ok, the painful question:

Where to obtain the parts? Which are the best parts to use to do the rear axle flip and 2.5" spindles and 1" spring in the front?

Ive read many people talk about cutting their front springs... A little hesitant to do this but I know it isnt too hard. How much would I have to cut to get a 1" drop in the front to go with my 2.5" drop spindles?

I bought the stuff I used for my '79 from Jeff at CPP. I had a great experience, but others haven't. Travis at AZ Pro Performance has a good rep here too. For the coil, start at 1/2 coil cut, and adjust from there. You may have to put it in and drive it a few times before you find your happy place.

[tex_waco_usmc]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

I bought the stuff I used for my '79 from Jeff at CPP. I had a great experience, but others haven't. Travis at AZ Pro Performance has a good rep here too. For the coil, start at 1/2 coil cut, and adjust from there. You may have to put it in and drive it a few times before you find your happy place.

I just want to make sure I understand on the coil... When you mean cut 1/2 a coil basically just turn the coil 180 degrees from the current cut and cut it? if I wanted to cut 1 coil out then I would just cut exactly where the current cut is just one coil below?

[Jonboy]

Correct.