"Leveling" a dropped truck - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Tony_SS · 11-21-2009, 10:31 AM

Hi gang,
So I finally lowered my truck. 3" DJMs up front and 4" in back (shackle/hanger) and the front driver side sits 1/4-1/2 lower than the other.

Whats the best way to 'shim' it so that its level? I'd rather not remove the spring so I was thinking those spring isolators are screw-in things they sell at the auto parts store? I know.. bad way to do it but I just want the thing to sit level... any other ideas?

menace121978 · 11-21-2009, 10:54 AM

hey Tony! man have you tried switching the springs from 1 side to the other yet? i know its a pain but it really shouldnt be sitting with tat much of a difference. also make sure the spring is sitting in the crossmember perch correctly and the bottom of the spring should be sitting in the a-arm with the end of the spring right before the hole in the a-arm so water can drain... make sense??

other than that idunno... maybe someone else has some ideas. some pics might help us understand!

Tony_SS · 11-21-2009, 11:38 AM

Hey Dennis.. yeah that makes sense. I didnt install the springs.. im too chicken to mess with them! I need to look into that though as much as I fiddle with stance and to make sure they did clock the springs right... Is there a writeup on replacing springs around here? I just hate to have one shoot at me and take a hand off.

I will post some pics.. 3" drop up front made it sit pretty low!

menace121978 · 11-21-2009, 11:57 AM

its real easy especially if you have 3" springs . heres a quickie... jack the truck up and put the frame on stands. take the tire off. use a jack under the a-arm to apply pressure on the spring. loosen the lower ball joint nut but dont take it all the way off. let the jack down a bit until the ball joint shaft pops loose(you may have to hit the ball joint with a hammer for it to free itself) and is putting pressure on the nut. leave the jack in place because its putting pressure on the a-arm and spring. take the nut all the way off and let the jack down slowly and the spring will come out. easy peasy!

Tony_SS · 11-21-2009, 04:33 PM

Sounds like a great method.. and with 3" drop springs I should be able to drop the jack far enough down to give enough room for the spring to fall all the way out. I will look at it but I do remember my truck always sat 1/4-1/2" lower on the drivers side with the factory springs, the 2"drops and now the 3" drop.. so thats why I'm ready to shim these suckers.

I'm going to let them get nice and settled first before I mess with it.. pics coming tomorrow.

bluex · 11-21-2009, 10:40 PM

Put a chain or rope through the hole in the bottom of the a-arm and through the spring about 3 coils up from the bottom. Tie the rope, or attach the two ends of the chain and it might jump, but wont fly out. I do all of them this way, even drop springs.

Not much to worry about then, just dont damage the ball joint! If you like the stance on the dr side and its not too low, take a 1/4 at a time off the pass coil till its level.

joe231 · 11-21-2009, 11:58 PM

have you looked at the control arm bushings? if the driver's side is worn out more than the passengers it could cause some sag.

Tony_SS · 11-22-2009, 05:24 PM

Ok so maybe it was just some quirky thing but it sits pretty level now (side to side). So here it is.. a 3/4 drop... I am thinking I need another 1" drop in the rear though to loose the stink bug effect.

joe231 · 11-22-2009, 07:17 PM

I bet one of the springs weren't seated properly on the crossmember.
Probably seated itself

truck looks good, doesn't look stink bug-ish to me

**lolife99** · 11-22-2009, 08:30 PM

Looks good!

Why do all the "shackle/hanger" guys wish they were lower?
I'm seeing a trend lately,...

menace121978 · 11-22-2009, 11:56 PM

Damn!! that looks sick Tony! just take out a couple leafs and call her good. very good looking truck buddy.

Rogue_Sentinel · 11-23-2009, 12:26 AM

i like the rims and tires . they look good . tires size?

low86c10 · 11-23-2009, 01:24 AM

a bigger tire in the rear would fill in the gap better

**nlped** · 11-23-2009, 09:37 AM

I like it!!! If you must, just do like Dennis said, and remove a couple of leafs.

LiveAnimals · 11-23-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Looks good!

Why do all the "shackle/hanger" guys wish they were lower?
I'm seeing a trend lately,...

I dont think so. It looks great just like that Tony.

Tony_SS · 11-23-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlped

I like it!!! If you must, just do like Dennis said, and remove a couple of leafs.

which ones should I remove?

northern 85 · 11-23-2009, 05:33 PM

I think it looks great as is!

menace121978 · 11-23-2009, 11:10 PM

just depends if you haul stuff buddy. if you dont then take out the small thick one at the bottom or 1-2 in the middle

staggerd86c-10 · 11-25-2009, 07:04 AM

that truck looks really good, and yes i see that trend also everyone that gets the shackle/hanger drop always wants a lil bit more.

STOCKISH · 11-26-2009, 01:30 AM

Looks great man. Nice truck.

Driveway Dreams · 11-26-2009, 02:21 AM

Tony: The truck is looking great! I have not been on as much lately so I just saw this. But it's lookin awesome.

Quote:

Originally Posted by staggerd86c-10

that truck looks really good, and yes i see that trend also everyone that gets the shackle/hanger drop always wants a lil bit more.

As far as the low trend goes, I see that with anything. I am low and still think about going lower. I have had a lot of different vehicles that I have customized. It is always the same. I did that, now I need more drop, lift, power, stereo, whatever.

SBTork · 11-26-2009, 04:24 AM

Tony, my advice. Keep the gun rack, loose 1 leaf. You should be good after that

Malo83 · 11-26-2009, 03:49 PM

Looks good Tony! I would leave here as she is, are you running 275/60's all around? that front wheel looks close to the fender

Tony_SS · 11-28-2009, 10:57 PM

295/50-15 all the way around. Its about an inch above the tire.. not as close as the pic makes it look.. it doesnt rub so I'm happy.

I was told to go with a 52" 4x4 leaf spring as it does not arch as much and remove the overload spring... anyone done this?

**lolife99** · 11-28-2009, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony_SS

295/50-15 all the way around. Its about an inch above the tire.. not as close as the pic makes it look.. it doesnt rub so I'm happy.

I was told to go with a 52" 4x4 leaf spring as it does not arch as much and remove the overload spring... anyone done this?

Does it have 52" or 56" springs on it now?

11-21-2009, 10:31 AM	#1
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	"Leveling" a dropped truck Hi gang, So I finally lowered my truck. 3" DJMs up front and 4" in back (shackle/hanger) and the front driver side sits 1/4-1/2 lower than the other. Whats the best way to 'shim' it so that its level? I'd rather not remove the spring so I was thinking those spring isolators are screw-in things they sell at the auto parts store? I know.. bad way to do it but I just want the thing to sit level... any other ideas?

11-21-2009, 10:54 AM	#2
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck hey Tony! man have you tried switching the springs from 1 side to the other yet? i know its a pain but it really shouldnt be sitting with tat much of a difference. also make sure the spring is sitting in the crossmember perch correctly and the bottom of the spring should be sitting in the a-arm with the end of the spring right before the hole in the a-arm so water can drain... make sense?? other than that idunno... maybe someone else has some ideas. some pics might help us understand! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

11-21-2009, 11:38 AM	#3
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Hey Dennis.. yeah that makes sense. I didnt install the springs.. im too chicken to mess with them! I need to look into that though as much as I fiddle with stance and to make sure they did clock the springs right... Is there a writeup on replacing springs around here? I just hate to have one shoot at me and take a hand off. I will post some pics.. 3" drop up front made it sit pretty low!

11-21-2009, 11:57 AM	#4
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck its real easy especially if you have 3" springs . heres a quickie... jack the truck up and put the frame on stands. take the tire off. use a jack under the a-arm to apply pressure on the spring. loosen the lower ball joint nut but dont take it all the way off. let the jack down a bit until the ball joint shaft pops loose(you may have to hit the ball joint with a hammer for it to free itself) and is putting pressure on the nut. leave the jack in place because its putting pressure on the a-arm and spring. take the nut all the way off and let the jack down slowly and the spring will come out. easy peasy! __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

11-21-2009, 04:33 PM	#5
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Sounds like a great method.. and with 3" drop springs I should be able to drop the jack far enough down to give enough room for the spring to fall all the way out. I will look at it but I do remember my truck always sat 1/4-1/2" lower on the drivers side with the factory springs, the 2"drops and now the 3" drop.. so thats why I'm ready to shim these suckers. I'm going to let them get nice and settled first before I mess with it.. pics coming tomorrow.

11-21-2009, 10:40 PM	#6
bluex Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Spartanburg, SC Posts: 1,963	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Put a chain or rope through the hole in the bottom of the a-arm and through the spring about 3 coils up from the bottom. Tie the rope, or attach the two ends of the chain and it might jump, but wont fly out. I do all of them this way, even drop springs. Not much to worry about then, just dont damage the ball joint! If you like the stance on the dr side and its not too low, take a 1/4 at a time off the pass coil till its level. __________________ Paul '78 GMC Serria 15 Heavy Half. 361/NV3500/3.73. Former LWB NV3500 swap Trailing arm swap '98 ECSB Z71 daily driver -traded '03 burb. Family cruiser http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Last edited by bluex; 11-21-2009 at 10:41 PM.

11-21-2009, 11:58 PM	#7
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck have you looked at the control arm bushings? if the driver's side is worn out more than the passengers it could cause some sag. __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

11-22-2009, 05:24 PM	#8
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Ok so maybe it was just some quirky thing but it sits pretty level now (side to side). So here it is.. a 3/4 drop... I am thinking I need another 1" drop in the rear though to loose the stink bug effect.

11-22-2009, 07:17 PM	#9
joe231 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Palmer, Alaska Posts: 13,821	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck I bet one of the springs weren't seated properly on the crossmember. Probably seated itself truck looks good, doesn't look stink bug-ish to me __________________ *CHEVY ONLY*

11-22-2009, 08:30 PM	#10
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Looks good! Why do all the "shackle/hanger" guys wish they were lower? I'm seeing a trend lately,... __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

11-22-2009, 11:56 PM	#11
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Damn!! that looks sick Tony! just take out a couple leafs and call her good. very good looking truck buddy. __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

11-23-2009, 12:26 AM	#12
Rogue_Sentinel Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: nc, mount airy Posts: 376	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck i like the rims and tires . they look good . tires size? __________________ "Myths and legends die hard in America. We love them for the extra dimension they provide, the illusion of near-infinite possibility to erase the narrow confines of most men's reality. Weird heroes and mould-breaking champions exist as living proof to those who need it that the tyranny of 'the rat race' is not yet final." Hunter S THompson

11-23-2009, 01:24 AM	#13
low86c10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: louisville, Ky Posts: 105	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck a bigger tire in the rear would fill in the gap better

11-23-2009, 09:37 AM	#14
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck I like it!!! If you must, just do like Dennis said, and remove a couple of leafs. __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

11-23-2009, 05:33 PM	#17
northern 85 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairfield Maine Posts: 1,759	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck I think it looks great as is!



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11-23-2009, 11:10 PM	#18
menace121978 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: orangevale, ca Posts: 3,626	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck just depends if you haul stuff buddy. if you dont then take out the small thick one at the bottom or 1-2 in the middle __________________ "Dennis the Menace" 1978 Silverado (2wd, 1/2 ton, short bed)complete nut & bolt frame off restomod LQ9/4L80E MY LS SWAP/FRAME OFF BUILD BOOK 2006 TBSS way too much to list

11-25-2009, 07:04 AM	#19
staggerd86c-10 Squarebody Aficionado Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 713	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck that truck looks really good, and yes i see that trend also everyone that gets the shackle/hanger drop always wants a lil bit more.

11-26-2009, 01:30 AM	#20
STOCKISH Formerly- 1972SuperCheyenne Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wake Forest NC Posts: 5,782	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Looks great man. Nice truck. __________________ --Josh My Build Thread:http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=799218 A good crossthread is better than Loctite any day. Life is not about what you have, but who you have to share it with.

11-26-2009, 04:24 AM	#22
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,855	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Tony, my advice. Keep the gun rack, loose 1 leaf. You should be good after that __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD..... Last edited by SBTork; 11-26-2009 at 04:24 AM.

11-26-2009, 03:49 PM	#23
Malo83 Cruzzzn' Vet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Porterville,Ca. Posts: 1,918	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck Looks good Tony! I would leave here as she is, are you running 275/60's all around? that front wheel looks close to the fender

11-28-2009, 10:57 PM	#24
Tony_SS Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Washington, MO Posts: 643	Re: "Leveling" a dropped truck 295/50-15 all the way around. Its about an inch above the tire.. not as close as the pic makes it look.. it doesnt rub so I'm happy. I was told to go with a 52" 4x4 leaf spring as it does not arch as much and remove the overload spring... anyone done this?

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