07-01-2010, 04:12 PM | #1 |
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Location: Marana, Arizona
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Leaf removal question
Hoping to hear from someone who has knowledge about removing leafs from springs if there is a rule of thumb as to how many will give what drop.
Or how many and still have a safe ride. Is it worth the effort ? Someday I'll be able to afford a drop axle or maybe a suspension swap ? For now it would be fun to get it a few inches lower. Thoughts ?
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07-01-2010, 09:07 PM | #2 |
#16876
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Location: Auburn WA
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Re: Leaf removal question
When I read the title my first thought was a teen with a rake. I can't answer the Q. Anyone?
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07-01-2010, 10:03 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
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Re: Leaf removal question
Its hard to know since we don't really know the condition of the springs to start with.
1) Even with the factory sway bar these beasts do sway a bit and the stiffness of the springs do mitigate that somewhat. 2) Removing leafs reduces the axle clearance between the axles and the frame. You are likely to experience some bone jarring hits as a result. The approaches to mitigating axle bump are many but you'll need match one to your exact drop to preserve handing and confidence. 3) Lowering the truck has an impact of steering geometry. You want to be aware of that and have a plan to prevent bump-steer and keep your front suspension alignable.
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07-02-2010, 01:38 PM | #4 |
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Location: thousand oaks, California
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Re: Leaf removal question
done it to my truck back in the day... i pulled 3 from the front if i remember right. your problem is your panel weighs more than a reg truck so you will have to guess. i would pull 2 and see where she sits...
replace the original bump stop with a thick rubber strip have the ubolts hold the ends in an upside down u tuck the ends under the bolts till they form a circle. yes you will have your hard jarring hits but thats why they say low and slow!!!! show us a before and after pict!!! GT
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Greg 1953 chevy 1/2 ton 5 window, chevy 350 330 horse 700r tranz, lowering spindels mustang 2 frount. ford 9", airbags on 4 corners . purchased in 1983 for $325 while in high school http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=215079&page=5 |
07-02-2010, 02:00 PM | #5 | |
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Re: Leaf removal question
Quote:
If I were home I'd run out and look at the springs, plates etc. it would probably be obvious to me then ?
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07-02-2010, 07:26 PM | #6 |
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Location: thousand oaks, California
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Re: Leaf removal question
heres a crude drawing... this will buy you almost 2" of travel on the original suspension. i drove this truck like that for years
GT
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Greg 1953 chevy 1/2 ton 5 window, chevy 350 330 horse 700r tranz, lowering spindels mustang 2 frount. ford 9", airbags on 4 corners . purchased in 1983 for $325 while in high school http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=215079&page=5 Last edited by mylow53; 07-02-2010 at 07:28 PM. |
07-02-2010, 09:13 PM | #7 |
SAVING ONE TRUCK AT A TIME
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: sherwood oregon
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Re: Leaf removal question
Dont be scared.if you need extra parts i have them.i will not be using any of my stock suspension.
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07-02-2010, 10:10 PM | #8 | |
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Re: Leaf removal question
Quote:
Thanks guys !
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07-04-2010, 09:23 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 52
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Re: Leaf removal question
I removed 2 leafs front and rear in addition to 2" drop shackles in the rear. Truck still rides good with no "jarring". Only a half ton though. Have fun!
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07-04-2010, 11:38 AM | #10 |
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toppenish, WA
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Re: Leaf removal question
I think I took out two leaves when I did the quick and nasty lowering job on the 48.
If you stay to smooth streets the ride isn't bad but if you hit a pothole the axle will hit the frame. On my truck at least the handling wasn't very good and I couldn't relax while going down the road. The truck had a bit of a mind of it's own. The remove a couple of leaves trick has been done since guy started lowering trucks so it isn't a big deal but be prepared for a few quirks when driving it. Shorter front tires will bring it down too. I probably got at least two inches of the drop on my truck by running 195-14 or 205-14 tires on the front. Not super low but a lot lower than stock. Last edited by mr48chev; 07-04-2010 at 11:44 AM. |
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