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Old 09-29-2009, 12:26 PM   #1
78BO
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Flip kits

Well I'm looking to drop the rear more. I want it level to the front which has 3in drop springs. I already have a 4in drop (2inshackels I put spindles by mistake and hangers) on it. Do you think if I installed a flip kit it will be too low? The main reason I'm asking is because I don't want to have to buy new hangers. I want to save as much money as possible. Has anyone used the flip kit and drop hangers together?

Thanks
Bryan
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Old 09-29-2009, 12:30 PM   #2
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Re: Flip kits

Can you post a bigger pic of your avatar?

What drop do you have now?

I'm thinking I like the way it sits as is and might want to duplicate that stance on my truck.

K
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Old 09-29-2009, 12:31 PM   #3
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Re: Flip kits

I have a flip and shackles. I want to go another inch lower, but I am a little .
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Old 09-29-2009, 12:39 PM   #4
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Re: Flip kits

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Originally Posted by Keith Seymore View Post
Can you post a bigger pic of your avatar?

What drop do you have now?

I'm thinking I like the way it sits as is and might want to duplicate that stance on my truck.

K
It's a 3in summit drop spring front and 4in hanger/shackle rear.
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Old 09-29-2009, 12:52 PM   #5
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Re: Flip kits

I don't think hangers and a flip will work together...haven't really heard of anyone running that combo. You should be able to get stock hangers very easily...either here on the parts board, or at your local salvage yard.

To anyone reading this...

This is why a shackle and hanger kit is a waste of money and time. Seems like a 4" rear drop is never enough. Do it right, do it once...flip the axle. I should know, I speak from experience myself.
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Old 09-29-2009, 12:58 PM   #6
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Re: Flip kits

Quote:
Originally Posted by Driveway Dreams View Post
I have a flip and shackles. I want to go another inch lower, but I am a little .
Quote:
Originally Posted by bigblock73 View Post
I don't think hangers and a flip will work together...haven't really heard of anyone running that combo.
I'm going to have to clamp my rear end in place before I commit to a flip. I'm of the small minority who does not like a really low truck. And for where I live and drive, it's just not practice.
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Old 09-29-2009, 01:15 PM   #7
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Re: Flip kits

Well, I don't want it too low either. I didn't do the flip because it looked like it would be to low for me and my needs. But the four is not low enough. I just want it leve to the front. I think I would be happy with another inch or two.
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Old 09-29-2009, 02:14 PM   #8
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Re: Flip kits

Then I would replace the hangers and shackles with the stock ones (or hit a bone yard or the classifieds if you don't have them), then do a flip. That would put you at 5" IF you have the 4-leaf spring packs. From there, you could play with just the hangers or just the shackles to get it down another 1"-2" to your liking. In that case, I would start with the rear shackles first.
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Old 09-29-2009, 02:41 PM   #9
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Re: Flip kits

I just went out and measured my truck. For what it's worth, this would be the result of flipping the rear end on MY truck:

Axle tube = 3" diameter
4-leaf spring pack = 1.5" thick
Spring pad = .5" at closest point between the axle tube and where the leaf sits

With those numbers, the center line of my axle would move 5.5".




The end result for me is that the tire would tuck about .5". Not happening on this truck! I want about a .5" to 1" gap between the top of the tire and the edge of the wheel well opening.
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Old 09-29-2009, 02:53 PM   #10
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Re: Flip kits

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Originally Posted by 78BO View Post
Well, I don't want it too low either. I didn't do the flip because it looked like it would be to low for me and my needs. But the four is not low enough. I just want it leve to the front. I think I would be happy with another inch or two.

You have the HD leafs in your truck, remove the thick overload and the one above it...that will give you 1" more at the least. You will need to buy new centering pins to reassemble everything, but they are cheap.
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Old 09-29-2009, 02:54 PM   #11
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Re: Flip kits

I agree, to get more level, do the flip. Put the stock hangers on and I think you achieve the look you are going for. You may even think about becoming a site subscriber (which I think everyone should do anyway) and then see if someone will trade you your drop hangers for some stock ones. Then you are not out any more money.
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Old 09-29-2009, 02:57 PM   #12
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Re: Flip kits

With 275-60-15s I've got about 3ins of gap now. I forgot to say this is a heavy half. I think the springs are a little bigger on it.
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Old 09-29-2009, 05:28 PM   #13
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Re: Flip kits

Ok I'm new at this so forgive me, exactly what's entailed in a flip? Also, does it screw up pinion angle?
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Old 09-29-2009, 05:33 PM   #14
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Re: Flip kits

"Flip" is kind of a deceiving term for this. It basically involves moving the rear axle from under neath the leaf springs, to top of the leaf springs (see my drawing above).

Kits are sold to do this, or the perches can be cut off and rewelded 180° on the axle tubes. That is the cheapest way to do it, free if you have a liquid wrench and a welder. Doing it this way will also let you set the pinion angle precisely where you want it.
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Old 09-29-2009, 06:20 PM   #15
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Re: Flip kits

Im in the same problem i dont think a 4" drop out back is enough for anyone! what about all the holes on the hanger i have mine to most drop what about if i flip it and move the leafs to the closest hole to the mounting hole. fyi i have belltech hangers.
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Old 09-29-2009, 08:36 PM   #16
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Re: Flip kits

Based on my truck with a flip & shackles, I think you will be hard pressed to do a flip, shackles, & hangers. I notched my frame for mine and I can still make contact if I "try". I want to go another inch but I think 2" would take it to far for a static drop.
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Old 10-01-2009, 03:57 PM   #17
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Re: Flip kits

What if I take out the two springs (over load and the next spring) and buy a air assist spring (air bag). I want to TRY and get it to look like I want and keep the springs on top. I want to be able to use the truck, hay isn't light you know.
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Old 10-01-2009, 04:10 PM   #18
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Re: Flip kits

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What if I take out the two springs (over load and the next spring) and buy a air assist spring (air bag). I want to TRY and get it to look like I want and keep the springs on top. I want to be able to use the truck, hay isn't light you know.
Not a bad idea.. you'll get the stance by removing leafs but then you can still have the firmness with the air assist bags and can fill em up if you need to haul anything.
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