Reversing a 4'6 belltech Lowering

[Lee B]

This is my very first post on here ... I bought a 1998 Chevy standard cab 1/2 ton PU that has 164,000 miles oh it. I am 57yrs old and don't really want it that low. I don't mind going 2.... 4 so she looks level. But with the 4'6 it is TO LOW.... What I need to know is how do I raise it or would I be better off trading someone for a stock setup having them do the work in trade for my parts... I have no idea how much a 4" 6"belltech lowering kits cost... Here is the e-mail the guy sent me explaining what is on the truck....

its has a 4'6 belltech.....spindles and coils in the

front....shackles, hangers and a flip kit in the rear....its the lowest you can go next to the

5'7' extreme drop....

Thanks so much Lee

I have other questions but this is the most important one......

[see ten]

Welcome to the board! Your year truck isn't exactly my area but I'm sure someone will jump in with some insight!

[Lee B]

Thanks See Ten... All I really want to do is raise my Truck up 2 inches and I know most everyone here would rather lower theirs at least 2 inches..... Ha ha ha ha

[randomhero472]

you'll just need to swap springs in the front end w/stock spring.. out back your going to need to flip the rear-end back to UNDER the leaf springs, not on top.. then leave the hangers-shackles bc each gives the rear 2" of drop

[Lee B]

Originally Posted by randomhero472

you'll just need to swap springs in the front end w/stock spring.. out back your going to need to flip the rear-end back to UNDER the leaf springs, not on top.. then leave the hangers-shackles bc each gives the rear 2" of drop

Thanks random.......

Assuming I can figure out how to do this... Am I going to have to get the front end re-aligned?

[Lee B]

Click to Enlarge.....

Here is my Truck

[SCOTI]

I would drive it as is & see if you still think it's "too low" after the seat time. If so, swap back to stock coils & reverse the rear axle flip.

FWIW.... that looks like it's only a rear flip & not a flip + shackles + hangers. Are you sure it has the combination of the three?

[Lee B]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I would drive it as is & see if you still think it's "too low" after the seat time. If so, swap back to stock coils & reverse the rear axle flip.

FWIW.... that looks like it's only a rear flip & not a flip + shackles + hangers. Are you sure it has the combination of the three?

To be honest I am not sure... I have no idea what to look for... This whole thing is a learning experience for me... I don't even have a stock one to compare to...

I am only going on what the former owner told me as far as the spindles etc.

[BACKYARD88]

Looks like just a flip in the rear. The flip should give @ 6" drop in the rear. Add shackles and hangers to that and you're looking at in the neighborhood of 10" of drop. I had an 88, the same bodystyle, with a flip in the rear only and it was about the same height as yours. Like the others have said, put stock coils back in the front to get the factory ride back, then flip the rear axle back under the springs and pick up a set of drop shackles. It'll still have a bit of a rake but it'll look good and shackles are cheap. This was my 88 with cut front springs and a flip in the rear.

[Lee B]

Thanks for all your inputs. I was talking to my nephew today and I am telling him what you all are saying and he says it's a piece of cake... I need to raise it up I don't like the way the rear hops around when you hit little bumps in the road. Plus the darn thing SQUEEKS really bad......

Backyard88 thats the look I want also.......

[Ivan D.]

Agreed on what was suggested so far - installing axle under leafs restores stock height, swapping shackles for drop units lowers you 2", and if you think 2" ain't enough and you want 4" drop you can always throw in a pair of drop hangers as those alone give you 2" drop.