Need help lowering the '72!!
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Fremont
So which of the two packs of leaf springs are the helper springs; top or bottom?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
To verify, a better pic to show us would be from the rear pointing forward and between the frame and the tire.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Fremont
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
Atta boy.... Yessiree... that's a helper/overload spring.
I think your set up also has an add-a-leaf... it's the bottom-most leaf under the bottom spring pack. Someone will correct me if I'm spacin'.
Also, your rig is equipped with "Flexo-matic" spring hangers (three bushings). When overloaded, the lever action moves the fulcrum point forward and makes the leaf spring pack behavior shorter and thus, stiffer.
I think your set up also has an add-a-leaf... it's the bottom-most leaf under the bottom spring pack. Someone will correct me if I'm spacin'.
Also, your rig is equipped with "Flexo-matic" spring hangers (three bushings). When overloaded, the lever action moves the fulcrum point forward and makes the leaf spring pack behavior shorter and thus, stiffer.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
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If you want to lower the rear by 5" then take the helper pack off of the top and toss them. Get a filp kit bracket from AIM and relocate the diff to the top of the factory spring pack. This will require a c-notch, shorter shocks and a bracket on the diff shock mount to adjust the shock angle (or a relocation of the upper shock mount).
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Senior User
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From: Fremont
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: NorCal
Flip the front spring hangers of the rear leaf springs... Cost: About $15 for new Grade 8 bolts, washers, and nylon locking nuts.
Removing the rivets is the hardest part. Cut an X on the heads and then use a cold chisel to break 'em off. Grind flush. Then use a center punch and a BFH to drive 'em out.
Turn 'em upsy-down, mark and drill new holes. Install and voila!... about 3 or so inches of drop.
Removing the rivets is the hardest part. Cut an X on the heads and then use a cold chisel to break 'em off. Grind flush. Then use a center punch and a BFH to drive 'em out.
Turn 'em upsy-down, mark and drill new holes. Install and voila!... about 3 or so inches of drop.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
The helper leaf pack will need to be removed to do the spring hanger flip.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
