Thread: Lowering a Chevy Truck

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Sounds like someone who's never done one trying to explain it to you.

Flip is the usual terminology used in the hobby and by the parts vendors, but it's somewhat of a misnomer. Sounds like you have the leaf spring suspension. The axle is bolted to the bottom of the spring. The "flip" involves mounting it to the top of the spring, but not "turning it over". If you look at the axle you'll see a pad or saddle welded to the housing that mounts it to the spring, held in place by U-bolts. When you put the axle on top of the springs, the housing will need a new saddle on the bottom of the axle tube. These are sold in what are called "flip kits". One important thing the aftermarket piece does is maintain correct pinion angle.

Now the possible negatives. One, flipping the axle typically gives a 4-6" drop. You'll probably have to C notch the frame, the pieces to do that also come in the better "flip kits". Dropped spindles usually only give you a 2" drop, so if your truck sits level now, it will take on a taildragger stance with an axle flip. If it rakes forward now, then you might end up level.

Yes flipping is a little on the extreme side around 6" drop will be had from this. Yes you will also need to do c-notches.

You say you are looking for a couple inches lower nothing extreme. A 2" in front and 4" in the rear will bring you down level. Typically these trucks are 2" higher in the rear stock from the factory. So a 2" in the front and 2" in the rear will give you a little lower stock look. You can get this by simply replacing front springs and hangers in the back. That would be the cheapest route but still done correctly. I personally would do dropped spindles in the front and you should be able to get a new set for 200-300 dollars. Dropped spindles for these trucks usually come with a 2.5" drop. Bell Tech is one of the leaders in these kits but remember that there are plenty others that make these kits. Check their site for kits. Also remember to check and readjust your pinion angle after you get done , going up or down changes the angle.