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.