1985 SWB 2wd 1/2 ton C10 Rear Axle Flip

[The Lost Texan]

I currently have an all original factory ordered 1985 C10 Short Box 1/2 ton 2wd with 56” (6) leaf springs. It is my understanding this set up is a little unique due to the mass majority of the swb, 2wd 1/2 tons having 52” (4 or 5) leaf springs. I recently purchased an axle flip kit. My question: the flip brackets have two holes, one centered and the other off-set. Everyone I talk to and everything I read on the inter-web tells me to use the off-set hole and make sure the off-set hole is toward the front of the truck. The manufacturer of my flip bracket tells me the off-set hole is only for 52” leafs and the center hole is only for 56” leafs. Does this sound correct? 99% of the flips brackets I see only offer the one, off-set hole. Just curious why I have brackets with two holes (options). The purpose of the off-set hole is to move the axle back to make it centered in the wheel well, correct? Is this not necessary for 56” leafs? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Scott91370]

I do not have the 56" spring pack but I would think you'd still want to move the axle back because by lowering it you are, effectively, making the space between the pinion and transmission shorter.

 

[TotalyHucked]

I would stick with what the manufacturer told you. If it doesn't center the wheel in the opening, then try the other hole.

 

[JmoeVigil]

I currently have an all original factory ordered 1985 C10 Short Box 1/2 ton 2wd with 56” (6) leaf springs. It is my understanding this set up is a little unique due to the mass majority of the swb, 2wd 1/2 tons having 52” (4 or 5) leaf springs. I recently purchased an axle flip kit. My question: the flip brackets have two holes, one centered and the other off-set. Everyone I talk to and everything I read on the inter-web tells me to use the off-set hole and make sure the off-set hole is toward the front of the truck. The manufacturer of my flip bracket tells me the off-set hole is only for 52” leafs and the center hole is only for 56” leafs. Does this sound correct? 99% of the flips brackets I see only offer the one, off-set hole. Just curious why I have brackets with two holes (options). The purpose of the off-set hole is to move the axle back to make it centered in the wheel well, correct? Is this not necessary for 56” leafs? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

which brand did you buy? I hear both arguments as to using the offset vs center hole

 

[The Lost Texan]

Tinworks Fab

 

[Ricko1966]

I would stick with what the manufacturer told you. If it doesn't center the wheel in the opening, then try the other hole.

^^^ but also check your driveshaft length,at the hole recommended by the manufacturer and again if you use the other hole. Manufacturer may be more concerned about driveshaft length,than centering the wheel.

 

[burnt]

Post digging here a bit, but wanted to see if you had any update on this. I also found out that my 87 has 56” spring and using a tin works flip kit that calls to use the center hole, I also have never heard of this before.