1985 SWB 2WD Rear Axle

[The Lost Texan]

Rear axle flips are very common on these trucks, as everyone knows, to lower the ass end. It is my understanding that performing this, lowers the rearend approximately 5"-6", keeping everything else constant.......it is also my understanding; the rear pinion angle is not affected when doing this. After considering a different rear end to meet my needs and talking with Strange Engineering. They are capable of fabricating a rear axle with the spring perches on the bottom of the axle, so the axle rest directly on top of the rear springs. This would eliminate the need for the axle flip brackets. This should be fine relating to the pinion angle, correct? Am I missing anything? Has anyone done this? Any input is appreciated. Thx.

 

[TotalyHucked]

That's not quite accurate. Most axle flip kits have the pinion angle correction built into it so the end user doesn't have to worry about it. I've installed or helped install a bunch of flip kits and I have run into a handful of trucks that still needed some angle shims to dial in the pinion angle.

 

[Grit dog]

Assuming you are reusing the u bolts and plates then yes because yiu already have the relocated spring perches.
On average, yes it will be about a 6” drop. Depends on how many leafs you have now. More =more drop. # of leafs doesn’t factor in to height once you flip the axle though.
You’re pinion angle will not change unless you have the perches mounted to a different angle or shim the spring pack.
But the working range of the Pinion and tails shaft to driveshaft will change. It will be less but not an issue imo.

 

[geolee]

The plates that i bought had 2 different holes that bolted to the leaf springs and have a U shaped perch for the axle then put new u-bolts on and good to go. I put some air shocks on so I didn't have to c-notch my frame also