Lowering 1984 c10 rear by 2 inches

[SquareBobby]

I recently purchased a 1984 Chevrolet Silverado. I need new tires and would like to go ahead and get new rims also. I want to level the truck and will need to drop the back 2" to accomplish this. What is my best option to make this happen? I don't want to cut the bed.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Is the suspension stock currently? If so, your 2 options are moving the leaf spring hangers or adding a 2" shackle at the back. The 2" shackle will require cutting the bed brace just above the shackle if your truck has the 52" springs.

 

[WFO]

Big block coil springs up front will level it up pretty good.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Is the suspension stock currently? If so, your 2 options are moving the leaf spring hangers or adding a 2" shackle at the back. The 2" shackle will require cutting the bed brace just above the shackle if your truck has the 52" springs.

Ideally, a combination of new main eye hanger and longer shackle would be the best to retain the proper pinion angle (unless shims are added).

 

[FireTruck1984]

I recently purchased a 1984 Chevrolet Silverado. I need new tires and would like to go ahead and get new rims also. I want to level the truck and will need to drop the back 2" to accomplish this. What is my best option to make this happen? I don't want to cut the bed.

Easy! I leveled my ‘84 C1500 using 2” drop spring shackles in the rear.

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[TotalyHucked]

Ideally, a combination of new main eye hanger and longer shackle would be the best to retain the proper pinion angle (unless shims are added).

Can’t speak on the hangers cuz I’ve never used them but I’ve never had to adjust pinion angle using 2” shackles.

 

[Randy and Easton]

We did like @FireTruck1984 did. 2” drop shackles from Summit Racing. About 30 minutes and done. Nice and level.

Randy and E

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Can’t speak on the hangers cuz I’ve never used them but I’ve never had to adjust pinion angle using 2” shackles.

Fair enough, but that's completely anecdotal, and doesn't mean that your pinion angle was correct/accurate after doing so. If you're only changing one end of the leaf spring, your pinion angle changes. Maybe 2" drop isn't enough to have any significant effect, although I suspect it may wear your U-joint a little faster. Keep in mind that to achieve 2" drop, those shackles will be 4" longer. That's significant IMHO.

I won't claim to be an expert, but spent 20 years in the Jeep world where suspension changes are more common than not.

This is a good general driveline article from Tom Woods:

Driveline Geometry 101

Driveshaft Angle Explained This video will demonstrate the proper angles for a drive shaft in a stock Jeep or Truck and how the rules change when you add a suspension lift. The video below demonstrates what is happening to the shaft at different angles, how improper angles can cause speed...

4xshaft.com

 

[idahovette]

If @TotalyHucked isn't experiencing any problems....there's that?

 

[Bennyt]

Question, trying not to derail too much and this is most likely not relevant with the OP's '84...

But can you use lowering shackles with a stepside? On a steel floor fleetside you have to trim the brace but I believe on stepsides the wood floor would interfere. I ask as I believe the cross brace is substantially shorter and the top of the shackle would be in the wood floor.

 

[peats]

On a stepside you will have to cut the brace. The shackle will end up very near the bottom of the wood but does not interfere at least with my installation.