Time for a change. Lets talk flip kits. Help me understand!

[Nasty-LSX]

So its time for a change of looks.

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I love the stance and the height, but its time for a change. I picked up 18x10 for the front and 18x12 for the rear. I wont post pic's till
I get a video up of the suspension swap and new wheel.

I am going to do a axle flip kit. Is it mandatory to add a c notch? when looking at flip kits, they do not mention drop size. If I do a flip kit
how do I know what drop spindles and or lowering spring do I need up front? I dont want it slammed, but want front to match rear.

If you have done this, please explain how to match it all up. If possible, post your pics. Also, Will the ride get
stiffer by dropping it? I plan on getting the shock extenders also.

And just in case your wondering why I went with 18's. Every dropped c10 you see has 20 or 22/24 inch wheels.
dont want to be part of the cookie cutter. Be different,

 

[Grit dog]

I’d categorize an axle flip as slammed or damn near.
Get under there and measure (not on jack stands). By my calcs I think a flip on a half ton is 6-7” drop. If you have rock hard springs and never gonna put a load in it, you can maybe squeak by without notching the frame.
In general F to R for level is about 2” less in front. So you’re leveling a flip with a 2.5-3” spindle and cut springs or lowering springs.

 

[mlsceo]

When I did my flip I did the notch as well. In looking at it later I think it would've been ok without the notch. My wheels are 15s, tires are 28
' diameter. Notch is easy to do so if in doubt I'd say do it. Like Grit dog says, flip is pretty low. Aftermarket front springs are weak, flip won't change spring rate in the rear.

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[Scott91370]

If you are only doing a flip kit you do not need to notch.
I have a flip and 1" lower shackles and I did not notch and I do not hit. I also do not use it as a truck.

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[stroker2]

Check out the link below , quality suspension kits for the square .

1973-1987 GM C10/C15 – UMI Performance

1973-1987 GM C10/C15 Fitment Guide 1973 1974 Chevrolet C10 Pickup 1975 1986 Chevrolet C10 1987 1987 Chevrolet R10 1973 1974

www.umiperformance.com

 

[Nasty-LSX]

If you are only doing a flip kit you do not need to notch.
I have a flip and 1" lower shackles and I did not notch and I do not hit. I also do not use it as a truck.

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Are those 18's ? look awesome

 

[Nasty-LSX]

Check out the link below , quality suspension kits for the square .

1973-1987 GM C10/C15 – UMI Performance

1973-1987 GM C10/C15 Fitment Guide 1973 1974 Chevrolet C10 Pickup 1975 1986 Chevrolet C10 1987 1987 Chevrolet R10 1973 1974

www.umiperformance.com

Thanks

 

[Scott91370]

Are those 18's ? look awesome

Thank you!
They are:
Front: 18x8 with 245/45 and a 1.5" spacer
Rear:18x9.5 275/40 and a 2" spacer
Spacers are made by BORA @ https://www.motorsport-tech.com/bora.html
Brings the wheel/tire combo out near the edge of the fender.

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[Bennyt]

I don't like flip "kits" I prefer $20 Mopar axle/spring perches and an hour or two of welding/ set-up. Cleaner, cheaper, simpler, and how the factory would do it.

No C- notch needed if not going to tow/haul.

If planning on towing/ hauling, I'd buy a notch that helps maintain frame strength by encasing frame such as Built by Brooks, porterbilt, etc.

 

[TotalyHucked]

Some flip kits are a 4-5" drop, some are a 6" drop. Also, every truck is different, they're like fingerprints. Even if they have the same amount of leafs, two different trucks with the same exact kit can sit differently.

The rear spring rate won't change, all you're doing is changing where the axle is in relation to the springs (on top vs underneath). For the front, all aftermarket drop springs are too soft IMO. If you have a small block, I'd use Moog's big block replacement springs and trim them a little at a time till you're happy, they'll ride great. Remember, 1 coil=2" of drop. If you have an LS, do the same thing with stock replacement half ton springs or your originals.

I absolutely notch any time I lower a truck, but I use my trucks as trucks so I need the notch. My '85 spends half it's time "riding in" the notch.

For what you're after, I would suggest purchasing McGaughy's flip kit, notch and their 2.5" spindles. Do the rear install first, then put the spindles on. If the front is too high, then trim the springs a little at a time till you're happy.

This is my '85 with just the flip kit/notch in the rear, 2.5" spindles in the front and front springs trimmed 1/4 coil at a time till I was happy (Yes, it was lots of work. 6-7 times to get the front apart, trim a bit, back together and check again. Worth it for the right stance). I always rode around with ~400lbs or so in the bed cuz I hated how high the rear was.

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.

This is the same thing with just a 2" shackle added, springs set in the 2" hole. I figure I'm roughly 5-5.5" up front and 8" in the rear

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[Nasty-LSX]

Great pics

 

[Scruffy49]

Ralph with flip kit, shock extenders, no notch (yet), Gabriel Load Assist shocks on all 4 corners and 40 year old factory spring bushings. Once the new Energy Suspension bushing kit and shock eye bushings are installed, will re-evaluate whether he stays this low or not. Came down 8-9” versus springs over w/o shock extenders.
YMMV/YRMV

Will likely be swapping in 1992 K1500 rear spring packs. Considerably stronger than C10 springs. Truck will be sporting an era correct aluminum topper. Wife’s physical therapy runs, grocery runs, light (for her) camping trips. Has double the fuel economy of my 350/NV4500 K3500 dually…

 

[ChuckN]

Some flip kits are a 4-5" drop, some are a 6" drop. Also, every truck is different, they're like fingerprints. Even if they have the same amount of leafs, two different trucks with the same exact kit can sit differently.

The rear spring rate won't change, all you're doing is changing where the axle is in relation to the springs (on top vs underneath). For the front, all aftermarket drop springs are too soft IMO. If you have a small block, I'd use Moog's big block replacement springs and trim them a little at a time till you're happy, they'll ride great. Remember, 1 coil=2" of drop. If you have an LS, do the same thing with stock replacement half ton springs or your originals.

I absolutely notch any time I lower a truck, but I use my trucks as trucks so I need the notch. My '85 spends half it's time "riding in" the notch.

For what you're after, I would suggest purchasing McGaughy's flip kit, notch and their 2.5" spindles. Do the rear install first, then put the spindles on. If the front is too high, then trim the springs a little at a time till you're happy.

This is my '85 with just the flip kit/notch in the rear, 2.5" spindles in the front and front springs trimmed 1/4 coil at a time till I was happy (Yes, it was lots of work. 6-7 times to get the front apart, trim a bit, back together and check again. Worth it for the right stance). I always rode around with ~400lbs or so in the bed cuz I hated how high the rear was.

You must be registered for see images attach

.

This is the same thing with just a 2" shackle added, springs set in the 2" hole. I figure I'm roughly 5-5.5" up front and 8" in the rear

You must be registered for see images attach

Just saw this Huck. I’m not super happy with my stink bug look right now, probably end up where you’re at.