looking to try 2" shackles and 1 leaf removed for a drop.. its for a HD, not sure if its the same.

Any idea how to seperate leafs?

 

Just drop it off at Vinnies house next week

 

im thinking about doing that also on my lightning. Ive got the 3" shackles and want a little more

 

I pulled a leaf off my 02 L. Lowered it an extra 1/2in. Did'nt hurt the ride any I just don't have as much payload now.

 

I just had this done recently. Pull the leaf bundle off the truck. There will be a bolt with a nut on it that goes through the center of all the leafs and a clamp that keeps them from sliding apart. Loosen the bolt and take off the nut, then spread the clamp open just enough to remove the top 2 leafs. Now take the third leaf down and discard it. Make sure to leave the bottom leaf in. Now put the top two leaves back in and re tighten the bolt, close the clamp and reinstall. Removing that one leaf should give you right at a 1"- 1-1/2" drop alone. Hope this helps.

 

thanks a TON man!! any pics?

 

I did it in my Harley and it gave me 2". REM told me in my case was the 2nd from top. I think it measures 32-33"

 

I have been considering trying this for some time now - just haven't had a chance.

My thoughts were that it would lower the rear slightly, possibly ride better, and possibly make launching a little easier.

So my question to those that have done this is, besides a slight decrease in ride height (and payload rating), have you noticed any other positive side effects?

 

my biggest question is - how hard was it??

 

I have done it before on an S-10... Not very hard at all... The hardest part was the actual removal of the leaf spring. Even that isn't to terribly difficult...

 

Lowering the rear allows for better weight transfer on launch. Just make sure you install pinion shims to correct the pinion angle to keep your driveshaft from snapping in two.

 

how much does this affect the pinion angle? and where can I get the shims to correct this?

 

Any place that sells lowering supplies (springs, shackles etc.) should carry pinion shims.

 

I figured that by removing a leaf not only would you get a drop in ride height, but also the rear suspension would be a little bit softer allowing the back end to "squat" easier during a launch. This should help off the line traction - at least in theory.

I agree about the pinion shims. A drive shaft loop should also be installed just in case.

 

It does soften the suspension and gives you a better launch because of the better weight transfer to the rear of the truck.