Mr.Jimmy
Registered Member
Does anyone know where to find a spring hanger bracket to swap in 64" leaf springs in the rear of my Jimmy(83)? Or has any body done this a different way, links,pics,info, anything.
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.
Lookin for a bracket!
- Thread starter Mr.Jimmy
- Start date
Uhh ... why not just your basic shackle flip? Or are these particular springs wider or skinnier than the existing 52's or 56's?
-- A
-- A
why can't you use your factory one just move it forward?
Mr.Jimmy
Registered Member
the 64" leaves come on newer gm's and i want to keep the axle sittin where its at. I have ord 4" shackle flip which i will turn around and that takes care of the rear. The front hanger needs to move forward 6"! the body mount is in the way for that, so if someone made a bracket that joins the two, it would be feasible.
beater_k20
Banned
if you've got a body mount in the way, you may not be able to leave the axle where its at. maybe 56" springs are a better option for you?
Mr.Jimmy said:
Duh. You DID say *front* hanger and I missed that.
I think some serious rivet removal and cutting and welding is in your future
-- A
Mr.Jimmy
Registered Member
i just purchased my first welder and fabbed up a front bumper, but i dont trust my skills enuff for this type of mod. if it were to break, chances are its gonna hurt. ive seen guys around ck5 who have pulled this off, but i havent purchsed a membership yet so contacting them is difficult.
beater_k20
Banned
most who do the swap move the axle back, both for a bit of a wheelbase extension, and for improved departure angle.
Mr.Jimmy
Registered Member
man beater, your so easy to throw in the towel. by moving the axle back, i would get better departure, but major cutting would be required to fit the tires, and the bumpstops wont be on the axle anymore.
beater_k20
Banned
not really, but just dont see how you're going to accomplish your goal without major fabrication. as you said, you dont trust your own welding abilities (nor do i trust my own, especially with a close friend who is a certified welder), so that means paying someone else to do it. might be alot cheaper and easier to move your flip brackets back where they need to be, and bolt a set of 56s up. you'll get more than enough flex out of that setup, and less issues with spring wrap.
Im in the process of putting in 64" springs in my k-5. I am moving my ord 4" flip bracket back. If you do this you are going to have to cut/modify the frame, but its really easy. Im waiting on a pair of shackles from DIY so after christmas I can post pics of the whole thing installed.
I think I moved the axle back about 6" and im pretty sure it will clear the gas tank.
Here's a pic to show what will have to be modifyd
Because of that hump the bracket wont sit flat without frame modification
I think I moved the axle back about 6" and im pretty sure it will clear the gas tank.
Here's a pic to show what will have to be modifyd
Because of that hump the bracket wont sit flat without frame modification
Mr.Jimmy
Registered Member
i would like to see it when your finished. Have you thought about what youre wheel well is gonna look like if you shift your axle back 6"? some 4x shop out there has to make a bolt on hanger/body mount. thanks for the input.
Well my k-5 isnt really a k-5 anymore...I put a pickup cab on it and I am going to flatbed the rear.
But I would think you could cut the wheelwell straight back, like the Heeps do. They call it a competition cut or J-cut.
But I would think you could cut the wheelwell straight back, like the Heeps do. They call it a competition cut or J-cut.
beater_k20
Banned
honestly, if you're doing it for functionality, what does it really matter how the wheelwell looks?
yea thats true
Mr.Jimmy
Registered Member
im sure it works, but im not big on hacking my body panels just yet.
CDA 455
3/4 ton status
Mr.Jimmy said:
A common practice is to bolt the mounts where the rivets were as well as weld the mounts to the frame. Makes for a stronger hold.
Mr.Jimmy
Registered Member
which mounts are you talking about? do you know that by welding the frame, your weakening the steel around the welds? the origional question was DO YOU KNOW WHERE I CAN FIND A BODY MOUNT/SPRING PERCH BRACKET THAT ENABLES ME TO MOVE THE FRONT OF MY REAR LEAF FORWARD 6" ?
