Options for lowering the rear?

[Hulkster]

Right now on my '97 ECSB C1500 I'm running a 2/4 drop (coils/springs & hangers), but I'm working on a 4/6. I just installed the 2" drop spindles a couple of days ago, but I'm yet to finish the back end of my truck. I was going to reinstall the stock hangers/shackles, then do a flip kit w/notches out back.

Here's the problem: A guy I know and respect (he's ASE certified) said that I should keep the drop shackles/hangers and just have my stock leaf springs de-arched instead of doing the flip kit. He also said not to do the notch, but I thought that w/ a drop of 6" on an OBS required a c-notch? Otherwise the axle and frame will hit constantly. Am I correct about this?

[97Silverado]

Right now on my '97 ECSB C1500 I'm running a 2/4 drop (coils/springs & hangers), but I'm working on a 4/6. I just installed the 2" drop spindles a couple of days ago, but I'm yet to finish the back end of my truck. I was going to reinstall the stock hangers/shackles, then do a flip kit w/notches out back.

Here's the problem: A guy I know and respect (he's ASE certified) said that I should keep the drop shackles/hangers and just have my stock leaf springs de-arched instead of doing the flip kit. He also said not to do the notch, but I thought that w/ a drop of 6" on an OBS required a c-notch? Otherwise the axle and frame will hit constantly. Am I correct about this?Dude doesn't know what he is talking about. The only RIGHT way to do a 6" drop on a '97 is with a flip kit and a c-notch. At 5" I am only 1/2" off the stops.

[Physh1]

:word: He doesn't seem to know his way around drops that much. You would be better off with stock shackles, hangers, and leafs with a axle flip kit and notch. You cannot do a 6" drop w/o a notch...nuts not to have one.

Cameron

[454ss]

Do the flip kit and the c notch, no way you can get away without the notch.
The guy is correct about dearching the leafs as another option but the ride sucks and the flip kit is the right way to go.

[Hulkster]

He knows his stuff, but I don't think he has had much experience with drop kits. I didn't think there was any way to drop a OBS 6" without a c-notch.

Could anyone give me some pointers on installing the notch? I'm curious about correct placement and things along that line. Thanks.

[Beyond Static©]

Drop the truck 6" first. Install the notch directly above the axle. Make a template of the notch on cardboard, and place the cardboard against the frame and mark where it needs to be cut. Drill your 8 holes for each notch using a step bit(about $18 at harbor freight). That is definately $18 well spent. Believe me.

[Mike]

:word: to what everyone says. Flip kit and notch is the way to go. It may be more work having to remove all your old stuff, but its worth it.