Rear drop help

meirikm · October 17, 2020

Hey, I have a 2017 Silverado. I have belltech adjustable shocks with max trax 2/4” drop and rear shock relocation brackets. Right now it seems like I have about 1.5” of clearance in the front and about 3” in the rear above the tires. I use the truck for work and carry wood and drywall etc that effects the rear height. I’m new to truck suspension and don’t fully understand it yet. I’d like to be able to lower the rear another 2” on demand and up again if I’m going to be carrying weight. I’m guessing air ride is the way to go? Is it possible to get a rear kit only? Also, what’s all involved? I don’t think tubbing the rear is necessary. Would I have to notch the frame though? Any help would be appreciated.

thx

sharkeysierra · October 17, 2020

You won’t have to tub, a notch is debatable.

I ran a 6 inch drop on the rear of my 09, it was not notched and I had air bags in the rear. I hauled 15 OSB 7/16 sheets and had the bags aired up to 90 pounds and I bottomed out once. That was due to going 70 and hitting a dip on an overpass, the trip was 100 miles.

A notch is recommended, though you can get away with not doing one.

Below is similar to what I used, not the same. The attached is a better version and probably the best option before you really get into a full on bag suspension.

meirikm · October 18, 2020

Thanks a lot. So do I need to go as low as I want to go and then use the bags only for lift? If so, what do I need to go lower? As mentioned, I already have 4” max trax springs and adjustable belltechs with shock mount relocators

sharkeysierra · October 18, 2020

What do you have in the back? I assumed you flip the axle?

meirikm · October 18, 2020

I have belltech shocks with shock mount relocators. Also removed the stops. Is it a big job to flip the axle? Is that possible on a 2017? The guy at the spring shop said something about that but made it seem like a big job. Lazy maybe?

meirikm · October 18, 2020

Oh and the 4” drop maxtrax springs

CamGTP · October 18, 2020

A flip kit is the only way to go lower in the rear.

If they are lowering leaf springs you'll need to go back to stock leaf springs for a flip kit. Then a lift shackle will drop the rear more. I can't remember off the top of my head if the bump stop bracket has to be cut on these trucks.

Edited October 18, 2020 by CamGTP

sharkeysierra · October 18, 2020

1 hour ago, meirikm said:

Oh and the 4” drop maxtrax springs

You mean leaf springs?

sharkeysierra · October 18, 2020

The most common rear drop is a flip kit which puts the axle above the leaf springs instead of below it.

It can be done on a 17, again it is common. Just flipping the axle will get you a 6” drop and you will have to remove the bump stop bracket which I believe you have done.

meirikm · October 18, 2020

That sounds like the way I need to go. And then add the air lift in the back so I can carry heavy loads? My leaf springs are stock. So a flip kit would lower it an additional six inches to what I currently have? The rear tires would be tucked 2-3”.

sharkeysierra · October 18, 2020

So what you need to do is take off whatever rear drop you have now, put the stock parts back on. From there, you want to flip the axle with a flip kit from which ever company you choose.

From stock, the flip kit and I assume stock size tires, your tires should be about even with the outer fender or have at least a 1-2” gap.

I always recommend rear helper bags, it ll make your like easier.