Leaf Springs

[rlcole321]

I have a 2018 Silverado short bed and I installed a Belltech 2-3 inch drop kit but I need to drop the rear about 2 maybe 3 more inches, does anybody have any comments on what if I removed the middle leaf from the rear spring? There would be the main and the short weight bearing leaf left. 

[CamGTP]

I suppose you could try it.

 

Otherwise you will need to do a flip kit. I assume the lowering stuff you bought was just removing the lift block and installing the 2in drop shackles.

[rlcole321]

Yes, but the rear is still about 2 inches higher that the front, what is the flip kit?

[rlcole321]

Maybe re-arched leaf springs, if they make such a thing.

[CamGTP]

A flip kit moves the leaf springs under the axle, gives you an automatic 4-5in drop.

[BlackisBeautiful]

How did the kit lower the rear 3”?  If you install a flip kit, expect about 6-7” drop from original height. Removing the second leaf will allow excessive torque flex. These trucks can twist the rear springs under hard acceleration in original configuration.  Be careful.

[lucas287]

I've considered removing the middle leaf on my truck just as a test of reducing spring rate and softening the ride. The only thing that held me back was needing to cut the leaf c-clamp that locates and aligns the leafs. There are a few guys over on pt.net that run Caltracs, no middle leaf, and cut some good 60' times. They say it rides great too and you can still haul a load. And you get drop. 

 

But you need traction bars. If you don't you'll get horrendous axle wrap.

Edited November 26, 2020 by lucas287

[Darksky]

Don’t take leaves out of the pack. You’ll end up with them twisting under acceleration or braking or worse yet failing and breaking in two. Go to a truck spring shop and have them make/modify you a set to the specs you want. They’re surprisingly affordable. Flip kits are tried and true among the low low community as well. Be careful “shade treeing” springs- bad things happen. Also, if you see a torch, just drive away. Torching springs is idiocy.

edit: Traction bars are one of the best things you can do for your truck. They make a huge difference in traction control. Also, because of the added connection between the frame and the axle, it kind of functions as an anti-sway bar. That helps a noticeable amount in cornering these monsters.  Ladder bars look cool too... if you’re into looking cool.  

Edited December 2, 2020 by Darksky