The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Question about lowering the rear end on my truck

Ive searched and found nothing so I figured Id post a new thread. To start I have a 58 chevy apache and I was told by a co worker that I could just simply flip the rear axle and put it on top of the leaf springs. After looking at it, I dont think its just that easy. So what my question is do I need to torch off the old mounts on the rear end and weld up new ones? Or is there a cheap and easier solution to lowering the truck ? Thanks for any input.

just de-arch ur springs cant go wrong...

...which will result in aserious loss of ride quality.

You need a "flip kit", I believe it uses the original mounts. I know they're out there, Leonard (RATRODKING) has one for his '57. It's going to give you a serious amount of drop, you may also need a "C" notch kit.

hello 58chev.
i am getting ready to order this flip kit for my 57 from summit.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DJM-FK1024-5/
although i have a 1980 rear in my 57, it will work the same for your 58 im sure.
you keep the factory mounts that are welded to the rear housing, put the supplied U bracket into the factory mount from the bottom, which will let your leafs mount under the rear. depending on your axle diameter, you will get around a 5-6 inch drop and keep the original ride. mine will drop 6 inches when i install the kit. my axle housing diameter is 3 inches.

but, you are probably gonna have to "C" notch the frame, as waldo53 said.
i already have this kit, http://www.classicparts.com/1955-59-Rear-End-C-Notch-Kit/productinfo/93-315/
but am waiting until i get mt flip kit before i take the truck down.
i installed a flip kit on an old 1974 chevy i had years ago, and didnt do a c notch, and on bad bumps it would bottom out on the frame. not good.

hope this helped.

leonard

Got your pm too but thanks much for the info. I will post up some pics once I take some

I flipped the rear axle on my 58 a few months ago. It's a bit of work, but nothing you can't handle. I used this kit:

http://www.brotherstrucks.com//prodinfo.asp?number=PUN5459

You really should read this thread if your going to flip it, it has some great info.

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=552482&page=1

Thanks much for the info, I searched and didnt find that thread somehow.

i have a nice ride with no problems....

Thanks for the link