Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

68Timber · 11-28-2007, 07:48 PM

I finally found a set of correct new rear leaf springs at a decent price. Once they're on I can put my wheel/tire combo on, lower it, and put new coil springs on front to level it out.

I'd originally guessed a 2/2 drop would put it where I want, based on how it sits now with sagging springs. The plan is to use 2" rear drop shackles. Will they bolt up to the Blazer without any cutting or other clearancing?

78ChevySilverado · 11-28-2007, 08:24 PM

I dropped my 78 blazer a few weeks ago with drop shackles. There is a clearance problem with the filler neck on the passenger side when you put the shackle on. I could only use the 1" drop hole on the shackle after using a sawzall to cut off the 2" drop hole to clear the filler neck.

68Timber · 11-28-2007, 08:43 PM

Ouch. I hope 1" is enough. I don't want to do any cutting on the truck. Thanks for the feedback.

What brand rear shackle did you use? I'd planned on using Summit's 2" rear shackle and 2" drop front springs. If their rear shackle has holes for a 1" drop they don't mention it.

Thanks again.

**Boog** · 11-28-2007, 09:14 PM

John, what leaf pack count does it have on it? I mean how many leaves make up the rear springs? You may be able to remove 1 leaf to gain that extra drop without severely softening the ride.
OR
Do a little shopping and you just might find some "lowered" replacement leaf springs in 2 or 3" or dropped spring hangers?

68Timber · 11-28-2007, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

John, what leaf pack count does it have on it? I mean how many leaves make up the rear springs? You may be able to remove 1 leaf to gain that extra drop without severely softening the ride.
OR
Do a little shopping and you just might find some "lowered" replacement leaf springs in 2 or 3" or dropped spring hangers?

Jim, I wish you'd been in on my search for replacement rear springs. All the data is at work. I looked on all the websites I know of that make lowering kits - granted, that was only two or three since I've always lifted my trucks - but Google helped me find more. Rear leaf springs (OEM) for 73-87's are rare but pricey. I shopped around until I found a good deal. But I couldn't find any rear leaf springs for *lowering* the truck.

But that works out to my advantage. I'll get to mount the wheels/tires of my choice under new rear leaf springs. Then I'll know exactly how low I want to go to get it down where I want.

streetstar · 11-28-2007, 09:59 PM

A flip kit will lower the rear about 4-5" and put it roughly level with the front end if the front has a 2 or 3" drop, as most 2wd's have a little bit of rake.

but if you dont want to go quite that ow, i guess the shackles will work

68Timber · 11-28-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by streetstar

A flip kit will lower the rear about 4-5" and put it roughly level with the front end if the front has a 2 or 3" drop, as most 2wd's have a little bit of rake.

but if you dont want to go quite that low, i guess the shackles will work

Here it is, the only pic I have now.

Seems to sit level. That's stock over 28" tires, which I plan to run, but wider. I just want to sit it down with something like a 1" gap over the rears. Thus the 2/2 plan.

**Boog** · 11-28-2007, 10:44 PM

I don't know John. I think a 3" rear and 4" front will put it just about right. Have you found any lowered leaf spring hangers? Not shackles but the hangers. Also there's the possibility of taking your new springs to a big truck spring shop and have them reverse the spring eyes to lower it or at the very least dearch them some. You can get a couple of inches out of that. That may be the best deal right there.

Have you checked tvblazer's thread? His is 2wd lowered. Leafs and air bags on the rear. You might find something there to help.

68Timber · 11-28-2007, 10:56 PM

Boog, I posted that pic and regretted it immediately. It looks high in the rear there. If I'd posted a pic of it in my driveway, it'd look like an ass-dragger. On level ground, it is level.

The rear replacement springs are in the mail. I'll figure out what to do from there. I'm still convinced 2/2 will be perfect.

I just don't want to hack anything if I can help it.

**Boog** · 11-28-2007, 11:36 PM

Oh I understand your concerns. Blazers and Burbs are well known for sagged rear leafs after a few years. I have heard a company like Detroit Spring could make any spring you need. I bought some new leafs and coils for a 57 Chevy car from a local parts store that were made by TRW. Over 20 yrs ago.
Well hey, I'd keep on looking for springs, lowered springs, etc and if I found one I could return the stockers I had coming.

**lolife99** · 11-30-2007, 09:58 PM

A cheap fix isn't easy. Flip the rear on stock leaf springs. If you swap out the rear hanger with one off of a 4x4 it will give you the frame clearance you need. The problem is you have to remove the gas tank. Grind the frame rivets off,... and then bolt on the 4x4 brackets. No gas tanks problems associated with using drop shackles.

DROPPED15 · 12-01-2007, 09:46 PM

If Any Body Knows About Lowering A BlAzer Tvblazer Will.pm Him He'll Answer Any ?'s That You Have!!!

**lolife99** · 12-02-2007, 07:57 AM

bagged74,... The guy I sold it to lived in southern MO. This was a pretty cool ride,... but it needed quarters. I kinda wish I would have kept it and put a later model tub on it. '89-'91 4x4 blazers are pretty cheap around here. Do you have any pics of your buddys? I'd know it if I saw it.

**lolife99** · 12-02-2007, 09:13 PM

Blazin79,... Don't be surprised if you don't get a full two inches. New springs usually means they are going to raise it up. Add a 2" shackle and you might be right back to where you are now. I guess I don't understand what you are trying to achieve. Are you going to pull a trailer? Is that why you want to change the springs? Why not just add the shackles to your "sagging" springs?

68Timber · 12-02-2007, 11:38 PM

Yeah, I know... I've got a bunch of spring sag. If 2" drop shackles get me back where it is now after putting replacement rear springs on I'll be in good shape. It's not like I have any choice, the springs on the truck are shot. I've never seen it at factory height, but I'm pretty sure 1" or 2" will put it where I want.

Again, I appreciate the help.

68Timber · 04-06-2008, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

Blazin79,... Don't be surprised if you don't get a full two inches. New springs usually means they are going to raise it up. Add a 2" shackle and you might be right back to where you are now. I guess I don't understand what you are trying to achieve. Are you going to pull a trailer? Is that why you want to change the springs? Why not just add the shackles to your "sagging" springs?

Too many distractions the past few months, but thankfully I have time to start in on the Blazer again. It hasn't been driven in months.

The new rear springs are a 'must have' - I don't know yet if I'll run a small block or big block but goals are at least 400 on the motor + spray. I can't have weak springs doing some axle-wrap and breaking things. I decided to get the rear springs installed instead of doing it myself when the mechanic I use said he'd do it for $100. So I'll drop it off Monday or Tuesday. I'm terrified about going to pick it up and it looking jacked up in the rear. But whatever, I'll deal with it.

The 15x10 rallys came in grey primer so I need to paint those and get some tires on. Then I can decide how low it needs to go to get the look I want.

I wish I could paint the wheels this weekend but it's supposed to storm all weekend. But I'll get some pics up with just the new rear springs on when I pick it up. Wheels and tires will be on soon enough. I'm just glad to be back on the project.

blazn79 · 04-07-2008, 04:37 PM

Blazin79, I'm also in search of some new leafs for my 2wd blazer
before I drop it, could you direct me to were you got yours for a good price?

-Blazn79

68Timber · 04-07-2008, 08:58 PM

Give these guys a call:

http://www.huskyspring.com/Default.taf

The direct replacement springs are pretty steep but the sales guy was great, we went through all the options for the truck and there was a set of pickup springs with nearly identical specs that were less than half the cost of the direct replacement springs.

I have the specs of all the options for the truck at work. I'll bring them home tomorrow and post them.

Nice screen name.

blazn79 · 04-07-2008, 09:54 PM

Cool thanks Bro, ya I just registerd last month
but today was the first time I posted and saw your user name
it was bizzare that I was just one letter off yours!
I picked up a nice black 2wd 79' from up state NY from the original owner
70k miles never driven in winter and hasn't been on the road since 99'
rustiest part on the truck was the battery tray! I'll have to get some pics
now and as the work progresses over the next few months.
Its gonna look kick-ass next to my 97' 2dr 2wd GMC Yukon.

11-28-2007, 07:48 PM	#1
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? I finally found a set of correct new rear leaf springs at a decent price. Once they're on I can put my wheel/tire combo on, lower it, and put new coil springs on front to level it out. I'd originally guessed a 2/2 drop would put it where I want, based on how it sits now with sagging springs. The plan is to use 2" rear drop shackles. Will they bolt up to the Blazer without any cutting or other clearancing? Last edited by 68Timber; 11-28-2007 at 07:49 PM.

11-28-2007, 08:24 PM	#2
78ChevySilverado I love my Chevys Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Montgomery, Texas Posts: 236	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? I dropped my 78 blazer a few weeks ago with drop shackles. There is a clearance problem with the filler neck on the passenger side when you put the shackle on. I could only use the 1" drop hole on the shackle after using a sawzall to cut off the 2" drop hole to clear the filler neck.

11-28-2007, 08:43 PM	#3
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Ouch. I hope 1" is enough. I don't want to do any cutting on the truck. Thanks for the feedback. What brand rear shackle did you use? I'd planned on using Summit's 2" rear shackle and 2" drop front springs. If their rear shackle has holes for a 1" drop they don't mention it. Thanks again.

11-28-2007, 09:14 PM	#4
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,034	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? John, what leaf pack count does it have on it? I mean how many leaves make up the rear springs? You may be able to remove 1 leaf to gain that extra drop without severely softening the ride. OR Do a little shopping and you just might find some "lowered" replacement leaf springs in 2 or 3" or dropped spring hangers? __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-28-2007, 09:59 PM	#6
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? A flip kit will lower the rear about 4-5" and put it roughly level with the front end if the front has a 2 or 3" drop, as most 2wd's have a little bit of rake. but if you dont want to go quite that ow, i guess the shackles will work

11-28-2007, 10:44 PM	#8
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,034	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? I don't know John. I think a 3" rear and 4" front will put it just about right. Have you found any lowered leaf spring hangers? Not shackles but the hangers. Also there's the possibility of taking your new springs to a big truck spring shop and have them reverse the spring eyes to lower it or at the very least dearch them some. You can get a couple of inches out of that. That may be the best deal right there. Have you checked tvblazer's thread? His is 2wd lowered. Leafs and air bags on the rear. You might find something there to help. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross Last edited by Boog; 11-28-2007 at 10:48 PM.

11-28-2007, 10:56 PM	#9
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Boog, I posted that pic and regretted it immediately. It looks high in the rear there. If I'd posted a pic of it in my driveway, it'd look like an ass-dragger. On level ground, it is level. The rear replacement springs are in the mail. I'll figure out what to do from there. I'm still convinced 2/2 will be perfect. I just don't want to hack anything if I can help it.

11-28-2007, 11:36 PM	#10
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 13,034	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Oh I understand your concerns. Blazers and Burbs are well known for sagged rear leafs after a few years. I have heard a company like Detroit Spring could make any spring you need. I bought some new leafs and coils for a 57 Chevy car from a local parts store that were made by TRW. Over 20 yrs ago. Well hey, I'd keep on looking for springs, lowered springs, etc and if I found one I could return the stockers I had coming. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

11-30-2007, 09:58 PM	#11
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,685	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? A cheap fix isn't easy. Flip the rear on stock leaf springs. If you swap out the rear hanger with one off of a 4x4 it will give you the frame clearance you need. The problem is you have to remove the gas tank. Grind the frame rivets off,... and then bolt on the 4x4 brackets. No gas tanks problems associated with using drop shackles. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

12-01-2007, 09:46 PM	#12
DROPPED15 HALF ASSER Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: IN THE GHETTO Posts: 204	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? If Any Body Knows About Lowering A BlAzer Tvblazer Will.pm Him He'll Answer Any ?'s That You Have!!! __________________ Last edited by DROPPED15; 12-01-2007 at 09:46 PM.

12-02-2007, 07:57 AM	#13
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,685	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? bagged74,... The guy I sold it to lived in southern MO. This was a pretty cool ride,... but it needed quarters. I kinda wish I would have kept it and put a later model tub on it. '89-'91 4x4 blazers are pretty cheap around here. Do you have any pics of your buddys? I'd know it if I saw it. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 12-02-2007 at 07:58 AM.

12-02-2007, 09:13 PM	#14
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,685	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Blazin79,... Don't be surprised if you don't get a full two inches. New springs usually means they are going to raise it up. Add a 2" shackle and you might be right back to where you are now. I guess I don't understand what you are trying to achieve. Are you going to pull a trailer? Is that why you want to change the springs? Why not just add the shackles to your "sagging" springs? __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823 Last edited by lolife99; 12-02-2007 at 09:17 PM.

12-02-2007, 11:38 PM	#15
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Yeah, I know... I've got a bunch of spring sag. If 2" drop shackles get me back where it is now after putting replacement rear springs on I'll be in good shape. It's not like I have any choice, the springs on the truck are shot. I've never seen it at factory height, but I'm pretty sure 1" or 2" will put it where I want. Again, I appreciate the help.

04-07-2008, 04:37 PM	#17
blazn79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lowell, Massachusetts Posts: 126	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Blazin79, I'm also in search of some new leafs for my 2wd blazer before I drop it, could you direct me to were you got yours for a good price? -Blazn79

04-07-2008, 08:58 PM	#18
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Give these guys a call: http://www.huskyspring.com/Default.taf The direct replacement springs are pretty steep but the sales guy was great, we went through all the options for the truck and there was a set of pickup springs with nearly identical specs that were less than half the cost of the direct replacement springs. I have the specs of all the options for the truck at work. I'll bring them home tomorrow and post them. Nice screen name.



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04-07-2008, 09:54 PM	#19
blazn79 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lowell, Massachusetts Posts: 126	Re: Lowering a 79 2wd Blazer - ? Cool thanks Bro, ya I just registerd last month but today was the first time I posted and saw your user name it was bizzare that I was just one letter off yours! I picked up a nice black 2wd 79' from up state NY from the original owner 70k miles never driven in winter and hasn't been on the road since 99' rustiest part on the truck was the battery tray! I'll have to get some pics now and as the work progresses over the next few months. Its gonna look kick-ass next to my 97' 2dr 2wd GMC Yukon.

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