Installing a Flip Kit & C-Notch / Leaf Spring Axle Flip
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- Follow along as we lower the rear our '75 GMC Sierra Classic using an Axle Flip Kit on the leaf springs and install a C-Notch to get our axle to frame clearance back. Axle Flip Kits and C-Notch kits for your Classic Chevy & GMC Trucks.
Direct Product Link:
Brothers Trucks Rear Axle Flip Kit
www.holley.com...
Brothers Trucks Rear "C" Notch Frame Kit
www.holley.com...
I remember watching Sam back in the 90's on Shadetree Mechanic. Loved that show.
He was a great teacher!
Awesome job! For those of us who understand spring under vs. spring over suspension this looks like a piece of cake to do. The C notch is what I was looking at.
Ok, ok, thanks! 😃 Ooh baby, she looks good!😮😊❤
Shadetree mechanic. Watched Sam 20 years ago
Hi Brothers trucks, Just found you’r utube. You do nice work and are great to watch.
Currently I’am doing over my rusted 05 silverado. Replacing a cross member and welding
the frame behind the driver side of cab. Removing all rust replacing about every part of
the truck. It’s taking time but I want a better truck. I,ll be dropping in on you to find good
advice. Thanks for this good video.
Thanks Joseph, good luck with your project!
BROTHERS Truck Parts I have a quick question. I just did a flip kit and it dropped it nicely but my Axel is up against the bump stops and has no give at all. But i don't care what I'm worried about is, will any of this effect my drive train?? My truck is a 4x4
Won't affect your drive train other than a possible slightly out of adjustment pinion angle, but your ride quality is going to be terrible. you should consider at least cutting the bump stops in half to give yourself a little travel back.
BROTHERS Truck Parts okay I will do just got hat. Thank you for everything you guys do! This is one of my favorite channels!
BROTHERS Truck Parts so I did the flip kit...its perfect with no issues at all. Came out beautiful on my rat rod.
what lowering kit did you put on the front of this truck to match what you did on the back?
I'll chime in on this. Some trucks have the axle on top of the leaf, actually, most do. So, when you get lowering blocks they have a hole for the pin on the differential to go in and stabilize the aluminum block. On this, he DID NOT flip the differential upside down. YOU CANNOT do that. The differential has an exhaust port and all the oil will pour out of it. By flip, he means, he put the springs under the differential axles and FLIPPED the u-bolt carriers. The only thing I got out of this is if it was possible to do just that without any real part change, which is true, the extra stuff they do (adding a notch in the frame, chisel cutting the frame bumpers and swapping the shocks) is for $50k trucks. I have the $1.2k modifier, so, I'm just moving the springs. Thanx guys, yur the best, 'Merica.
*_Some trucks have the axle on top of the leaf, actually, most do._*
All full-size trucks have the axle under the leafs, and 83-11 Ford Rangers did. The only trucks to have the axle-over design from the factory were mini trucks (except Ranger) - S-10, Sonoma, Hardbody, Might Max, Datsuns, Couriers, LUVs, Mazda B-series (pre-94), and Isuzu Pups.
*_So, when you get lowering blocks they have a hole for the pin on the differential to go in and stabilize the aluminum block._*
What are you even talking about? Lowering blocks are placed between the leaf packs and the U-bolt plate. They have nothing to do with the differential.
*_On this, he DID NOT flip the differential upside down. YOU CANNOT do that._*
I've been lowering trucks for 20 years. No drop kit has ever required the DIFF be flipped upside down! That's patently absurd. How TF is that going to work?! The ring/pinion direction of travel is going to be BACKWARDS.
*_By flip, he means, he put the springs under the differential axles and FLIPPED the u-bolt carriers._*
I think most everyone watching this knows that, but for clarification, I usually call these kits "axle relocator kits," because that's what they ACTUALLY do - they _relocate_ the axle above the leaf packs. The only thing that gets "flipped" if the U-bolt assembly.
I make 65k as a single person in WI. I live adequately. I've been in my house for 19 years. I live in a decent milwaukee suburb. My starter home due to current prices and interest rates would require income of 105k to buy it at this time. 20% down with today's rates, would put your mortgage payment at roughly 1950/mo. The fact that I'm settled and not starting out, I can make it on way less. If I was just starting out....I'd be struggling.. Briggs says 87k for wi. Probably more in milwaukee/madison....but probably way less outside of the bigger cities.
Great job !!! always very professional 👍👍
I was told many years ago to drill holes in frame in the corners of the c-notch to keep the frame from cracking. Is that true?
Yep, never hurts to radius the corners. Is it necessary, not really if you're using a reinforcement like our c-notch, but again, it doesn't hurt and it's good practice.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV that's kind of what I figured. Thanks for responding.
So I bought a mcgaughys notch. It wraps all the way around the c channel. I was discussing it with a friend and he asked an interesting question. Why couldn't you install the notch on the inside, weld it in everywhere you can and use spacers between the notch and frame and run bolts through the new "boxed" section.
Just looking for input before I do anything.
You could do that for sure, it just takes a little more ingenuity!
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV So I did it. It wasn't too difficult. Worst part is the inside edge of the frame rails aren't straight so I had to square those up to get the notch to fit. Well worth the extra effort.
@@fortyseven1832 Very cool! Thanks for the update!
genial trabajo en eso estoy con mi camioneta la desmantele 100% y boy paso a paso renovando las partes saludos desde México.
Gracias, apreciamos tus comentarios!
Great video! I just installed the belltech kit myself, question for you is my wheels don’t have much slack in them, it’s like something is sticking, could my driveshaft be binding a bit? I can drive it
Or would the park brakes be stuck on a bit since I moved them. I didn’t disconnect the diff all I did was install new springs under with lowering kit one side at a time! Thanks for your help
You probably have a driveshaft angle problem, they tend to change when the truck gets lowered. If the proper angle isn't built in to the spring kit you'll end up with a bind and need to install wedges.
Great vid
How did you “mark your cut” that’s probably the biggest skipped detail
How to keep the right pinion angle without shims ?
The kit is setup with a wedge in the new saddle that will get most people on target for the pinion. If you end up dropping even more then you will end up having to adjust the angle with shims
any video on how to cut the bed?
We don't have one, but we've seen a few good ones on RUclips.
thanks for this. What size are these wheels?
The wheels are 18x8 in front and 18x9 in the rear.
Brothers does the C notch compromise the integrity or strength of the frame? I like the look of the dropped stance but I am hesitant to cut into the frame
You definitely compromise the frames integrity by cutting it, but that's why you need to add the brace in after making the Notch. Our brace, like most, is designed to add strength back to the frame after making the cut so it regains it's strength.
81 c 10 what is the best kit and the easiest front and back
Depends on what you want the outcome to be?
Is it necessary to remove top leaf spring or any leaf springs at all when doing a flip kit?
Technically you don't have to remove them, but you do have to at least take one end of them off.
Can anyone tell me what tool that guy was using to remove those bolts, the chisel thing
It' an air chisel. You can pick them up at your local hardware store for about $30-$40 bucks. You'll need an air compressor too!
Do u have to grease the shocks?
You should.
No welding involved with the c-notch bolt on kit? Would this kit work on an older dually? You guys explained it so well, I have the tools to do it in my garage but I really didn't know where to start. Any inputs on lowering the front end as well?
No welding for this C-Notch. As far as compatibility with your "older" dually, call our Customer Service and give them some additional details and I'm sure they'll be able to figure that out 800-977-2767. Thanks!
I had a friend tell me I would have to weld the flip kit on to the leaf springs for my 05 ram . Is that true , and if so what part would need to be welded ?
We're not familiar with the Ram kits, but you would probably have to weld new mounts on the rear end housing for the springs.
Hey @BROTHERS Truck Parts great video I have a 1987 GMC SIERRA CLASSIC 3500 dually single cab. My dream truck can you guys do a video addressing the dual fuel tank switch and wiring. Both tanks are good and I’m sure the sending units and wires are there and good I checked myself underneath the truck . I have the old switch it was in the glove box but no idea how to re wire thanks
If we can find a factory dual tank truck to do a video on we will definitely do that! Thanks for the suggestion.
Ok great thanks a lot you guys keep up the great videos very informative
So the back is lowered, how do you guys lower the front?
Coil springs and drop spindles. Here's the video: ruclips.net/video/Xd_QXlDk2d0/видео.html
Since you guys added a shackle to make it drop more than the flip kit provided , did you guys have to cut the bed crossmember , if not how much more drop did you achieve with the shackle itself, I would really appreciate the help
We did not cut the crossmember. Our shackles are available in different drops, we believe we used a 2" shackle on this project.
Make a C noch kit install video.
We are currently working on a C-Notch video.
by doing the drop build will the drive shaft even out from trans to axel and would it be best to replace the transmission crossmember?
You don't need to change the cross-member. But you might have to re-adjust the pinion angle.
any recommendation on a dodge guy with an 1989 d100 i want to lower the rear and wondering if one your kits can be used and if so which one would you recommend be the closest match to my dodge
contact PerformanceOnline.com and see what they have to offer.
Wait so just by flipping it you got lowered? Because I’m putting drop blocks so it’s gonna lower it a bit more by flipping it?
Yes absolutely, flipping the axle will lower the truck, A LOT, then you could use blocks to lower it more and adjust height. If you are able to use blocks to lower your truck now, then it must already have the axle ON TOP of the leaf spring pack (flipped). Otherwise, adding blocks will only raise the truck more. If you still need some clarity on this, please call our customer service dept at 800-977-2767. Thanks!
Ok, so using drop shackles with the flip kit makes it lower then the flip kit alone? Or does the drop shackles act as "lift shackles" once the axle is flipped?
In this case the shackles actually were used to lower it even more than the flip.
Hi . I just have one question . that kind of filp works with a chevy silverado 2007?
Not familiar with the 2007 frame, but we assume it would be at least similar to this style.
For the shackles you would have to cut the bed cross member, correct?
We did not cut any cross-members on this truck when we installed the shackles. We have heard of that in the past as well, but it's possible that was a problem with a different type of shackle than the one we use/sell.
BROTHERS Truck Parts awesome thank you for the information
Do you use the same u bolts when using a flip kit ?
Our kit comes with new U Bolts, but you could use the same ones if you had to.
didn't have to check your driveline angles and the travel space on the yoke when you drop it ?
We did check both of those things. Yoke travel was not an issue, and the flip kit is designed to take the new driveline angle into account so it was close with only minor adjustment needed.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thanks for the response. i hope to do the same flip kit on mine this summer.
WHERE DO YOU PUT JACK STANDS!!!!??????
You want to support the frame in front and behind the axle so that when you do the notch the frame does not droop. Also, it's best to only install one notch at a time so that you aren't cutting and temporarily weakening BOTH sides of the frame at the same time.
Do they make a kit for a 1974 c20 chev please
Call the shop and let's go through the options - 800-977-2767, ask for Alex.
Wouldn't cutting the notch with everything attached bend the frame?
We supported the rear of the frame with jacks, and as an extra precaution we only did one side at a time.
Why not attach leaf springs after you notched frame..?
I have a 67 longbed c10, and I want to get a 4/6 drop. Do i need a C notch? A lot say I do, and a lot say I don’t. What do you think?
We did a 4/6 drop on a '72 a few years ago without a C-Notch. It worked, but on large bumps and G-Outs the axle would hit the frame, for regular driving it was fine though. Depends on how annoying it becomes for you... you can always notch it later.
Just found your channel. Would i have to do a c notch for a 6" drop on 96 Cheyenne?
Not 100% sure. It's going to depend on how much clearance you have from the axle to the frame AFTER you complete the drop. Our first guess would be no because most of the newer body styles have a lot of room above the axle.
BROTHERS Truck Parts thanks for getting back to me i really appreciate it. After the drop whats the ideal clearance to not have to notch?
Yes, did 6" drop on my '98 & needed a notch
Yes. I needed the c-notch. Another thing I had to do was clearance/notch the cross support under the bed over the rear differential for additional clearance.
Is it necessary to purchase the kit or can I just use the same hardware that already comes with the truck??
In order to do the flip, you'll need the kit for the axle saddles at the very least. The saddles that come with our kit are specifically designed for flipping the axle and have offset stops on them so they don't just arbitrarily cradle the axle. This is important for proper drive-train alignment. Check them out on our website www.brotherstrucks.com/ and call our customer service department if you have any other questions. Thanks!
I looked on your site but the kit you have don't look like the shock extension are in it??
The shock extensions/re-locators aren't in the kit because some people that don't go that low choose to leave them off. We leave them out of the kit so they are optional.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV I just heard that the kit came with it. In this video so when I looked I didn't see it. Thanks for the reply
What about 1971 c 10 lower flip kit with leaf springs
We don't carry one, and at the moment none of the chassis guys we deal with does either. We've heard that Bell Tech potentially has something for that truck, but we've never seen or tested it. FWIW, you'll need to know the width of your leaf springs BEFORE you try and order one. Hope that helps, BROTHERS.
BROTHERS Truck Parts it's a 2.25 " leaf spring on the 71 c10
Do I have to remove the bed?
Makes the job 100x easier with the bed off
You could probably do it with the bed on, but we wouldn't recommend it. Even with the added time of removing the bed, you'll probably save time doing the job with it off, not to mention everything will be a LOT easier.
I have a 4/6 drop on my 2000 chevy Silverado it hits really hard when I go over bumps. Can I just buy new shocks for it or do I have to c notch it?. And will 19" shocks be good that that drop? For the rear. Thanks you.
If the rear end is hitting the frame and that is what is making it hard over bumps, then YES, you need to add a c-notch. If it's not hitting the frame then your springs are probably too firm and changing the shocks most likely won't help. Also, if your shocks are laying down at a steep angle now after the drop that could be the problem, they need to be in a reasonably upright position.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV so if the springs are to firm does that mean they are bad? And my shocks ARE at a side ways angle how can I put them at a upright position? Thanks alot for your time.
@@EduardoHernandez-ed4xx Start by repositioning the shocks upright, that will make a huge difference. You can probably google and find a shock re-locator kit for your truck.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV ok, thank you I will do that.
@@EduardoHernandez-ed4xx Found this: frsport.com/belltech-6654-shock-extension-kit-99-06-gm-gmc
What do you if your frame is Flexing? new rivets? is there a kit to fix?
Where is it flexing?
I really enjoy the videos you guys make but you could have spent a few more minutes with this one. I would have liked to see how you actually used the parts for the axle bolt up and lining everything up. I couldn't even get a good look at the finished product.
This video was done for TV and had serious time constraints. We are going to remake this video into two separate videos in the near future. One will cover the C-Notch and the other the Flip Kit. Subscribe and you'll be notified when they goo live.
Is there a frame kit for the forward leaf spring mounts at chassis? chassis is rotted away like most.
89 k1500
Like a repair kit for the rust? That's not something that's available. If you're talking about the spring hangars, those are available in a 2" drop option.
I need a video on putting a four link on my 75 dodge D 100 club cab short bed. Any suggestions?
Sorry Richard, we don't do anything with Dodge trucks.
All good BROTHERS
Also "I'm fix'n to fix it!"
A '66 C-10 that I've watched and pretty sure I've saved your videos for and they've educated me a s**t ton and haven't even started yet. Thank for getting back. Maybe talk at ya when I need the parts for the restoration.
Is the c notch kit strong enough just bolted on or does it need to be welded?
This one is designed to be bolted, so we just bolted it. You could weld it if you wanted, but n this case it wasn't necessary.
i have a 97 chevy engine and transmision and i'd like to put on a 85 chevy stepside. will the 97 motor fit the 85 chevy?
Lots of people are doing LS conversions these days. It will require some changes to the engine and trans mounts as well as changes to the wiring for the '97 engines ECU, but it definitely can be done.
I did this exact set up to my 74c10, and now I'm getting a clicking noise during acceleration, coming somewhere from the rear. Any idea why this is happening or what might be causing it?...
Is the clicking also associated with shaking or vibration? That's normally caused by a pinion angle problem. If it's just a noise, it's probably the driveshaft coming in contact with something. Check your clearances and make certain there is proper clearance for any moving parts.
Does the c notch make your truck a salvage tittle truck?
We've never heard of anyone having a salvage title because of a C Notch. In CA, where we are, it would NOT make a salvage title. It's best to determine what your state law says regarding this question, but we assume it would not.
Ok thanx for the tip i was confused several ppl had told me that but il do my research on the laws here in texas,
What do I jack up if I’m only doing the flip kit for a 2000 Chevy Silverado 1500
just support the frame from somewhere that will keep it stable while you're doing the work.
What kind of air hammer are you using?
It's a standard type air chisel. We have one here at the BROTHERS Tech Center that we picked up at Home Depot for about $35.
BROTHERS Truck Parts thanks for the reply. that thing cuts like butter, I had a walmart one and it sucked. But I'll be ordering a flip kit for my 65 thanks for the video ya'll are awesome
Is a 8 lug to 6 lug conversion possible?
In the front you can do it but the lower control arm needs to be replaced because the ball joint for a 1/2 ton is not interchangeable. In the rear, you would probably be better off switching the axle for a 6 lug instead of trying to do an axle conversion. It can be done, but more than likely it would be less expensive to swap axles.
Hey guys! How much was this truck lowered?
We lowered it 5" in back and 3" in front.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Looks great! Did ya'll run a 30" tire on the back?
It's actually about 28.5". They are 285/45x18.
I've seen videos where you dont have to c notch the frame
You don't have to C-Notch the frame, it just makes a lot of sense to do it while you have it apart. We've lowered trucks as much as 6" without a Notch, but you ALWAYS end up with a metal on metal bottoming out without the Notch.
Can I flip with out c notch?
Yes. You may get some occasional Axle to frame contact when hitting bumps, but you can definitely do a flip without a notch.
What's the price for a axle flip kit on a 1979 c10?
Part #RFK7387 = $139.99 - Kit can be found here:
www.brotherstrucks.com/73-87-REAR-AXLE-FLIP-KIT/productinfo/RFK7387/
What total drop did this amazing GMC have at the end?
It was a total of 5" in front and almost 8"" in the rear.
Ive got a 57 F100 I want to do the same. Any recommendations on where I can find a Ford kit? thx
Maybe PerformanceOnline.com?
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thank you.
Did u have to shorten the driveshaft?
No sir, just needed to re-adjust the pinion angle.
Is there a video on the axle flip? I’m guessing you just weld a new bracket to the bottom side.
No need to weld a bracket. The kit comes with a pair of tall saddles that "seat" into the bottom side of the existing saddle on your axle. You simply set the new saddle in place, install the new u-bolts and tighten it all up. You can kinda see what we're describing at approx 4:05 in the video. You'll see a thick black mount under the axle sitting on the leaf spring and seating up into the old axle saddle. If you need more info, please do not hesitate to call us at 800-977-2767. Thank you!
What Does Th Rear Flip Kit Do Exactly? Im Confused. Can Anyone Please let me know.
It is meant to lower you truck if you have a leaf spring setup. It places the rear end on top of the spring pack instead of on the bottom. Most of the time, a flip kit will give you about a 5" drop.
What length shocks did you use? Factory or drop shocks?
(85 c10)
Drop shocks front and rear. Factory shocks are too long. Go to our website and search "Lowered Shocks" www.brotherstrucks.com/. Thanks!
Can any shop do this?
Yes, most shops would be capable of this modification. It is really a simple bolt-in for the most part, so the only thing they would need to complete the job is the proper tools.
BROTHERS Truck Parts ok thank you for the reply!! Truck looks very nice 👍
Whatever happened to Dave?
Dave still makes 99% of our videos, he just wasn't available for this TV shoot.
Does it matter how to bolt the cnotch on the out side this djm kit i got has one side bigger than the other
We're not familiar with the DJM notch, but our kit fits tight on the frame on each side
so if im doing a 4/4 drop on my C1500 would i have to C-notch??????
It's not likely you would need a C-Notch with a 4"/4" drop Tommy.
BROTHERS Truck Parts ok thanks for the feed back fellas.. Im new to these truck builds and just trying to get things right.... I Appreciate the help
next time stand away so we can see the damn thing finished ! duh
The completed project is shown during the wrap up segment starting at 5:13 in this video. We get it that there is no "pan" across side view, but you get the idea. We have multiple videos we used this truck in that do show more of how low the rear end is, links:
ruclips.net/video/jKdBz4VpqWs/видео.html&list=PLLqc8GHyO_LH7Kvm8k6Do_aw2jTgiAxUA&index=28
ruclips.net/video/GkOtHmZzEGE/видео.html&list=PLLqc8GHyO_LH7Kvm8k6Do_aw2jTgiAxUA&index=24
Didn’t even show final product smh
The completed project is shown during the wrap up segment starting at 5:13 in this video. We get it that there is no "pan" across side view, but you get the idea at least. We have multiple videos we used this truck in that do show more af how low the rear end is, links:
ruclips.net/video/jKdBz4VpqWs/видео.html&list=PLLqc8GHyO_LH7Kvm8k6Do_aw2jTgiAxUA&index=28
ruclips.net/video/GkOtHmZzEGE/видео.html&list=PLLqc8GHyO_LH7Kvm8k6Do_aw2jTgiAxUA&index=24
how much is this kit???
Depends on the year of your truck and which kit you're asking about. The Flip Kit and the C-Notch are two separate things. Visit our website at www.brotherstrucks.com/
Nobody's mentioned the angle of the driveshaft. Length of the driveshaft.. doesn't that all change too ❗☹️
Length of the driveshaft stays the same, however the angle will need to be re-adjusted to your specific ride height.
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV
Thanks guys 😎👍
is it really nessasary to c notch a pick up truck???????????
It definitely is if you lower it enough. Our '75 GMC in this video was dropped approximately 7" and that only left about 1.5" of clearance from the frame to the axle housing when we were done. The C-Notch gave us the clearance back so we didn't bang metal-on-metal when the axle smacked the frame over bumps..
I have an 85 C10 that I had an axle flip done on and I ls swapped it this winter and my dyno tuner wanted me to have my driveline angles verified before he does wot runs. So I took it to a shop today and they said my angles were off 7 degrees and that my rear diff needs to come down and my trans needs to go up. I thought the axle flip kit had adjustments built into it automatically to keep it in place? Also, what do I need to bring my rear diff down?
you don't bring the diff down, you bring the nose down with axle shims. Most trucks will need to be fine tuned after and axle flip based on that particular trucks setup. Our truck had a 2 piece driveshaft, some have a solid 1 piece shaft, those things create differences that end up needing a bit of tuning to get right. We'll admit, 7° is a lot since our kit is made to come as close as possible to factory alignment once installed. Is it possible that the Saddles are in backwards?
@@BROTHERSTruckPartsTV Thats what I meant. Lmao. I didn't install it. I had a shop do it. I took some measurements and ordered 2 degree shims.
You'll get it dialed in with some shims on the axle and a couple under the trans mount. And when you're done it's going to sit just right!