A while ago I cut my front springs, just one coil but it made a big difference. Last weekend I got tired of the stink bug stance, and decided to drop the rear.
For my rear drop I did an axle flip. This lowered the van 6". I used the old axle saddles from the DJM flip kit from my 84 GMC Sierra. When I started to put things back together The clam shells were 2" to tall so I sectioned them. I plan on putting in a c-notch but since I also want to convert to steel springs I will wait.
So far all of the mods I have done were free, unless you count the welding gas, and my time.
Homebuilt axle flip.
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Lon
Topic author - I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:44 pm
- Location: Hazel Green Ala.
Homebuilt axle flip.
- Attachments
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- C-Notch
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84 GMC Sierra: static drop, airbagged, now on jack stands.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
When you cut the springs in the front, did it cause the van to ride different? Is it softer or harder?
Not a member of the good ole boys.
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Lon
Topic author - I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:44 pm
- Location: Hazel Green Ala.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
astro355 wrote:When you cut the springs in the front, did it cause the van to ride different? Is it softer or harder?
I havent noticed a difference. I only cut one coil, before I had Dodge Dakota dropped springs and that made it ride stiffer, and they sagged real quick. The thing that affected the ride is that the rear is on the bump stops, which I hope to cure this weekend.
84 GMC Sierra: static drop, airbagged, now on jack stands.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
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SoCalli V8
- Retired
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I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1209
- Joined: Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:42 pm
- Location: Lost Angels, Sovern KarlyFornia.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
Good post, but yeah with a flip like that retaining the "stock", front and rear spring mounting points you will definately need to C-Notch your frame rails. The axle slammin` on the chassis gets very annoying.... > very quickly!
I`m sure that you have seen my C-Notch pics around here..... do a search
I`m sure that you have seen my C-Notch pics around here..... do a search
`86 V8 Lowered Cargo, extensively modified, shaved bald, wearing the shortest, sluttyest white primer dress....
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
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Lon
Topic author - I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:44 pm
- Location: Hazel Green Ala.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
SoCali, yeah I have seen your notch. The pic of that rectangle tubing is going to be my notch. I wanted to do the notch this weekend but I discoverd the axle isnt square in the chassis. It isnt noticable with the 225/70/15s, but I was experimenting with 275/60/17s and saw that the tire hit the back of the fender lip on the drivers side and was nearly centered on the passenger side.
Right now my axle doesnt hit the frame, I left the stock bump stops in place. It rides real bumpy though. I drove my Silverado for a week before cutting the notches on it, and that got old real fast.
Right now my axle doesnt hit the frame, I left the stock bump stops in place. It rides real bumpy though. I drove my Silverado for a week before cutting the notches on it, and that got old real fast.
84 GMC Sierra: static drop, airbagged, now on jack stands.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
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Lon
Topic author - I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:44 pm
- Location: Hazel Green Ala.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
*Update*
I have since raised the rear of my van with fuullsize truck lowering shackles. I had to use spacers at the point where they mount to the "frame" but otherwise they work great. This is only temporary however. My ultimate plan is to convert to steal springs and a normal spring pad and u-bolts, as well as a c-notch. When I convert to weld on spring pads I will lose the clumsy axle mounts and correct the pinion angle. I used the same method in place of a traditional axle flip on my 90 Silverado.
I have since raised the rear of my van with fuullsize truck lowering shackles. I had to use spacers at the point where they mount to the "frame" but otherwise they work great. This is only temporary however. My ultimate plan is to convert to steal springs and a normal spring pad and u-bolts, as well as a c-notch. When I convert to weld on spring pads I will lose the clumsy axle mounts and correct the pinion angle. I used the same method in place of a traditional axle flip on my 90 Silverado.
- Attachments
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84 GMC Sierra: static drop, airbagged, now on jack stands.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
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Rebel
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 2009
- Joined: Thu Sep 14, 2006 7:24 am
- Location: Evergreen, Al. 96 mile marker, where life is slow and there are no rules.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
Nice job Lon.
You guys up north notice anything strange to you in those shots under Lon's van ?
You guys up north notice anything strange to you in those shots under Lon's van ?
89 Astro, 350 V-8, Shaved doors, Filled Slider, Corvette IRS, 94 Mustang GT Rack & Pinion(Thanks to Skip), Cad Tail lights from SoCalliV8 ( RIP) Miss you my friend.
VIDEO
If you drive illegally, they take your driver's license. If you're here illegally, they want to give you one
If guns kill people, do pencils misspell words
VIDEO
If you drive illegally, they take your driver's license. If you're here illegally, they want to give you one
If guns kill people, do pencils misspell words
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kings-x59
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1374
- Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 7:50 pm
- Location: Cypress, Tx
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
Rebel wrote:Nice job Lon.
You guys up north notice anything strange to you in those shots under Lon's van ?
looks to be rust free.....
'89 Astro, 4.3L, TBI. Minor intake and exhaust mods. Rebuilt 700R4 trans (by me). Corvette servo, 0.5" boost valve, police grade 1-2 accumulator spring (shifts fast and solid). B&M stacked plate trans cooler. Bilstein shocks. Belltech sway bars front and back. New head unit, speakers and subwoofer. Needs paint and a new headliner.
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
name's Steve
I can't remember all I've forgotten about that....
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
Yeah, rub it in, Larry, rub it in...Rebel wrote:Nice job Lon.
You guys up north notice anything strange to you in those shots under Lon's van ?
Rob Shaver
1989 Astro 305 with an MSD 6A ignition and a dash-mounted MSD timing control, a 4160 Holley 465 cfm four barrel carb, and an HEI distributor.
Moog 625 front springs and Energy Suspension poly bushings. Rear OEM sway bar. Edelbrock shocks.
1989 Astro 305 with an MSD 6A ignition and a dash-mounted MSD timing control, a 4160 Holley 465 cfm four barrel carb, and an HEI distributor.
Moog 625 front springs and Energy Suspension poly bushings. Rear OEM sway bar. Edelbrock shocks.
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SoCalli V8
- Retired
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I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1209
- Joined: Wed Sep 20, 2006 5:42 pm
- Location: Lost Angels, Sovern KarlyFornia.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
Definitely upgrade to steel leaf springs, from the composite.
`86 V8 Lowered Cargo, extensively modified, shaved bald, wearing the shortest, sluttyest white primer dress....
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
A British Wanker living in So KarlyFornia.
My Astro tows my toys to Glamis sand dunes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jp2pqjQtpso
First ever canal jump at Glamis http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXZjM84x_Xc
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crash
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1289
- Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
- Location: Woodstock, Ontario
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
wow. just amazing work Lon. Thanks for posting the pics. I wish I had the knowledge/skills. =D>
Rob 
current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd
vans owned:
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd
vans owned:
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
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Lon
Topic author - I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:44 pm
- Location: Hazel Green Ala.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
Thanks for the compliments.
Larry dont too uppity about the rust freeness of my van. I have replaced a lot of floor pans in southern cars. And my newest toy (V-8 Blazer) is rusty in the strangest places. Above the back window and I found rust last night when I took off the A/C box to convert to heater only.
Crash, knowledge and skills?!?! Nope. Pure dumb luck.
Larry dont too uppity about the rust freeness of my van. I have replaced a lot of floor pans in southern cars. And my newest toy (V-8 Blazer) is rusty in the strangest places. Above the back window and I found rust last night when I took off the A/C box to convert to heater only.
Crash, knowledge and skills?!?! Nope. Pure dumb luck.
84 GMC Sierra: static drop, airbagged, now on jack stands.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
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crash
- I plan to be buried in my van
- Posts: 1289
- Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:18 am
- Location: Woodstock, Ontario
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
your pics frustrated me so much with our winters, I decided to run out and take a pic of the same spot.
let's do a little comparison... you're 93 ext vs. my 93 ext
let's do a little comparison... you're 93 ext vs. my 93 ext
Rob
current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd
vans owned:
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
current rides:
04 Mazda 6 V6 5spd
vans owned:
97 Astro AWD (selling by summer .. i think) SOLD
99 Astro LS Sept 08 ASV VOM
94 Astro LT
93 Astro LT
96 Astro LT AWD * parts van*
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
Crash, your photo comparison really makes the point.
Larry, when are you going to open "Rebel's Gently Used and Rust-Free Southern Vehicles on Milepost 96"? I'll be your first customer.
Larry, when are you going to open "Rebel's Gently Used and Rust-Free Southern Vehicles on Milepost 96"? I'll be your first customer.
Rob Shaver
1989 Astro 305 with an MSD 6A ignition and a dash-mounted MSD timing control, a 4160 Holley 465 cfm four barrel carb, and an HEI distributor.
Moog 625 front springs and Energy Suspension poly bushings. Rear OEM sway bar. Edelbrock shocks.
1989 Astro 305 with an MSD 6A ignition and a dash-mounted MSD timing control, a 4160 Holley 465 cfm four barrel carb, and an HEI distributor.
Moog 625 front springs and Energy Suspension poly bushings. Rear OEM sway bar. Edelbrock shocks.
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Lon
Topic author - I am smitten with my van
- Posts: 45
- Joined: Sat Dec 30, 2006 9:44 pm
- Location: Hazel Green Ala.
Re: Homebuilt axle flip.
crash wrote:your pics frustrated me so much with our winters, I decided to run out and take a pic of the same spot.
let's do a little comparison... you're 93 ext vs. my 93 ext
Crash, that freakin scary! This further illustrates why I HATE winter.
84 GMC Sierra: static drop, airbagged, now on jack stands.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.
95 Nissan truck: Cranked torsion bars 3" lowering blocks.
00 Astro: America Vans Conversion. Debadged, otherwise stock.
71 Chevy C-10: Ogre the Ocher truck. Work in progress.