lowering rear of 1996 z71

capnran

New Member
Joined
Jun 22, 2012
I am interested in leveling my 1996 Z71 by removing the spacers from the rear leaf springs. I have heard folks say this can be done without creating other issues. I understand the u-bolts will either have to be replaced by shorter ones or stacks of washers used in order to have enough threads. does anyone have experience and or comments.
 
I lowered my 05 Silverado, but it's 2wd and had no blocks. Just take them out, and if your u-bolts are too long replace them, I wouldn't stack washers. Nothing to it.
 
You should never reuse the u-bolts. Get new ones.
Quote from another site..."Suspension U-Bolts are manufactured with a smooth rolled thread, while the mating Hi-Nuts are manufactured with sharp cut threads.

When a U-Bolt is tightened to its recommended torque level, the U-Bolt threads stretch as they mate with the
Hi-Nuts. Although not always visible to the naked eye,
this damages the threads. Removing the Hi-Nuts from the U-Bolt will cause a cross - threading that will not allow the U-bolt to be adequately retorqued."
 
Thanks for the heads up. Now that you mention it I do remember reading that on a vendor website. Don't want to take a chance on a component like that coming loose. BTW anyone have any thoughts on lowering shackles. Is that a better way to go than the spacer removal idea? Any input is greatly appreciated.
 
I have shackles on the rear of my leaf springs, I lowered my truck 2/4, which included replacing the hangers at the front of the leaf springs and adding shackles to the rear to achieve the 4" drop. Shackles are a pretty standard way of lowering a truck that doesn't have blocks to take out. I'm not a fan of blocks so removing them first gets my vote, so long as your leaf pack sits flush on the axle.

I've always read not to reuse u-bolts, but after three instances of loosening or removing them for various reasons I've never bought new ones and never had a problem. I'd bet that unless the application requires a different size u-bolt that most reuse them. That said, I'm not telling you to reuse them, only what I have done. If changing them makes you feel safer, then by all means change them.
 
13bullets said:
I have shackles on the rear of my leaf springs, I lowered my truck 2/4, which included replacing the hangers at the front of the leaf springs and adding shackles to the rear to achieve the 4" drop. Shackles are a pretty standard way of lowering a truck that doesn't have blocks to take out. I'm not a fan of blocks so removing them first gets my vote, so long as your leaf pack sits flush on the axle.

I've always read not to reuse u-bolts, but after three instances of loosening or removing them for various reasons I've never bought new ones and never had a problem. I'd bet that unless the application requires a different size u-bolt that most reuse them. That said, I'm not telling you to reuse them, only what I have done. If changing them makes you feel safer, then by all means change them.
Click to expand...
capnran said:
Thanks for the heads up. Now that you mention it I do remember reading that on a vendor website. Don't want to take a chance on a component like that coming loose. BTW anyone have any thoughts on lowering shackles. Is that a better way to go than the spacer removal idea? Any input is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...
13bullets said:
I have shackles on the rear of my leaf springs, I lowered my truck 2/4, which included replacing the hangers at the front of the leaf springs and adding shackles to the rear to achieve the 4" drop. Shackles are a pretty standard way of lowering a truck that doesn't have blocks to take out. I'm not a fan of blocks so removing them first gets my vote, so long as your leaf pack sits flush on the axle.

I've always read not to reuse u-bolts, but after three instances of loosening or removing them for various reasons I've never bought new ones and never had a problem. I'd bet that unless the application requires a different size u-bolt that most reuse them. That said, I'm not telling you to reuse them, only what I have done. If changing them makes you feel safer, then by all means change them.
Click to expand...
 
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