NEWBIE POST! Got some questions!

[94XLT]

OK,

Picked up a 94' XLT with minor rust issues. I stripped the whole rear suspension and frame down after finding so much rust that the spring eyes had broken due to being seized up.

So since I need new springs and I already have the rear end completely out I am wondering about a couple of things.

I am not looking to drop the truck in the weeds since I picked up a truck for ground clearance and occasionally hauling stuff (Home Despot etc.) but since I am used to driving lowered cars I think stock is just way too high.

I am wondering if I could just "flip" the rear axle by welding new perches directly below the old ones? I assume I could just set the pinion angle parrallel to the crankshaft? OR Is it safe to assume that if the new bottom perches are parrallel to the old ones the angle stays the same?

How common are vibration problems with a "flipped axle" as far as the center bearing is concerned?

As far as the front end is concerned, assuming I "flip" the rear axle using stock shackles I guess I have a 5" rear drop? How much does the front need to go to match? Or should I use some lifting shackles in the rear. I am not too keen on tearing the whole thing apart up front so I was thinking just springs?

[FoMoCo]

all you need is the DJM flip kit, and throw a belltech shackle in there, and that will get you 4" drop, you don't need to worry about pinion angle, welding, and in the front i believe they make a 3" drop coil, so you will sit about even

[Christianguy]

X2 the above

[94XLT]

I got all my parts (hangers and shackles, brakes and axle seals) and am painting the rear frame now that all the rusted hangers are off.

BTW

THE EASIEST WAY to remove the old rusted hangers (or to pop them off to "FLIP" them) is to:
1: REMOVE THE BED
2: Use a center punch to mark the center of the rivet (not the head but the center of the rivet) then drill a 3/16" hole to about the depth of the frame rail.
3: Then change out to a 3/8" Bit and repeat.
4: A cold chisel and hammer pop off the heads easy
5: Use a punch and pop the rest of the rivet in.

Anyway,
I have heard of flipping the rear hanger and shackle upside down to get a few inches of lowering. It seems like it would lower about 4" but everyone says more like 2" (Now that I am typing I figured out why, You are only moving 1/2 the spring up about 4" DUH!)

Has anyone done this and were there any issues with the shackle hitting the bed anywhere? I have the bed off the truck and really only want to need help putting it back on ONCE!! So a "trial and error" method is not what I want to do.

I am also worried that this is going to mess with the driveline angles?
I have a lot of mechanical ability but most of it is with FWD and other European cars. Never really messed with RWD (but this is a learning experience going forward for my 68 Camaro)

[tideguyinal]

Welcome to FRF

[Blessed Ranger]

Welcome to FRF!