Getting around to installing rear end new goodies, instead of constantly taking stuff apart.

My understanding was Belltech drop leafs are different between trucks and blazers. 54" eyelet to eyelet (26" front/28" rear), vs 52" on blazer (24.5 front / 26.5 rear) Measured my wife's truck and they are definitely 54" I threw out my stock leafsprings before I had the idea to measure them...

I ordered belltech 2WD drop leafs (as nothing exists for 4x4) Part # 5964, and they appear to only be 49.5" eyelet to eyelet? The shackle is angled forward, not backwards like it should. Only dropped it about 1.5" over stock - but it hasn't settled, and its 2wd leafs into a 4x4 so not sure the 3" would hold true anyways... Anyone else installed the 5964 springs and ran into issues like this? I will upload some photos later when I go back out to the shop and take the tires off. Also sent a question into Belltech, but figure I would post here and see if I'm just crazy or not...

 

Ok here are the photos.

This is with full weight on Axle, 28" overall tire size. If this doesn't settle more will need to do a 1.5 or 2" block as well.. Tried to get couple pictures of the shackle angle, maybe it isn't as bad as I had thought yesterday but..

 

Wish I could help. Looks like a cool project!

 

Won't the shackles leaning forward like that risk binding when compressed? I'm not a suspension expert, but I thought the shackles were supposed to be vertical, to slight rearward lean so that when the leaf flattens under compression, it flexes the shackle towards the rear of the truck. If the shackle is leaning forward, it may bind and prevent normal flexing which could cause unpredictable behaviour.

 

That was my consensus too, which is why I think it isn't correct. I mean the leafsprings are basically flat with weight on them, and I only expect 2-2.5" of travel so it probably would be fine, but I ended up buying a different set of leafsprings - nother $600 down the drain

Belltech mentioned to me there are in fact, 3 different length springs for Blazers throughout the years - all my previous online searching told me there was only one. It is also using 2wd springs in a 4x4, so its possible the shackle mount is actually located differently on the frame than a 2wd (I wouldn't think so, but with GM you never know)

Now I work on cleaning the front and installing my viking coilover setup, while I wait for the new leafsprings to arrive.

 

So new springs resolved both my issues. With the specs given by belltech I bought 95-97 drop leafs for a 2WD. roughly 2" longer so the shackle is now in the right spot, and it moves the center pin 1/2" farther rearward too, so centered the wheel better, gave my traction bar more room (it was short as it could go to just fit in previously)

Apparently 4wd 04' and 04 2wd don't share same rear mounting spots, who knew hah. Wish it didn't cost $600 to figure out but here we are.

 

Unfortunate that you had to buy a 2nd set of springs, but I'm glad you figured out the right configuration. Maybe you can resell the shorter set and recoup at least some of your money.

I'm curious to see more of your build as you go.