I have a dumb lowering question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 11, 2018 | 09:15 AM

#11

Little_Mata

Teching In

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 19

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaze_v8

What year truck?
More than likely you will need either or a notch or helper bags, one or the other.
And yess you can damage axle from bottoming out

Thank you for the reply! The truck is a 2002 Chevy Silverado 1500 regular cab short bed. I’m trying to get it to a nice height without having to spend a lot of money because I’m not too wealthy. I’d be happy with a 2/4 drop if it means I don’t have to notch or use helper bags but I’m really looking for a 4/6 drop.

Dec 11, 2018 | 09:47 AM

#12

RedXray

100% Redneck

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,098

Likes: 1,344

From: MAGA COUNTRY

The notch is necessary for a 4/6 drop. Cutting the notch was much easier than I thought. Bought a pack of sawzall blades expecting to break a couple but did both sides with only one blade (cut like butter). The hardest part was drilling all the holes... not hard but time consuming. Most that do a 2/4 wish they'd went with the 4/6 kit.

Dec 11, 2018 | 10:44 AM

#13

Little_Mata

Teching In

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 19

Likes: 1

Let’s say I do cut a notch out in my frame for a 4/6 drop and install the kit and everything, if I were to set my suspension back to normal for any reason and flip the axle back under the leaf springs, would the integrity of my frame be messed up and cause any breaks?

Dec 11, 2018 | 11:05 AM

#14

RySmDPT14

Launching!

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 227

Likes: 14

From: Buffalo, NY

Not if you do a proper c notch, fully welded and boxed not open c channel. I’ve seen several c channel kits that are bolted in. When you Notch the frame you are now making the frame more susceptible to failing at the new notch. What I’ve seen happen is the bottom of the notch where the frame was cut begins to approximate or pinch together, buckling at the apex of the notch. Milnd you these trucks were also hauling trailers though too. I replaced the notch with a fully plated welding it in and no issues, it’s cheap insurance to fully box and weld it in. I’m sure others have opinions and more experience than me who can help you out too.

Last edited by RySmDPT14; Dec 11, 2018 at 11:13 AM.

Dec 11, 2018 | 06:47 PM

#15

Little_Mata

Teching In

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 19

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by RySmDPT14

Thank you for the reply! What exactly do you mean by boxed? If you have any pictures of what that looks like would you be able to show me? Also, would you recommend I buy the bolt on C-notch plate kit?

Dec 11, 2018 | 07:54 PM

#16

RySmDPT14

Launching!

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 227

Likes: 14

From: Buffalo, NY

this is an open c notch, not plated on both sides.

Dec 11, 2018 | 07:56 PM

#17

RySmDPT14

Launching!

Joined: Aug 2017

Posts: 227

Likes: 14

From: Buffalo, NY

this is a fully boxed c notch, played on both sides of the rails. These are from google so you can see the difference.

Dec 12, 2018 | 01:02 AM

#18

Little_Mata

Teching In

Joined: Nov 2018

Posts: 19

Likes: 1

Thank you for the clarification I’ll be sure to box the notch if I ever do cut my frame and I appreciate all the advice and explanations

Dec 12, 2018 | 11:48 AM

#19

kaze_v8

TECH Regular

Joined: Feb 2016

Posts: 430

Likes: 25

From: Spring, Tx.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little_Mata

Thank you for the clarification I’ll be sure to box the notch if I ever do cut my frame and I appreciate all the advice and explanations

Lots of companies sell the Underbed notches online for cheap.
The underbed notch is essentially a "boxed" notch, but it fits under the bed so you wont have to cut it.
The picture posted above is a big notch, and would require to cut the bed.

this is the Reklez notch.
They sell specifically for 99-06 trucks, and its as easy as it can get, they even have a video on youtube for install.

https://reklez.com/collections/under...nder-bed-notch

Good luck

Oct 17, 2021 | 10:24 PM

#20

Slammed05Sierra

Registered User

Joined: Oct 2021

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

Reviving an ancient thread

I know I'm digging way back in the files for this thread but thanks for humoring me on this...

Ive got an 05 Sierra CrewCab that I've put a 5/6 kit on with mini notch. The mini notch is the bolt in type but my real conplaint about it is that it still isnt enough clearance. I bottom out all the time against my axle. Since Im so close to being layed out already, im thinking about going ahead and doing the underbed notch to begin the process of bagging it. Would a underbed notch be enough clearance to lay frame with a wheel/tire diameter of 29-ish inches?

Thanks in advance for any help!