How to Lower the Rear on My Silverado

by Russell Wood

Car manufactures have gotten pretty smart over the years. One innovation that they introduced a long time ago is how they set up the suspension of the vehicle. Most cars and trucks on the road today are actually 1 to 3 inches taller in the rear than in the front, so that the vehicles don't sit physically level. But when the ride is carrying a load, the rear lowers and becomes physically level instead of sagging downward. Smart, right? Well if you don't like that look, you can lower the rear of your Chevy Silverado to level out the truck. It's not incredibly difficult to do, but you do need the right tools to get it done and a little bit of patience.

Step 1

Lift up the rear of the truck using the jack, and support the vehicle on the frame and the axle by the jack stands. Make sure both the axle and frame are supported before you crawl underneath the vehicle.

Step 2

Unbolt the rear leaf spring shackle from the leaf spring hanger using the 1/2-inch ratchet and open-end wrench. The rear leaf spring hanger connects the leaf spring shackle to the leaf spring. It's on the very back of the frame, right where the bumper mounts to the frame, on the outside. The shackle pivots and allows the leaf spring to travel up and down but also keep the axle centered in the wheel well.

Step 3

Unbolt the stock leaf spring shackle from the leaf spring using the 1/2-inch ratchet and open-end wrench. You can now remove the shackle using your hands.

Step 4

Mount the lowering shackle in the frame using the stock hardware and the 1/2-inch ratchet, sockets and open-end wrench.

Step 5

Bolt the lowering shackle to the leaf spring using the stock hardware and the 1/2-inch ratchet, sockets and open-end wrench. There are three different pairs of holes on the shackle. allowing for three different amounts of drop. If you want to lower the truck substantially, use the highest set of holes. To lower it just a bit, use the lowest set of holes.