LevelSet™ 1973-87 C10/C15 Pickup Frame Weld-In Step-Notch Kit

• Fits 1973-87 Chevrolet C10 and GMC C15 2WD pickup trucks
• Necessary for extreme lowering of the rear of your GM truck
• Heavy-duty 7-gauge laser cut and formed steel plate construction
• Step-notch design provides massive clearance for air ride or slammed trucks
• Reinforces stock frame while creating additional axle clearance
• Maintains correct suspension travel when lowering and improves handling
• Bed floor modifications required due to step-notch profile above OEM frame
• Kit includes notch bases and plates, reinforcement channels, bump stops, and instructions

What’s The Difference Between a C-Notch and A Step-Notch for Your Square Body?

There’s no denying that a lowered truck turns heads. Everyone loves the dropped in the weeds look of a classic pickup truck. Up front, the IFS makes things easy, but out back that live axle tends to get too close for comfort with the frame rails when you drop the back end anything more than two inches, and for many of us two inches isn’t enough. We want that “laying frame” appearance that only a major drop out back can accomplish via air bags.

To be able to lower a live axle pickup that much in the rear properly means performing a step-notch to the frame. A step-notched frame essentially means the frame is cut and a small section removed directly over the rear axle, which is replaced by the weld-in step-notch kit. The kit gets its name because the frame “steps up” over the rear axle for clearance. But what’s the difference between a step-notch vs C-notch? Aren’t they the same? A more traditional C-notch kit only notches the bottom and side of the frame in the same location, leaving the top of the frame intact and then a C-notch bracket is added to reinforce the frame where the notch has been cut out. This can usually be accomplished without bed removal and does not require bed floor modifications. The step-notch is more work, including modifying the bed floor, but provides vastly more axle room to really get low.

In the past step-notching a frame usually meant cutting up the rear section of the frame rails and then welding steel plates or even boxed steel tube the same dimensions as the frame rail in a tedious and time-consuming operation of cutting the steel to fit and then welding everything into place. While functional, it wasn’t an easy install due to the large amount of fabrication required. As the popularity of performing a frame notch for axle clearance grew, so did the availability of pre-formed kits. Our LevelSet™ C10 weld-in step-notch kit provides massive axle clearance on lowered Square Body trucks for that “on the ground” hard parked stance and thanks to our laser cut and press bent design vastly reduces fabrication and installation time.

A Weld-In Step-Notch Kit That Provides Substantial Axle Clearance

To get that sitting on the frame stance for your 73-87 Square Body pickup you’re going to have to do some major cutting. As long as you’re OK with that then our weld-in step-notch kit is the easiest way to get that axle clearance you desire for drops of 8 inches or more. Designed using strong 7-gauge steel plate, our weld-in step-notch kit is designed to provide maximum axle clearance in a strong, ready to weld assembly that features laser cut and press bent pieces designed to fit together for a solid step-notch that provides ample frame strength when properly welded into place.

Three-Piece Step-Notch Assembly Provides Maximum Frame Support

Unlike a traditional C-notch that usually arrives as a fully welded assembly that is then welded or bolted into place, our 73-87 Squarebody C10 step-notch is comprised of three main pieces that are fitted and welded together for maximum frame rigidity while providing massive axle clearance. The main step-notch A-frame is tack-welded to your frame, providing support and a cut line for frame section removal. The remaining two pieces are used to box the step-notch assembly to the frame, creating the step-up of the rear frame section for axle clearance. Bump stops, weld nuts to affix the bump stops, and complete instructions are included to make the job easier.

Make your truck step-notch project go smoothly by using our 73-87 Square Body C10 weld-in step-notch kit. Everything you need for a successful frame notch is included. Our detailed instructions will guide you through the whole process with complete measurements and cutting guide once you’ve removed your truck’s bed assembly for rear frame access. Don’t fear step-notching a frame, it’s easier than you think to tackle with our step-notch kit for your 73-87 C10 or GMC C15 2WD pickup.