C-Notch Kits
The rear axle needs somewhere to go when a truck sits much closer to the ground than it did from the factory. C-notch kits create additional clearance above the axle by modifying and reinforcing that section of the frame. POL offers bolt-in, weld-in, heavy-duty, and universal options for lowered Chevy, GMC, Ford, S10/S15, and other truck applications.
C-Notch Kits for Lowered Truck Frames
The need for a C-notch begins with one simple limitation: axle clearance. As a truck comes down, the rear axle moves closer to the frame until normal suspension travel starts using space that is no longer there.
How POL creates that extra room changes considerably by chassis. Early Chevy/GMC pickups and 1948-56 Ford F-1/F-100 trucks use weld-in solutions, while later C10, C20, C30, and S10/S15 applications move into vehicle-specific bolt-in designs.
The degree of lowering creates another branch within the collection. A standard 1963-72 C10/C20 notch adds axle clearance, while the heavy-duty version reinforces the modified frame with an overlapping two-piece structure for more aggressive drops and air ride builds.
Some projects go beyond creating clearance alone. The C30 flip-and-notch package combines the notch with an axle flip for an 8-inch drop, showing how the frame modification can become one part of a much larger change in rear suspension h
FAQ
What is a C-notch kit used for?
A C-notch creates additional clearance between the rear axle and frame on a lowered vehicle. POL specifically recommends its 1963-72 C10/C20 kits for applications lowered more than four inches or using air ride, where reduced axle-to-frame clearance can otherwise contribute to bottoming out.
What C-notch kits does POL currently offer?
The collection currently contains 11 products covering Chevy/GMC trucks from several generations, 1948-56 Ford F-1/F-100 trucks, 1982-04 S10/S15 applications, C30 trucks, and universal applications. Both bolt-in and weld-in designs are represented.
Does a C-notch lower the truck?
No. The C-notch itself creates additional clearance between the axle and frame. The lowered stance comes from the suspension configuration, such as springs, air suspension, an axle flip, or other lowering components.
Are bolt-in C-notch kits available for Chevy C10 trucks?
Yes. POL offers standard and heavy-duty bolt-in C-notch kits for 1963-72 Chevy/GMC C10 and C20 trucks. A separate bolt-in rear C-notch is available for 1973-87 Chevy/GMC trucks.
What is the difference between POL's standard and heavy-duty 1963-72 C10 C-notch kits?
Both are bolt-in products, but the heavy-duty design uses overlapping upper and lower plates to create a double-wall notch. The upper plate also helps maintain frame position and serves as a template for the frame cut during installation.
Are weld-in C-notch kits available for older classic trucks?
Yes. POL currently lists weld-in rear C-notch kits for 1947-55 and 1955-59 Chevy/GMC trucks and 1948-56 Ford F-1/F-100 trucks. A universal weld-in rear frame kit is also available.
Is there a C-notch kit for Chevy S10 trucks?
Yes. POL currently lists a bolt-in C-notch kit for 1982-04 Chevy S10 and GMC S15 applications.