I've been looking around a lot at a bunch of different kits, and I just can't make up my mind. I've been thinking of doing some mixing and matching also.

I'm 90% sure I want a 3/4 drop.

Up front I think I want control arms, but not sure. What are the pros and cons of control arms over coils? (NO SPINDLES PLEASE!) Does anyone think it would be a good idea to get 2 inch lower control arms and a 1 inch lower spring? Why or why not?

In the rear I think I want shackles and hangers...... but then again what would be the pros and cons of that. Would new leaf springs be better? why or why not?

I just put 20's on my truck and it looks like a 4x4 now ( sorry 4x4 guys but it is a 2x4) and I need to change this asap.

 

4/6 IMO

Anyways, just about anytime you change springs, the ride will stiffen up. Some say its to harsh and others say it still feels fine, just personal preference. I have never seen a 3" control arm for a 2wd, so if you use control arms you will have to do a 2" with a 1" spring. The only other route would be a 3" spring. You will gain so bump steer with the control arms, but its not enough to concern yourself with. With my 4" djm arms, I actually feel very little. For the rear, same applies about the springs, the shackle/hanger combo should ride close to stock though.

 

Same here!4/6 is the best,IMO, to drop a truck. This way you dont have to worry if you're wanting to go any lower.


Drop leaf springs will stiffin up the ride but not really make it that uncomfortable to ride in. The shackle&hanger combo will leave it riden' just like stock. If you're not going spindles best way is going with the drop LCA's for the front.

 

Thanks guys this really helps. Just for ***** and giggles I visited a well known custom shop in ATL yesterday just to see how much they would charge for a lowering kit (a DJM) and sway bars plus install. They were gonna charge me $2000, screw that! I'll just do it myself.

 

God Father Customs? They wanted $800 to install my 4/6. They usually have good prices on their kits, but installation is extremely high IMO.

 

DJM 4/6 is very easy to install!

 

Yes, yes it is. I read up on doing it and asked as many questions as I could about the install and decided to tackle it myself. It took longer than most said because I was being very cautious, but now I could easily do it in the time said. I would think the thread is still floating around many, many pages down, as long as it made the transition from ls1tech to pt.net


edit: Here is the link, 2nd post is a good write up

https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=185110

 

Yeah $2000 for parts and labor including sway bars front and rear

Thanks for the write up. I'm gonna be buying a kit in the next week or two.

 

I have a Belltech 3/4 drop kit with the Nitro active shocks. Front is a 3 inch spring. I have not had any problems with the kit. You have to be prepared for a stiffer ride, there is no kit that is going to ride as smooth as stock. I have had a little problem with keeping the front end aligned. I usually take my truck to the alignement shop about every 6 months or so to have the alignment checked, because I still wear out my front tires before the rear, and I punish my rear tires. But I have bigger tires on the rear and cannot rotate the tires. The only problem I have with the rear is, I sometimes bottom out when I hit a hard bump. There is really nothing you can do to avoid this problem with out doing a C-notch. As far a drivability, I never have any problems with ground clearance it never scrapes or bottoms out unless it is just one of those extreme driveways that everthing bottoms out. The truck handles like it is on rails, I love the way this thing corners. I my opinion, 4/6 is too low, I would be afraid to go that low because I would bottom out everywhere I go, and you will have to C-notch the truck. 4/6 looks great, but I am happier with the 3/4. Dont be afraid to do the install yourself, it is not hard at all. Just go to advance auto and rent one of the spring compressing kits, and take your time. A drop is going to make you alot happier with the way your truck looks. Good luck, here is a pic of my truck