I am planning on getting shackles in the rear to let my truck sit a little better on the SS 20's. Whats a good way to lower the front down just a tad? I was going to let out the torsion bars some to see how it looked, just not bottom em out. Oh I am also in the works of procurring an SS AWD tcase to put in the truck. SCSB stepside AWD all the time would be kickass.

 

I'm in for the same, I'm gonna get the 2" drop shackles for the rear and let the tbars down about 1" then get an alignment. I really just want level, not low. Good luck....

 

well the front suspension on the 4x4s is meant to just rest on the bump stops, so any lowering is going to require that you trim the bump stops. BUT to answer your question, I think you can lower the front down about 1.5-2", so if thats what you're looking for then that SHOULD be fine. Other options include spindles and torsion keys. If you were planning on ALWAYS running rims larger than 17" I would just get the spindles, Not sure how things ride w/o the torsion bars decranked but if I could I would rather not mess with them and get drop spindles.

 

I am lowering my 4wd 5/6 as soon as my tax return gets here. If you have 17" wheels then the spindles are by far the best way to lower the front since it keeps all the factory geometry with steering and t-bars.

 

DO NOT trim the bump-stops !!!!...it SERIOUSLY screws with your handling (I know from first-hand experience), the bump-stops will compress under the weight of the truck enough that you can go almost 2" lower without worrying about them affecting suspension travel.

The Mcgaughy's spindles are the best way to lower a 4x4 by far.....as long as you can deal with an 18" or larger rim forever

 

Will lowering keys bring the bump stops closer? I want 5" of drop the keys and spindles will give me 4 so I need one more.

 

i took out the rear blocks and lowered the torsion bars, i also trimmed my front bump stops and i haven't really noticed any handleing issues. i love the way the truck rides, but i will be raising it back up to stock height very soon. a lowered truck doesn't go well in the sand dunes.

 

i lowered the back 4" w/ shackles and hangers, then another 2" with removing the block. up front i just lowered the torsion bars and trimmed the bump stop. if you mess with the torsion bars make sure you get an alignment.

 

I did 2" shackles, and torsion bars, and think it rides fine

 

I lowered my 1500HD 3/5 with McGaughys lowering keys up front and hangers and shackles in the rear. My truck may be a little different suspension wise from yours but I think you may be able to get 5" up front with lowering keys and spindles. That is going to put some stress on your CVJs from the downward angle of the front axle shafts. I think that they only recommend a 2" drop for 4WD. Maybe it would be worth trying 4/6 first to see how you like it. You can always adjust the front on the keys to suit your needs within reason.