MarineBlue03GMC

I have a new 03 GMC Sierra ext. cab, with the 5.3L and 3.73's. I really want to give it a mild lowering for some better performance in the turns, but I dont want to seriously compromise the ride. I dont mind slowing down on dips if the truck is lowered. I just dont want to hit dips in the freeway and have my head hit the roof.

I know there are drop spindles for the front by belltech/djm and shackles/hanger kits for the back. I have also seen Hotchkis use coils in the front with leafs in the back. I want no more than a 2" drop in front since the trucks front lower air damn is very low.

So whats the best way to lower my truck for the best handling and ride comfort? I really would appreciate the help! I am still trying to decide if I should go with engine mods first and then the lowering, but I really feel the truck would be VERY fun to drive with increased handling performance.

Thanks,

Glenn

Phatchevy

i've got the hotchkis 2/4 drop and i love it. it has a really nice look to it. it handled a little better and when i got the edelbrock shocks it got better again. i don't have any problem with bumps or anything like that. now i do go slow over speed bumps but i've never bottomed out over one either. if you end up dropping it make sure you have gotten rid of that "donkey dick" exhaust pipe. if you don't it just looks stupid, IMO.

<small>[ September 27, 2002, 01:40 PM: Message edited by: Phatchevy ]</small>

BigKID

iTrader: (5)

I too have the Hotchkis kit. I like it alot. It was really stiff at first but now after a few thousand miles the springs have settled and it is nice. I am running Doetsch shocks and they help out alot as well. You may want to look into the DJM kits with LCAs up front if you want to keep your stock ride. I have heard the Beltech spindels mess up your turning radius. I also agree on the Phat's exhaust tip. I had duals out the back when I first lowered mine and it looked bad IMO. I now have dumps and it is as clean as can be. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Scream

iTrader: (6)

I have the DJM 4/6 drop on my '01. It is REALLY low, but rides fantastic! The kit contains 4" lower control arms for the front and a flip kit in the back.

I have a little trouble with speed bumps, and somtimes when coming in/out of driveways if they are steep, but I really enjoy my truck.

I know I've posted this pic 10,000 times, but it gives a good shot of exactly how low the truck is:

<img src="http://acrophobia.net/images/scream/denial_sv.jpg" alt=" - " />

GREGGO

iTrader: (2)

I haven't seen that pic before. I've seen other pics. That one looks bad ***. I wish I could go with a 4/6, but that would kill weight transfer for me. Plus, the roads are not the best where I live.

I have a 3/4 drop. 3" springs up front and shackles / hangers out back.

Greg

<small>[ September 27, 2002, 02:14 PM: Message edited by: Fast4.8 ]</small>

Scream

iTrader: (6)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Fast4.8:
<strong>I haven't seen that pic before. I've seen other pics. That one looks bad ***. I wish I could go with a 4/6, but that would kill weight transfer for me. Plus, the roads are not the best where I live.

I have a 3/4 drop. 3" springs up front and shackles / hangers out back.

Greg</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I've been to the DFW area once before, and I disticntly remember the roads being HORRIBLE! The roads in FL are only marginally better!

My rearend bottoms out in the notch (DJM provided it in the kit) when I launch at the strip. It's not too bad, but I still know that it does it. I'll have to get the truck on video for you guys when I've got it in second and start "hopping" the front end with the accelerator. It looks like the front end's going to come off of the ground! :lol

Maxmumboom

IMO id go with the Western Chasis 3/4 kit..3"springs/2"hanger,2"shakle. The install took about an hour, and it rides great. I also run Doetsh Tech lowered shocks. there pretty nice too. With the shocks I think i paid $350. Its well worth it for a well engineered system. I live in NJ, and the raods here suck ***. There are more holes than there are road. The truck is not to low for our adverse wheather.
My next purchase is going to be a rear sway bar, and polybushings up front.
J

MarineBlue03GMC

Wow thanks for all the help! <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/gr_cheers.gif" /> I love this forum!

Anyway I think I will probably go with the Hotchkis setup. Do you guys think I can stick with the stock shocks? I know it will handle better with after markets but I dont think i have the cash.

I still have yet to find a place with some really discounted prices on springs, and parts. It seems most places dont really give discounts. I have some friends out in Cali that work at good sized import shop so it looks like I may have to call them up. I emailed LG and Tbyrne motorsports and they havent gotten back to me on the suspension so I guess I will see.

I have about 450+ miles on my truck now so I am ready to change the oil. I am going to use a Mobil 1 oil filter (I couldnt find the K&N one at the local Autozone shop) and Mobil 1 10W30 oil. How easy is it to change the oil? Are there any things I should know before doing the change? Are there any pics and/or websites convering basic GMC/Chevy Truck maitenence. I work on cars all the time but after all the cash I spent on this truck I want to do the work by the book.

Brandon Boomhauer

iTrader: (10)

is the western chassis stuff pretty good?
i was thinking 3/4 for a slight rake....

btw i wouldnt run a synthetic till 1500 miles or thats what i've been told...
check with some others first but i would wait a tad longer....

01 5.3

iTrader: (10)

I just bought a 2" belltech spindle and 4" shackle and hanger,nitro active shocks. I really dont like the spindle because of the turning radius,it cut down alot of my turning. The spindle is a job to put on and the shocks are kind of hard right now. I wish i had bought a djm lower control arm or the hotchkis kit.