Have any of you lowered your truck more by adding components to your Hotchkis drop? If so, what did you use? I'm thinking of dropping my truck another 2" all around and I'm trying to decided on what the best method would be. I know I need a c-notch for the rear for starters. Currently I'm thinking drop shackles for the rear but I'm undecided on spindles or lower control arms for the front.

 

I want to do this same thing. I was going to use hangers and a C-notch in the back and most likely McGauhty's spindles in the front. First I need new tires cause my 265/50 Toyos aren't going to clear 2 more inches. I wonder if their sways will still work with 4/6?

 

Jeff
are you springs and leafs ?

 

I'm glad you brought this up because I'm also looking to drop mine a little more. I was thinking just shackles in the back and a C-notch will be needed of course. For the front, I think I'm going to do lower control arms. I'm actually going this weekend to my drop shop so I'll see what they recommend.

 

I would agree with Ching
If I were to drop it some more
I am springs and leafs
I would use a 2 in shackle out back - Notch the frame
and Spindles up front.
That would save the ride
Would give 4.5 frt and a 6 in drop with close the same ride.
Jeff - your using air shocks in the rear ?

 

We need a Guinee Pig!!!


My only concern with the spindles is I have read they move the offset out slighty but I'm unsure of how much. At least over on SilvSS posts. Might not affect the 2wd suspension.
Also I don't think you ever get Mcgh or hotchkis to admit there products will work together,

But I'm glad my truck is only a 2-4. The other night on the interstate I hit a blown out tire at about 75 and the only damage it did was leave about 1/2 of rubber on the bottom of my skid plate.

I'm thinking airbags up front if they were alittle cheaper.
2 more inches would look great though!!

Whos going to be first???

 

I'm converting the front shocks and springs to coilovers pretty soon. In fact I think I'm going to order the stuff this weekend. Trying to figure out all the measurements needed, so far has been a daunting task. I'm going with QA1 or koni single adjustable coilover shocks with H&R 1300lb/in rate springs The shocks will be dual eyelet type mounted, so I'm going to have cut out the stock top spring mount perch. I will then have to fabricate a mount for the top of the shock to mount it to the frame. I got the idea from the lifted trucks that use hoop type mounts. My current set-up has a Hotchkis 2/4 drop with IAS Edelbrock's in the front and KYB gas adjust in the rear. The thing floats like a boat in the front, it's ridiculous imo. It's fine around town, but once on the freeway doing 75 plus the thing wallows all over especially on crappy Bay Area freeways....kind of embarrassing. I'm not sure if the fronts are blown out or what. It also jittery when hitting small continuous bumps or potholes. The dampening is way too light in the front especially with 20's. I'm going to be autocrossing and road course racing my truck with porsches and my friends bimmer, and I can't wait to embarrass them Anyway, I'll keep you guys updated.

 

Yep, coils and leafs. Standard Hotchkis fare.

No on the air shocks though. I'm still running the black GM specials that came with the truck. Yes they do suck.

 

That's what I'm leaning towards on the rear as well, shackles and of course the c-notch. On the front though I'm really thinking about the McGaughys spindles. Anybody here running those?

 

I agree. I forgot to post this earlier but this is the response I got from Hotchkis's technical department. My original question was about which method would best compliment their drop kit and pinion angles. Thier reply was extremely helpful.

I'm thinking, wait sec, if you're Hotchkis's tech guy and you know I'm currently using your drop kit on my Silverado, you should know blocks will raise my truck not lower it because your kit doesn't consist of an axle flip.

Don't get me wrong, I'd buy Hotchkis again in a second but at least some pinion angle info would've been nice.