I'm supposed to pick up my new truck this evening. 03 GMC Sierra, 2WD, regular cab, short bed. 5.3 motor 3.73's. I want to lower the truck some, but don't want to hurt the load handling or trailering ability of the truck. I want to be able to tow my car if I need to. I was thinking drop spindles for the front would be good, but what about the back? I'd like to lower it about 2" in the front, and about 2-3" in the rear.What would you guys recommend and where can I get the parts from. Thanks.

Bruce

 

To do it right, I would use lower control arms with a 1" spring block to keep it at a 2" drop. Most of the lower arms are 3" drops. Somebody may do a 2" arm by now. For the rear, since your gonna tow, I would keep the stock springs and do a hanger (2" drop) and shackle (1-1/2-2" drop). A lot of the shackles give you the option to drop 1-1/2-2". Then put either helper bags or airshocks on it. I have a 3-4 drop and used airshocks (and a wieght distribution hitch) and towed a 30' 6200# travel trailer for 2 summers before I sold it with the truck I have right now. You want parts, pick up my favorite "love to hate" truck rag, Truckin. Lots of advertisers to pick from. Beware of Aim Industries IMO. I got my stuff from them, and all 3 of my orders were fugged up and one of the hangers had to be cut to fit correctly. MTI can also get DJM equipment. DJM and Belltech are two of the more popular brands. My advice is based on my experiance, some of the other guys have had great experiance with other equipment and ways of lowering their trucks. I did a 3" spring front drop (ordered 2" but thanks to AIM got 3" and just went with it anyway), but would eventually like to go with a control arm setup.

 

Thanks for the info Greg. I usually drive my car to the track but want to be able to tow it if I'm racing along way from home. Don't want to kill the ride either. I'm sure this truck will ride much better than the 1986 3/4 ton HD 4x4 its replacing. Bet the new one is quicker too. How much does a truck like mine weigh?

Bruce

 

Mines a 2000 GMC Sierra RCSB stepside 2wd and weighs in at 4300# with my 145# carcass in it.

I guarantee that truck is faster than your old one.

John

 

Thanks John. The old truck has a built motor, but weighes 5600+ pounds with out my 200lbs in it. I'm sure the lighter weight and less drivetrain loss of the new one, will more than make up for the power of the old one.

Bruce

 

I have hotchkis springs (2/4" drop) all around with edelbrock IAS shocks. I just towed my Honda civic race car (2000 lbs) and UHAUL trailer (1800 lbs). My truck had no problem towing even though it was lowered. No scraping or anything else. I LOVE my setup and the handling is insane!

Just check around this forum to see how many other people recommend the Hotchkis springs

 

Here is vote number 2.

 

Hitchkis, all the way!