What is the best 5"/7" lowering kit?

[Coursey]

Who makes the best 5"/7" lowering kit?

I know there are a few out, Belltech, Western Chassis, DJM, etc.

Who's is the best, and why?


I just picked up a 1997 that i will be lowering soon, and installing new wheels.

[Tom]

I've used alot, and western chassie is the best of the lot IMO. I always use their flip kits, c-notches, and shock extenders. Spindles and springs depend on the truck. For my 98 I used belltech spindles and I think they are western chassie springs.

[Coursey]

Originally Posted by Tom

I've used alot, and western chassie is the best of the lot IMO. I always use their flip kits, c-notches, and shock extenders. Spindles and springs depend on the truck. For my 98 I used belltech spindles and I think they are western chassie springs.

I had heard that Belltech spindles push the front wheels out 3/4" per side. But i have not confirmed this with belltech.

But i am trying to make sure i use the best parts possible.

[JWall]

Both of my 98's are lowered with Western Chassis parts with no complaints.
(My 76 was too before bagging it).
However I do admit I prefer running a shock different than WC's, theirs seem to be a little soft in my opinion. Both these trucks have Doetsch Tech shocks on them.

[Coursey]

Does the western chassis c notch wrap around the frame "like a C" or is it shaped more like an "L"? I can not find a good picture?

Does the WC spindle move the wheels in/out at all?

Would the stock 235/75 r15 tires and wheels clear ok? (plan to replace for a set of 20" later).

[JWall]

Originally Posted by Coursey

Does the western chassis c notch wrap around the frame "like a C" or is it shaped more like an "L"? I can not find a good picture?

Does the WC spindle move the wheels in/out at all?

Would the stock 235/75 r15 tires and wheels clear ok? (plan to replace for a set of 20" later).

The notch goes under but then also then has a piece that comes back out at the top towards the outside of the frame... the pic below is the best i could find. So I guess it'd be more of an S than a C or L.

In my experience the WC spindles do not move the wheels out.

I do not see any way the stock tires would work at all on a 5" drop.
I run around a 27" diameter tire & the stocks are about 29".

[Tom]

Originally Posted by JWall

Both these trucks have Doetsch Tech shocks on them.

Oh yes, doetsch tech all the way. They rock.
OP- pretty much everyone is quality with the exception of DJM. Seen too many shakey product reviews in the last couple years to trust them anymore.

[Coursey]

Thanks JWall.

Looks like you have to notch the bed brace as well when dropping 7".

[JWall]

Originally Posted by Coursey

Thanks JWall.

Looks like you have to notch the bed brace as well when dropping 7".

Yes, it needs to be notched above the rear end.

[Coursey]

I confirmed with both Belltech and Western Chassis that there spindles are not supposed to change the track width.