Lower my ride

[Harley1650]

I put 2" lowering shackles in the rear of my truck. I would like to lower it all the way around a bit more, but don't know anything about lowering kits.

What is the most economical (cheapest) way of doing this but still maintaining its usability as a truck?

[Joe67]

Not sure on the drop but that is a nice truck neighbor

[Harley1650]

Thanks, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. I posted some more pics in the post your ride post.

[LONGHAIR]

"A bit more" ........everywhere? (front/rear)... equally? level or raked? How much is "a little"?

[droppedgmc]

do a 2/4. 2" coils in front and shackle/ hanger kit in the rear.

that will set it level and still be effective for you

[68alltheway]

cheapest???

use a torch to heat the front coils while holding a yard stic to measure the droppage. be sure to let them cool before driving or putting weight on them.

for the rear take the center one or two leafs out.

not the best way to do it but it is the free way. i had a '94 chevy that i dropped this way. it changed the ride a little but not much as long as you have good shocks on the rear. if you need to haul anything heavy go to autozone and get a set of $50 air shocks that will fit and stop by the gas station and air them up. let the air out to drop it back down. i drove my 94 around like this for a couple of years until i slammed it to the pavement. it never messed anything up. plus i hauled my 4wheeler around in it too.

[Harley1650]

I'm liking droppedgmc's idea. I can either cut the front springs or can I buy 2" lower springs? With just springs, would there still be adequate adjustment in camber/caster?

My aftermarket lowering shackles on the rear go right to the bottom of the bed and its still only a 2" drop. Is there a shackle kit that doesn't require cutting holes in the bed?

I would like it another 2-3" (4-5" total) in the rear and 2" in the front. (stock height now) I think that would level it out without

[GMBowtie79]

put a flip kit in the back with the stock shackles,that should get you 4-5" in the back. the front I would use 2 1/2" drop spindles. If that isn't enough in the front you can still cut the springs to get it to sit the way you want. This will keep the suspension in the front with most of the stock ride qualities. If you start off cutting your springs and find out that it's not as low as the back or not how you want it to sit then your stuck getting spindles and springs it's not the cheapest method but with spindles your allignment should stay close to the same as it is now cut springs will definatly change it. with a 4"flip kit in back you wont have to modify your bed and should still have some clearance between the frame and rear end.

[Riveted1]

Maybe I'm starting to show my age, but I would never skimp on my suspension. I know lots of ppl do it, but when I drive a vehicle, I want it to ride and perform well. You can get fairly cheap kits for that body style that will give you either a 2/4 or 4/6 drop (front/rear) that will set it down pretty good and it will be level.
Here is an example... Drop Kits You could also piece together a kit since you already have the shackles for the rear. Belltech, McGaughy's and DJM all make quality parts for that truck.
If you really must go cheap, don't heat the coils. That is the worst thing you could do.

[Harley1650]

It looks like the flip kit and drop spindles are the way to go. Riveted1, I was thinking the same in the back of my mind about skimping on the suspension.

I guess I'll hold off a bit and do it right. Thanks

[GMBowtie79]

The two things you never want to skimp on are suspension and brakes. failure in either aspect can result in major catastrophy, both to you and/or those around you! To me they are unneccesary risks. That might just be my age talking too but they say with age comes wisdom.

[scotts62]

I have a 95 stepside its lowerd 4/6 with a flip kit and c-notches in the rear, and control arms and springs in the front. It rides really good. I wanted to do something different besides cut springs and just "make it work" this time, and do this one right, im pretty happy with it.

[dieselarmy13]

I'm with the majority. Do it right. With that being said, I don't see a huge problem with cutting coils (I did it on mine) but I would never, never heat my springs. If you want to haul stuff, do a flip kit and if you want put air helper springs on. Either way, good luck, and thats a nice lookin truck.