Air bag Question

[andrewmp6]

Also watch your local craigslist i see drop kits on there sometimes dirt cheap.I would hold off on air bags tell you get it more safe to drive.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ANDREW

what if i raised the rear with a block?

With the axle flipped to the top of the spring pack, a block won't 'raise' the vehicle height.

[ANDREW]

So what can i do....

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ANDREW

So what can i do....

Buy spindles & springs for the front or 'un-flip' the rear & get some shackles & hangers for less drop in the rear (shackle/hanger = 4" drop; flip-kits = 6" drop).

Either option involves spending money. Doings spindles/springs would be the easiest & best since you mentioned the front suspension is suspect.

[ANDREW]

Ok sounds good so i need to buy some new front drop spindles..(where can i get them cheap) and what if i cut a coil or two off stock spring will that work and a new set of correct drop shocks

also am i going to be able to run the same size tires and rims the rims that are going to be on the truck are 16" ralleys with a 245/76/16

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ANDREW

Ok sounds good so i need to buy some new front drop spindles..(where can i get them cheap) and what if i cut a coil or two off stock spring will that work and a new set of correct drop shocks

also am i going to be able to run the same size tires and rims the rims that are going to be on the truck are 16" ralleys with a 245/76/16

Google 3/4 ton dropped spindles for prices.

As we've mentioned, cutting stock coils is ok if done in moderation. Don't cut more than one coil.

When not using a 'kit' that has everything designed to work together seemlessly, measure the travel distance available for the shocks after dropping & then decide if aftermarket drop shocks (typically more expensive) are needed. Off the shelf replacement shocks might still work.

That front tire size is 30" tall. That's not going to allow much drop w/o rubbing. My 1/2 ton has approx 5-6" front drop. With a 28" tall front tire, it buzzed constantly. Add 2" of height to that size & that means @ approx 4" of drop (a 2.5" spindle w/no more than a coil is approx 4-5" of drop) you're still likely to buzz the inner fenders.

[ANDREW]

So what should i do im confused now so i need drop spindles shocks and new tires ??

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ANDREW

So what should i do im confused now so i need drop spindles shocks and new tires ??

Us not knowing what you have makes it hard to offer legit, cost effective suggestions. I recommed taking a pic of the truck & get it on here so we can see what you're working with.

Dropped spindles will get you lower in the front w/o hurting the ride quality @ all so I would go that route since your initial post was about bagging the truck for drop & improving the ride quality.

Like stated, 30" tall front tires are going to require careful consideration when selecting drop parts (or fabrication skill to correct interference issues).

[ANDREW]

Heres a pic of the truck as it sits now..


do u also need a pic of the acutal suspension
thanks alot SCOTI you have been a real help and i know when i get this done it will be right

front tire


here is the pic of the new rims going on hopefully i can keep the same tires just swap them over

[SCOTI]

Ok.... Now we have a visual of what your working with. Drop spindles & different (shorter) front tires should be the first purchases. Start looking for spindles & get back to us w/what you find on pricing (yep, a homework assignment ).

[justpball]

yea I agree with scoti, first do spindles and a little bit shorter front tire and I think you will be a lot better off. That is not going to fix your spring chatter problem...sounds maybe like your shock is bottoming out.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by justpball

yea I agree with scoti, first do spindles and a little bit shorter front tire and I think you will be a lot better off. That is not going to fix your spring chatter problem...sounds maybe like your shock is bottoming out.

Or the spring is too short & becomes 'loose' when the suspension extends (common issue when too much is cut from a coil spring).

Andrew, Google/search tire size 215-70-16 for your front tire selection. Tire Rack lists avg height @ 27.8" tall & price ranges from $80-150+. You can save your current fronts to use later on the rear to help the budget.

[ANDREW]

Ok well i found some drop spindles on ebay 240$ and i have my stock springs i will cut if i put 2 1/2 drop spindles and 1 coil cut from stock springs how much drop will that be

again thanks guys for all ur help

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ANDREW

Ok well i found some drop spindles on ebay 240$ and i have my stock springs i will cut if i put 2 1/2 drop spindles and 1 coil cut from stock springs how much drop will that be
again thanks guys for all ur help

4-5" of front drop depending on the amount of 'sag' the front springs have. That should put you where you need to be for a good compromise w/the rear @ it's current state. The 28" tall front tires should also work well w/up to a 5" drop.

[ANDREW]

The springs are like brand new.. are the spindles cheap for that price so i made a quick list of spindles cut springs shocks and some new tires ny thing else

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ANDREW

The springs are like brand new.. are the spindles cheap for that price so i made a quick list of spindles cut springs shocks and some new tires ny thing else

Does it already have a sway bar? That would be good to have as well if it doesn't. Don't forget the alignment you'll need after installation.

[ANDREW]

Yes it does any tips on how to install the spindles

[SCOTI]

I can only recommend using a Chiltons or factory assembly manual for how-to insight.

[jbmatth]

If you have the extra money, I highly reccomend replacing the ball joints and tie rod ends if you haven't already.

[justpball]

yea the ball joints will need to be replaced if they havent been in a while because they will not align it if it is sloppy.

[BGRAFX]

Is this a 3/4t airbagged truck??? Those ralies have 8lug center caps is why I'm asking...its good to have a knowledgable and helpful group of guys in this forum.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by BGRAFX

Is this a 3/4t airbagged truck??? Those ralies have 8lug center caps is why I'm asking...its good to have a knowledgable and helpful group of guys in this forum.

That's the direction he wanted to go. It seems out of budget @ the moment so he's trying to purchase the drop spindles & just get his suspension 'sorted' before moving on.