Day one of 2/4 drop spring install

[Navy Mechanic]

First...thanks to all that suggested going to ECE. Drove up there today and got the parts for the 2/4 install (plus some visor hooks and new grill emblem). They were extremely helpful, friendly and professional.

Most of this evening was spent getting the truck situated on jack stands to facilitate the job but did get the right side bag and old shock removed. You can see in the pictures where the brake line bracket has been hitting the exhaust and the axle tubes have hit the frame.

Installing front and rear springs, shocks, shock relocation brackets and a super track bar. Haven't done this before so any tips, advice, etc is welcomed.

[Navy Mechanic]

Probably should've posted somewhere else...still learning my way around. Any words of wisdom (or caution) when I go to install this kit? Also, is the hole that was cut in the frame for the airbag valve going to be an issue when I install the coil spring?

[clos69]

Nice buy....is there a reason why you decided to go with springs instead of the airbags? Too many issues with the bags? I figured you would have a better (softer) ride with bags.

[cdowns]

pictures too big cant read your post,too much effort involved

[tubbedII]

I don't think the hole for the air line is going to be an issue, but did you get the spring retainers for the rear? I just do see them in the pics. Other than that, the install should be pretty straight forward.

I too am just curious as to why the switch from bags to springs...

[Navy Mechanic]

Originally Posted by clos69

Nice buy....is there a reason why you decided to go with springs instead of the airbags? Too many issues with the bags? I figured you would have a better (softer) ride with bags.

The bags leaked down to nothing everyday and couldn't get them to level out. Don't have a need to adjust the ride height so just wanted the simplicity and reliability of a standard spring set up.

[Navy Mechanic]

Originally Posted by tubbedII

I don't think the hole for the air line is going to be an issue, but did you get the spring retainers for the rear? I just do see them in the pics. Other than that, the install should be pretty straight forward.

I too am just curious as to why the switch from bags to springs...

Got the retainers and associated hardware. I've got the frame on jack stands with another set supporting the rear end. Don't need a spring compressor, right? I can drop the rear enough to install the springs extended?

[Clyde65]

I think the easiest way to do the rear is to loosen the upper spring mount and remove shock, then jack the frame up and the spring should come out real easy.