Drop kit Install and Ideas for quick turnaround

[longorange68]

Bought an ECE 3.5-5 drop kit a few weeks ago. Very complete kit with a set of 2.5 inch drop spindles. Want to put this in myself with the help of a buddy, and I would like to minimize the downtime that I will have with this install. I am looking for a used set of upper and lower control arms that I can sandblast and paint, and get bearings pressed onto so I can remove and replace the original set quickly. I will also be getting some new tie rod ends and other front end stuff so I can be totally done with the suspension all at once. Can anybody find any fault in my logic, or is there anything I have missed? I would like some opinions on this so I only have to do this once.

[Riveted1]

Fastest way would be to use your original control arms and just put the drop kit on. But, since it seems like you want it to be pretty, I would suggest buying new control arm shafts (upper and lower) while you're at it. Reason being is that getting the old ones out of your old control arms and into the "new" ones may prove to be a royal PITA. At least mine are behaving that way. If you have an impact wrench w/ 1 3/8" socket (upper) and 1 5/8" socket (lower), then you may have more luck than me. But those sockets are expensive(!) so I've been going at it the old fashioned way. The rest of it you should be able to do pretty quickly if everything cooperates. Just my .02. Good luck!

[Dingfodgy]

Your logic is sound.. a bit overkill, but effective. Just make sure you have everything you need on hand such as;
Bearing Grease
Brake Fluid
Brake Cleaner
Pickle Fork
plus all your parts with new bearings, bushings, seals, etc. Also, If you're going to replace the control arm bushings and tie-rods, you might as well replace the ball joints too.

[Woobie]

A buddy of mine helped lower my truck over Memorial weekend. Got everything together, (including ball joints and sway bar), and went at it. Took the two of us right at 18 hrs total. Having never done any of this, we didn't think that was so bad. DID have to buy a new torque wrench for the u-bolt nuts though. Oh, love the look AND the ride.

Regards,
Paul

[longorange68]

Thanks again for the words of wisdom. Dingfodgy, oddly enough my truck is from St. Helens, interesting to find someone from there posting about how to help me. I pretty much have an entire side of my family that still lives in your town, maybe I will see you driving around soon. Thanks again to all for the help.

[Riveted1]

Originally Posted by Dingfodgy

Your logic is sound.. a bit overkill, but effective. Just make sure you have everything you need on hand such as;
Bearing Grease
Brake Fluid
Brake Cleaner
Pickle Fork
plus all your parts with new bearings, bushings, seals, etc. Also, If you're going to replace the control arm bushings and tie-rods, you might as well replace the ball joints too.

Yeah, that too... kinda figured you knew about that stuff tho... :-)