Lowering kit question

[jstrong394]

Looking to order a drop kit. The max I want to go is a 2.5/4. Is there anything I can buy that doesn't drop that much?

[Tx Firefighter]

2.5 inch spindles in the front and hangers and shackles in the rear will get you the desired 2.5/4 drop.

Summit has free shipping on all orders over 99 dollars. Shouldn't be too much money for both items, all said and done.

[jstrong394]

Alright thanks sounds simple enough

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by jstrong394

Looking to order a drop kit. The max I want to go is a 2.5/4. Is there anything I can buy that doesn't drop that much?

2.5/4in isnt much of a drop but if you want less than that you can cut one round off the front coil springs and add a 2in drop shackle for a 2/2in drop for $50+ the cost of a front end alignment. I think you will be happier with the 2.5/4in IMHO.

[jstrong394]

If I do the shackles in the rear do I have to notch the frame. I seen in lmc catalog theirs say that you have to notch it

[J Knight]

Originally Posted by jstrong394

If I do the shackles in the rear do I have to notch the frame. I seen in lmc catalog theirs say that you have to notch it

No, you need to drop 6in or more before you need a c-notch.

[piecesparts]

You WILL have to notch the bed cross bar with the shackles that are used in the back. But that is not too hard to do. The frame will be jsut fine, though.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

You WILL have to notch the bed cross bar with the shackles that are used in the back. But that is not too hard to do. The frame will be jsut fine, though.

This will depend on what length leaf springs the OP has.
One length requires notching,... the other doesn't.
Your truck will have either 52" or 56" leaf springs.

[piecesparts]

So far, every one that I have done, had to notch the bed support.

[jstrong394]

I guess I will just have to find out I think the 2.5/4 gives the trucks a whole new look

[bigblock73]

Originally Posted by piecesparts

So far, every one that I have done, had to notch the bed support.

So far every truck you have had has had the shorter 52" springs.

I notched my bed in my old 73, turned out I didn't have to because I had the longer 56" springs...they sat behind the cross brace I cut out.

[truckfan]

Any more comments on this.

[MalibuSSwagon]

I bought 2.5 in drop spindles and 4" rear hanger drop kits. Both Western Chassis brand. Bought the hanger kit from Summit Racing on ebay, $155 and free shipping. Also found the spindles on eBay, they were a special promotional sale at $239 with free shipping direct from Western Chassis. Screaming deal, they only had 3 sets available and I snagged the last set, normally they are $250 plus shipping on their site. You might get lucky and find them on sale again.

Install was fairly easy. For the hanger kit make sure you have an air chisel and grinder, fastest way to remove the rivets is to chisel them off. You need to remove 6 rivets on each front hanger. If you're like me and going to longer springs, (or shorter) you also need to chisel off the rivets on the rear bracket. The Western Chassis kit comes with enough grade 8 bolts to install the front brackets to the frame. If you need any leaf spring mounting bolts you'll have to source those yourself. The front bracket is wider than the 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton springs, I assume because this kit is also designed for use on 1 ton trucks with wider leafs? I just cranked down the front bolts once the truck was on the ground.

Front spindles were pretty straight forward. Remove old spindles, install new ones. Only tricky issue was a casting flaw which didn't allow the front caliper to fit right on one spindle. I just cleaned up the mounting ear with the 4.5 grinder and good to go. Other issue you are going to have is the brake line is not going to fit, you're going to have to bend the caliper end to clear the spindle. Yes, everyone has to do that. Otherwise, the fit was great. I specially bought western chassis because members have reported issues of stock wheel fitment with other brands. My buddy bought an off brand thru some group buy and his 15x6 steelies wouldn't fit. So I wanted to make sure my 15x8 rally wheels would fit. Besides, most other brands are made in china and yes, they are around $200 shipped off eBay. Western Chassis is made in USA, and for the price difference, it's not much more to support an American company, and a US-based workforce. Plus getting a quality part that will fit right.

[truckfan]

Originally Posted by MalibuSSwagon

I bought 2.5 in drop spindles and 4" rear hanger drop kits. Both Western Chassis brand.**** Plus getting a quality part that will fit right.

Eric, thanks for the info. that is great instruction. i think that is what I will do.