Most economical drop solution

[Chris Coufal]

This has probably been addressed 100000X already......and I've been reading for 2 straight weeks and I'm still confused.....so I'm going to ask. I know there are all sorts of projects/builds on here for me to gain your knowledge from. So here goes:

First, I'm trying to decide which way is the best bang for the buck from a drop perspective. Secondly, I'm trying to figure out what can be done in stages and money permits and what must be done all at the same time. I'd hate to start one route.....only to find out later on that what I had already done conflicts with the next step.

I'm also trying to figure out what the differences are in the PB kits and what is the best way versus what can I use and get the desired look. As much as I'd like to spend 8G on a front and rear drop member with all new control arms.....it's just not what I'm looking to do with this truck. I'm really trying to keep it within a budget and use it as a driver....not the show truck route.

I really like the stage 2 stance and I like that it can retain the factory bed. Can someone explain to me the difference between the drop member front, the stage 2 basic and the stage 2 deluxe? There are no pictures on those last two options. I can see the differences in the rear basic and deluxe kit....but what is the rear drop member? Is the drop member needed for the stage 2 stance?

Also are the trailing arms in the deluxe kit for a special purpose? Do they offer additional ground clearance?

I thought about purchasing the CCP kit that had dropped spindles, disk brake conversion, shocks and drop springs for now. Would I be able to go back in later and pull the springs out and put bags? Is that even practical....or should I just spend the money on the bags now? Also if I ran the stock control arms and used bags/spindles up front, would I be able to add the drop member later without replacing the arms?

LOL.....I'm sorta lost here and I'd like to get the truck as low as possible with disks for about $3500 (excluding wheels/tires).

Help please....and thanks

[jayoldschool]

For almost free... cut front coils, Jeep TJ rear coils. You'll find a pair of Jeep coils for under 100, easily. Note, Jeep coils means no cargo/trailer.

[Chris Coufal]

I'm not wanting to go that cheap...LOL. I really want all the creature comforts in this build including a smooth ride. Spindles and drop springs are cheap enough.....but don't really get it as low as I'd like.....and then you have to deal with it being at a constant height which can not be adjusted if needed to get in and out of a driveway or such.

[DLW]

On the PB side of things, you could go with their stage 2 basic rear kit and stage 2 basic front kit, that would put in around $2150. You can also upgrade later on to their drop member and still keep all the parts to use from these kits. You will also need an air management system and depending how elaborate you want to go on that will determine the cost. I'd say you will be close, maybe a little over your $3500 budget with that.

I'm not sure exactly what your going for look wise though, but I'm assuming you don't want lower than the stage 2 system since after that your talking bed mods. You probably already seen this on PB's site, but here is an example of the different drops http://pbfab.com/60-66-stance-guide.

Pro performance is also a dealer for them and have descriptions and better pictures than PB's site http://www.azproperformance.com/Port...brication.html. They don't list the stage 2 basic front kit but PB does have it, should include shocks, shock brackets, bags and their control arms, I believe.

Anyway, just some ideas for your budget with re-usability in mind should you upgrade later on to say their drop member, trailing arms etc. I'm sure there are some other expenses not accounted for, always is...Like drop spindles, stuff like that.

[LVPhotos]

I have done mine in stages. Rear bag kit from Ride Tech $300 on Schrader valve. Found front Firestone 2600 bags for $120. Run the Schrader valve and save up for compressor. Rear bags and cut front spring. The rear will be better baged for adjustable height and ride. The lower you go the rear axle travels fwd so maybe a block to help.

[Clyde65]

I have also done mine in stages.

1. 2" drop springs up front, 4" in rear. adj panhard bar
2. drop spindles
3. replace rear springs with bags and schrader valve.
4. to be determined. I like the stance now.

[Budget63]

Is anyone running a Porter Built with an air management system less expensive than Accuair?

[LVPhotos]

I done my homework and for what I want price to be the same ballpark. Least expensive is 1 Viair compressor, 1 tank 3-5 gal, manual toggle. Versus full e-ride over $1500. Find your local mini truck club, they seem to have best answers. Maybe some left over parts.

[LVPhotos]

Park it on the grass, good for 2" min.

[NEWFISHER]

Originally Posted by Budget63

Is anyone running a Porter Built with an air management system less expensive than Accuair?

Contact Borris aka way2lo for his manual valve , dual gauge dual needle switch panel, bags and hardware for a super deal.

[Chris Coufal]

Originally Posted by LVPhotos

I have done mine in stages. Rear bag kit from Ride Tech $300 on Schrader valve. Found front Firestone 2600 bags for $120. Run the Schrader valve and save up for compressor. Rear bags and cut front spring. The rear will be better baged for adjustable height and ride. The lower you go the rear axle travels fwd so maybe a block to help.

What exactly are you talking about with the schrader valve? Any shots?

[Figuarus]

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

For almost free... cut front coils, Jeep TJ rear coils. You'll find a pair of Jeep coils for under 100, easily. Note, Jeep coils means no cargo/trailer.

how much drop did you get with the TJ coils?

I was thinking about going this route...

[Clyde65]

Originally Posted by Chris Coufal

What exactly are you talking about with the schrader valve? Any shots?

A Schrader valve is the same as your tires have to put in and let out air.

Mine is at the rear by the license plate.