Lowering a truck. Any suggestions???

jauto98

I'm thinking about getting a Chevy Silverado or a GMC Sierra regular cab and would like to get some info on lowering it (say 2 inches front and 4 inches rear). What kits do you suggests? What are the pros and cons? How well does it perform? Will it void the manufacture warranty? Anything else I should know??? Thanks

mdecamps

It ruins a good truck. Believe me, I used to have one. DON'T DO IT!!!

eagle63

other than the fact that it looks horrible?? -sorry, I just had to take a jab.

redsilverado

try emailing dave about what you want to do. his addres; superd68@swbell.net
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he's a super nice guy and will even email his ph.# to ya to talk. there's a lot more to just going with a 2/4 drop as he'll explain to you. seems that a 2/3 drop is the better way to go and if you go with the other options needed, you'll still be able to use the truck as a truck.
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red

jauto98

Hey all, I really like the look of a lowered truck (though not one that is slammed to the ground), and would probably be safer to drive since the center of gravity is lower compared to stock. Though a 2/3 or 2/4 inch lowering of the truck is my main thinking, I hope to get anti-roll bars or sway bars as well as some aftermarket tire and wheel combination and a host of other mods. However, I still hope to use the truck as what god intended a truck to be, to be able to haul an occassional load. But mostly, the truck would be used for commuting to and from work after I graduate from college in a couple of years. I have thought about installing airbags, but the cost is too great. Also, figuring I'm studying to be a Mechanical Engineer (like to take things apart, hehe), I would like to do the mods myself. So this is also a learning experience. However, if the mods do nothing but for show, then I may just settle leaving the suspension stock and get some aftermarket tire and wheel combination or get something like the new trailblazer or envoy (or, god forbid.. a CAR... hehe).

michgndr

No self-respecting mechanical engineer would drive a lowered truck. :-(

But good luck.

ryanbab

nope we drive Z71's haha

j/k

also you have to consider some components of your warrenty possibly being voided. Check with your dealer before you take anything apart.

Ryan

markg92

thanks for bringing up this subject...

Other that ruining a perfectly good truck, what is the point of DECREASING clearance? Ever seen a slammed truck try to enter/exit most parking lots? Because of their long wheelbase, they bottom out on even the slightest drainage swale. If you like "the look", then 2-4 inches is barely noticeable -- only makes the truck look like its got no balls.

If the idea is to improve handing, buy an Accord, or worse yet, slam one. That also looks goofy, but at least it achieves a goal of improved cornering. If its all about looks, do what you want but don't forget to save lots of money for 20" wheels, clear tail-lights (hate em), blackout tinting, and oversize Chinese characters.

The look is cliche -- like the Monte Carlo cugines back in the 80's.

redsilverado

simply asked about lowering kits and what not, and everybody is bashing him. you guys remind me of the town clowns that have all the negative blurps to someones questions on the audio boards. hey that's it.....reading deficiency. cause the question wasn't "what do you think" it was .........read it again. Doh!

michgndr

Aw, red, you ain't letting us have any fun.

One of the questions was "Anything else I should know???"

Yeah, it looks stupid. IMHNewbieO, of course.

LOL. Suffering through another slow Monday.

redsilverado

.

markg92

Sorry I got carried away. My point remains that 2-4 inches will not achive "the look", but the resultant lack of clearance disallows the truck to perform optimally.

jauto98

Gee.. thanks guys... THIS MAKES ME SAD.... haha.. NO... ye, anyway, I agree a slammed truck is just stupid.... what purpose does it serve.... except for show.. Like I said before, I haven't decided what to get when I get out of college, which is in about a couple of years... so a long time to consider... Maybe a Z-71 like ryan's. Really like the HD's, but I don't think it will fit in the garage... out in the elements... But why would you need the a 4x4 in the south (just for show.. hehe). Although I am Asian and it seems like Asians get this impression from others, I don't particularly like pimping an accord or any car... so thats out of the question... Looks so.. um stupid... especially with the clear lens lights... heck.... I almost ran into one with my sonoma the other day....

Also.. saw one stupid look TUNDRA on the road today, a 2wd extended cab with a big [non-permissible content removed] brushguard with a winch. That i will definitly not do.

Maybe it was a stupid idea to ask about lowering..... but just got done taking a statics class (school for the semester as well), so brain is a little screwy....Anyway... sorry if this offends anyone.... but like red said, i was just asking... Wasn't telling you I was doing it, just thinking...

ricsch

If you want to drop the Silverado, do it!! I will be dropping my Silv. x-cab hopefully within a month, time permitting. I would recommend the 2-4 drop, which will still keep the truck quite usable. I would also recommend checking into Hotchkis Performance (www.hotchkis.com) for the necessary components, they have everything from coils, leafs, sway bars, etc. I will be using the front drop coils, rear lowered leafs (since most other kits use different shackles and hangers, which the stock ones need to be chiseled off, where the replacement leafs are a bolt-on. Everyone that I had talked to that has used their product likes it. I have even talked to a few reps at Hotchkis and they are very helpful. Don't get me wrong, there are several manufacturers that make great products, but for a simple 2-4, this is the way I'd go. I have had 4x4s and my truck before this '01 was a '94 2wd with a 3-5 drop, driven year-round in Wisconsin, no trouble in winter!

jauto98

Thanks ricsch for some "useful" info.. hehe.... anyway... since you have lowered a vehicle before, I was wondering if you have any problems with the kit such as any tire or alignment problems, the suspension bottoming out. How was the ride??? Did it change from stock to a firmer ride, or was it better controlled?? Also, did you install the kit yourself, if so, what tools would be expected for the transplant and any special techniques you used for installation. Have you any info with using dropped spindles for the front or drop blocks for the rear?? Thanks...

redsilverado

also be sure and check with ol superdave about the 2/4 drop. according to dave, if you go 2/4, the truck bottoms out too easily, which is why guys are now going to the 2/3 instead. he also says that after the drop, the truck needed to be "driven" more than before. there's a lot more to dropping the new rados than the old c/k version.

ricsch

I had lowered an '83 S10 using spindles and lowering blocks. Using lowering blocks, you need to watch for the "scrub line" which is if you were to get a flat tire , the rim should still be on the road, not the ends of the u-bolts. Using spindles in some instances, it may not be possible to run the stock wheels, since the wheel is moved up, hence the rim can come in contact with the lower control arm. Alignment has never been a problem using coils or spindles unless you have an extreme drop. Ride will be more firm, but I wouldn't say it harsh. As for bottoming out, it can happen, I had a 3-5 drop on a '94 GMC x-cab and I ended having a c-notch put in the rear frame rails. People that have done a 2-4 on the new Silverados haven't mentioned having to put in a c-notch, and I hope not to but plan on adding some air bags just to aid in towing or hauling. I'm not sure how you intend to use the truck overall, but in driving my past full size truck, it rode fine and handled great. As for installation, you'll need the basic hand tools, jack, jack stands, torque wrench, a spring compresser would be helpful and safe for removal and installing of the front coil springs. A service manual may be helpful( it also gives the torque values) for the removal and install. Hotchkis' website I believe even has the instructions for the procedures, they have them included in the kit for the rear leaf springs, but recommend a professional for the coils, which really aren't that difficult to install. Hope this helps. You may also want to check out the Pacific Audio & Alarm web site and go into the GM truck & sport utility perf. forum for added info from others.

ricsch

The web address for Hotchkis Performance is actually www.hotchkis.net-sorry for the error. I also had contacted Super Dave that redsilverado had mentioned and he was helpful. Also had pics of his truck and it looks great even with the 2/3 drop. As for a 4" drop, I posted on the PAcific Audio site and people highly recommend a c-notch, so I am going to check back with Hotchkis to get the story straight. Also, you may want to check out the July issue of Truckin' magazine-has a article on a 4/6 drop on a regular cab Silverado.

jauto98

Cool ricsch... Ye I have a subscription of Truckin' (just started) and Sport Truck. The articles they have sort of made me interested in lowering a Silverado/sierra. I may take your suggestion on getting dropped coils and lowered leaf springs to prevent any problems if I have a blowout. As for as a -Notch in the frame, I would prefer not too as I am afraid of various problems, such as vibration, integrity problems and such. Anyway, the cost would be too great for justifying cutting into the frame and bed. Like I said in previous posts, I have a while to go before I can even think about this project. Let me know how you progress in your lowering, thanks

Jeff

ricsch

I contacted Hotchkis on the possibility of needing a c-notch, they still say with their kit, it isn't necessary. When I get my truck dropped, I'll post how it goes. I,too, am not excited about cutting up the truck, did it on the previous one w/o any ill effects, just want to keep the cost down-need to save cash for some different wheels once it sits right!

ryanbab

i seen a truck which looked lowered yesterday. However all he did was add larger rims to it. Might be a cheap option for you

Ryan

ricsch

it may be cheaper, but it's not just larger tires I personally am looking for. To get the right look, and handling, you need to get the truck closer to the ground. Until you've driven a lowered truck it's hard to explain. Besides, everyone around in my area has a 4x4, and it's fun having that different look. I don't get into a slammed, ground scraping ride for myself, but the right combo of a drop and wheel/tires will work for me.

jauto98

sure... a tire/wheel combo would be nice upgrade and one I would probably do if i decide to lower. However, I don't really like low profile tires and I don't like 20in wheels either. But I want to fill in the wheel wells. I also actually like to see some sidewalls on my tires and too help "cushion" the ride.

Say ricsch, got my issue of sport truck mag and they have an article about installing a Hotchkis Kit, but its on a Dakota though. Maybe it will help???

ricsch

That article will give you an idea as to what is involved. In the July issue though they drop a Silverado. A guy on another site used the Hotchkis kit and experiences only occasional bottoming-when hit really bad bumps. For wheels, I will only go to a 17" to keep a decent size sidewall for ride comfort, even though 20's look good on these trucks, their out of my $$$ range.

ryanbab

http://www.gmextreme.com

The guy who owns this truck is named larry he is a moderator over there

ricsch

seen this truck, looks good, but personally too low for me-live in Wisconsin, drive it all year round. A 2/4 drop is my limit to keep it functional-need to be able to pull my snowmobile trailer.

ryanbab

i dont know what size drop that is just thought id post it.

That is way tooooo low. I know thats low for indiana especially for the regular winter blizzards. Would never make it down the street.

Ryan

jauto98

ye... thats really low... looks like a 5/6. The guy needs to get rid of those stock rims, they don't look too good. Other than that, it looks good. Hopefully GMC will still be around when I try to get my truck (hopefully a reg cab sportside sle with the 5.3). Like that bass mouth front end. Anyway, I was reading an article in Sport Truck Magazine today, and it had a guy who lived in New Hampshire who had to fix his truck because his truck was too low, had a 4/6 drop. Couldn't get a registration sticker until it was of adequate height. Later in the mag, they had a website to check out some local laws, thought the website is wrong, but I think I found it (http://www.sema.org/trade/fedleg/). The mag also had a nice looking sierra sportside in pewter lowered to 6/4 in the "Reader's Rides" Looked cool, but still too low, hehe...

ricsch

I seen the truck posted on Pacific Audio's site, the owner is working on the wheel combo, always a good idea to get the truck dropped before the purchase of the new wheels for correct fitment. Truck definately sits low, but as you have seen a pic of super dave's ride, with a 2/3 drop, that is low enough.

ricsch

over the weekend. For those that don't know, it's a '01 2wd x-cab, used a suspension kit from Hotchkis Performance. The install didn't go as smooth as planned, thought putting in 2 coils up front would be a couple hour job at most, well, it would have been if the pass. side spindle would have come loose from the upper balljoint as easy as hitting it a few times with a hammer, after a few choice words, and putting a ball joint separator straight in line of the hub, it came loose, note if you do this, loosen the upper ball joint stud nut down to only a turn or so on the stud, otherwise you'll have to do as I found out-use a c-clamp to reseat the balljoint into the spindle to get the nut all the way off.The rest of the coil replacement went smooth. For the rear leaf swap, if you have a receiver (frame mount) hitch, take it off. And when they tell you to loosen up the fuel tank to be able to move it inward, use a jack to support it (an empty tank would be a plus) and remove the bolts from the tank straps, move them out of the way and drop the tank down enough to move it inward, to gain access to remove the front bolt from the driver's side leaf spring. The rest of the instaall goes pretty smooth. On the ext. cab, you will need to install a carrier bearing relocation bracket, which the one from Hotchkis is simple to install. Using their 2-4 kit, the front did drop 2", and the rear came down 3-3 1/4", which does make the truck sit right, and from the little bit of driving I've done (waiting to get the front end alignment checked) I haven't experienced any sign of bottoming out, there is approx. 2-2 1/2" of space between the rear bumpstops, and the axle. My next addition will be some new shocks for the lowered height, and possibly a set of air bags to aid in towing a trailer. I sure do like the look of the truck, won't have people confusing it with a 4x4 anymore!!!

jauto98

Glad you finally got your truck lowered... Bet it looks real cool and handles well... any chance you can upload some pics or something??? What types of tools/equipment did you use, how long did the complete job take and how much do you estimate lowering the truck??? Thanks for the great info... and let us know how things go...

ricsch

I'll have to work on getting some pics. I would estimate approx. $600 for the drop kit and alignment, with the help of my father, labor was cheap. Tools used-basic hand tools: open end/box end wrenches, sockets, torque wrench, sledge hammer(to knock the spindle loose from the upper balljoint)Used that ball joint separator on the pass. side but the other side came apart without. Nothing too serious as long as things come apart as planned, I would estimate total time (took time to make sure everything was correct) roughly 12 hours. I did the front on Friday, the rear on Saturday. Now if I can decide on some new shocks, since it seems to ride a little soft, I'll be set.

slamedtacoma

hey. i dont have any tech. advice. but i want to say that you guys who keep sayin that it looks stupid should understand that that is opinion. my tacoma is lowered 2 inches. thats all i want. i agree. i dont like them on the ground but that my opinon. and yes it does serve nothing but show but i can do anything i need to w/ my truck. and if i need to go places that my tacoma cant go i can get any one of my freinds 4wd. and oh yeah my gas milage went up when i lowerd mine. less wind resistance, thats a plus w/ the rate of gas

countsmackula1

Here's food for thought------ lowering hurts more than it helps, and uh, what is the point? Trucks are trucks, and need to be able to be as functional as possible. It kinda negates the purpose of having one, know what I mean? Who wants to scrape every curb and rock around? Of all the tacky things people do to defile and violate their vehicles' appearance (eagle murals on hood, trash can exhaust, "spoilers"((how appropriate a term)), foolish stickers, reflectors, boy/girlfriend's name on door, neon lights, hydraulics), lowering surely is the most self-defeating of them all. Just thought I'd spill some of my opinions, I know I'll find no converts on this thread. Whatever floats your boat.Good luck.

ricsch

what kind of ride do you have? Here's one for ya-put a lift kit on a truck, what's it good for unless you actually use it off-road, otherwise it creates problems in handling, getting into garages, need a ladder to wash it, most definately get worse fuel economy. I've had stock height trucks-2 or 4wd, and I'd rather have a lowered, not frame-scrapin' ride-handles better, looks better (my opinion) and it's different from all the rest-individualty. And as I've stated elsewhere, you can haul just as much with a lowered truck as a stock one if done correctly!!! There's my .02. Later

txyank1

I like the looks of a 2-3 or 2-4 drop.

jauto98

Seems like everytime i see a response, people thinking lowering means really low to the ground. people don't seem to understand.... lowering a truck doesn't always mean scraping the ground or being unable to haul stuff.... if you want that... thats called slamming... and too me... that is diffently pointless. But what i was trying to get at with this topic is a mild lowering.. no more than 2 inches lower up front, 4 at the rear. With this application, you get a lower stance, but enough ground clearance to not worry about damaging the vehicle. To me, this setup looks great. But heck... its just my opinon.

By the way, ricsch, how is your silverado doing, any probs??? feedback??? thanks

ricsch

When I get a chance, I will be installing an Airlift Slam Air rear airspring kit w/on-board compressor to aid in towing and as a precaution for possible bottoming(still haven't bottomed out yet!) I have it, now just to get to it. Also purchased a set of Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer lowered shocks, received the fronts, rear are on back order, will be puting those on tonight, possibly the air springs this weekend. That's about it. No problems.

redsilverado

some of us like the way a truck looks when it's dropped a couple of inches. in some cases with the proper shocks, wheels and tires, the truck actually handles better. sounds like you'd be happy with a stripped version of any truck so have at it.

ricsch

put the Air Lift Slam Air on today, install was easy, had to cut off @1"on the threaded ends of the u-bolts since they are a universal fit deal and came close to the brake lines, otherwise went together fine. Mounted the air valves inside the fuel filler door-in the plastic panel. Put the minimum of 10psi, and the trucks sits @1/4" higher, but definately improved the ride, and towing won't be a problem. Installed the Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer shocks upfront, noticable improvement over the stock units also. Next will be to install the on-board compressor and gauge for the air springs, and once the rear shocks show up, should be done with mods for awhile. Still looking for the right wheel/tire combo.

jwhaelen1

I fell over LMAO when I saw a lowered Nissan truck get stuck on a speed-bump at the mall the other day. Now that was absolutely hillarious!(I couldn't stop giggling for hours after) The truck was sitting there,with the stereo blasting out bass,high centered on a speed-bump spinning the tires and putting on a great smoke show for all to see. He immediately turned off his stereo while in the process of getting stuck,and after ruining the bottom of his ride from shifting back & forth on the bump,he tore off in a hurry and blew the rear end out also! All the while,others were rolling on the ground and laughing too! The police came over right away and issued him a ticket,probably for the loud stereo and illegal ride height,who knows what else.He was held for awhile by them. I could never figure out why people would choose to do this to a truck. As Count says, It defeats the whole point of having a truck in the first place! It's just not worth it to me. IMHO, cars look much better lowered,than trucks do. Just sharing my story and opinion on this subject,I'm not trying to step on anyone's toes here.

ricsch

I agree that a slammed pick-up is useless as being used for a truck,good for show & go, and what good is it if you can't get over a simple speed bump-sounds like the Nissan boy needs an air ride set up!! I'll still enjoy driving my lowered Silverado.

jauto98

Grrrrr.... NO COMMENT... (if u want my opinion... read my previous posts)..... sorry...

ricsch

completed the install on the Airlift on board compressor, going to be convenient adjusting by a touch of a button!! I feel confident that I can now haul just as much as a standard height truck w/o any trouble even w/ a 4" drop in the back and no c-notch in the frame. Also added a set of Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammers, good ride!