2-3 Inch Drop

[Tonyrodz]

I'm looking for ideas or suggestions. After putting in my kyb's on my ZW7 equipped Hoe, over a certain speed the rear feels like it's wallowing. KYB site said these shocks are compatible with ZW7, but Idk. I've been wanting to lower it anyway, so I'm looking for a 2-3 drop, nothing crazy. I want to stay with these shocks and look for a kit with rear lowering springs. I don't want to do double the work and spend double the money. Anyone have any ideas? @NORCAL SS , any ideas? Thx for any input.

 

[Big Mama]

I did mine separately because i didn't have the cash to do front and rear at once. I was able to keep the stock shocks and ordered Belltech 3" drop springs out back and 2" drop spindles for the front. I didn't see any kits that were cheaper.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Do you have a link for the rear springs? I want to stay away from doing spindles.

 

[05Single]

I read that the adjustable panhard bar and free travel mod are a must for drops.
Im learning as I go just like you. I've never messed with suspension besides stock components

 

[shakedown067]

3" up front do the DJM lower control arms, 2" up front, do the spindles. If you just replaced your front shocks, then you'll want do the spindles. Otherwise you'll need new shocks. Tony, NORCAL SS, has great packages for these trucks. He'll take care of you.

 

[Tonyrodz]

OK. Sounds like a plan. @NORCAL SS , you around?

 

[05Single]

I know its simple (especially with these trucks) and I know how it's done.....I've just actually never physically done it lol. My main problem is autoride.

Don't forget relocation brackets for the rear. My plan was 3-4" in the rear and 2" keys up front till I have $$ for spindles. Keys are bad for your components but atm i drive my tahoe once a week for only just a few miles just to stretch out her legs.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Man, when does it ever end $$!

 

[05Single]

WHEN WE DIE!

 

[shakedown067]

I have 2" spindles and turned down the keys slightly. I should have just done the 3" control arms but didnt think I'd go that low without bagging it. So with that, it's a VERY soft ride, and you can bottom out easily with the keys. Just wanted to let you know the effect of keys. It'll ride like a caddy over small stuff, and slam you over larger pot holes and highway dips (like bridge transitions throughout Louisiana)

 

[Tonyrodz]

I'm not looking for anything radical, I just want a nice little drop, nothing crazy. Don't want to mess with the keys. Rode so much better before I swapped out the stock shocks.

 

[05Single]

Also wheels and tires have an effect. I plan on keeping my 18s for awhile. Should be a good ride. 20s and up can ride smooth or they can ride bad. Not sure what sizes are best cause I've never had bigger than 18s.
Do you have plans for bigger wheels later ?

 

[shakedown067]

I'm running 285/45/22, spindles, 1" drop with stock keys. Rides really nice, but soft for big dips at highway speeds. I'm looking into stiffer or adjustable shocks to cure that. Bump stops are long gone, so that may fix her bottoming out in those conditions as well.

 

[David Paul]

It's been awhile but I think it was Fosscore that made me get my 2/3 drop. Used the 2/3 spindle kit with shocks from Tony. Adjustable panbar, rear drop links, new to me 20" take offs. Did the upper and lower control arms. New swaybar bushings. Truck rode like crap over expansion joints, felt like it was going to shake apart.
Turns out the new suspension/wheels really hylighted how bad the idler and pitman arms were. Replaced those, good to go. If I were to do it again I'd get softer shocks.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Also wheels and tires have an effect. I plan on keeping my 18s for awhile. Should be a good ride. 20s and up can ride smooth or they can ride bad. Not sure what sizes are best cause I've never had bigger than 18s.
Do you have plans for bigger wheels later ?

As far as I know, I'm staying with the 17's, but you know how that goes.

View attachment 72375 It's been awhile but I think it was Fosscore that made me get my 2/3 drop. Used the 2/3 spindle kit with shocks from Tony. Adjustable panbar, rear drop links, new to me 20" take offs. Did the upper and lower control arms. New swaybar bushings. Truck rode like crap over expansion joints, felt like it was going to shake apart.
Turns out the new suspension/wheels really hylighted how bad the idler and pitman arms were. Replaced those, good to go. If I were to do it again I'd get softer shocks.

Did you get everything from Tony? In trying to go as cheap as possible. Just trying to get what I need, without touching the keys. BTW, love those wheels!

 

[shakedown067]

You have to loosen the keys no matter how you drop it. Spindles, lower control arms, drop keys, they all require removal of the key/torson bar to release the tension.

 

[Tonyrodz]

That sux!

 

[NeverSatisfied]

Spindles, rear drop coils, and shock extenders. With a 2/3 drop the adjustable panhard isn't really needed but it is a real nice addition. Spindles are your best bet for the best ride up front and help keep a good alignment. I've never used djm drop arms but haven't heard anything bad minus some ball joints fail quick and the paint wears fast.

If it were me I'd go mcgaughys spindles, belltech rear coils and djm shock extenders

 

[shakedown067]

The keys aren't bad at all. You can rent the tool you need for free from a parts store near you. Once you it do it, you realize how simple and easy they are to work with.

 

[Tonyrodz]

Why shock extenders? What is the purpose of those?