Need new shocks... thinking of a 2/3 drop... advice?

[cfmistry]

So at 175k miles my front shocks are toast. I’m thinking about running some drop shocks (McG? Belltech?) for a 2/3” drop... anyone else done this? Does it actually drop 2/3” and is the ride comfortable? Seems like everyone prefers to do the spindle drop but since my shocks need replacement this might make more sense.

Oh and I don't have autoride or anything fancy.

Thanks,
Cyrus

 

[Jason in DLH]

Sweet ride! I, too, have been researching drops and I believe I’ll be going with Belltech 2/4 drop without autoride as they have progressive spring rates. I don’t believe McG has that (might want to double check). I contacted Belltech directly for help in determining what kit I should use for street performance over OEM ride quality and they got back to my pretty quickly. Good luck! I’m sure others will respond as well.

 

[iamdub]

So at 175k miles my front shocks are toast. I’m thinking about running some drop shocks (McG? Belltech?) for a 2/3” drop... anyone else done this? Does it actually drop 2/3” and is the ride comfortable? Seems like everyone prefers to do the spindle drop but since my shocks need replacement this might make more sense.

Oh and I don't have autoride or anything fancy.

Thanks,
Cyrus

View attachment 262331

Shocks don't drop. The front has struts and the rear has shocks. I have the Belltech struts in the front. No complaints at all. I have no experience with the McG struts. For the rear, you'll need coils to drop it. If you're replacing the shocks, get shorter ones that accompany the amount of drop you get from your coils. Or, if you're not gonna replace the rear shocks, you can use 2" shock extenders since it's only a 3" drop.

 

[cfmistry]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am leaning towards McGaughy's front and rear drop shocks (they have great reviews) and Belltechs springs for the rear (bc they're progressive).

Are spindles easier on the front axles than just drop shocks? I am trying not to sacrifice any other part of the truck by lowering it!

 

[iamdub]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am leaning towards McGaughy's front and rear drop shocks (they have great reviews) and Belltechs springs for the rear (bc they're progressive).

Are spindles easier on the front axles than just drop shocks? I am trying not to sacrifice any other part of the truck by lowering it!

As far as the axles are concerned, drop is drop. You'll only get about 1.75" of drop outta the spindles, though. If you want that full 2" drop in the front, you should go for the STRUTS.

 

[cfmistry]

Ok so I went ahead and ordered the Belltech kit (drop struts). While I'm in there, is there anything else I should replace on the front struts? Like the mount or bearing? Are those common wear items?

 

[Jason in DLH]

Since you’ll remove your calipers... would be a good time to paint them red while you have them hanging from a bungee. I’ve heard others on here gain 10-15 hp by doing so.

 

[cfmistry]

LOL that’s not my style

 

[iamdub]

Ok so I went ahead and ordered the Belltech kit (drop struts). While I'm in there, is there anything else I should replace on the front struts? Like the mount or bearing? Are those common wear items?

At ~190K ish miles, mine were totally fine. It's just a plate with studs that doesn't move, so nothing to wear out. I guess it could rust out if you live in a rusty area. I wish I had gotten new boots, though. See if yours are torn and have those on hand.

 

[91RS]

Bilstien 5100 and do the front drop with knuckles and you will have a fantastic looking, riding, and driving truck.

 

[cfmistry]

Bilstien 5100 and do the front drop with knuckles and you will have a fantastic looking, riding, and driving truck.

While that does sound like a good setup, it is definitely a lot more expensive than the Belltech setup AND I hesitate to use "factory replacement" shocks on a lowered vehicle as they often blow early due to the increased stress.

 

[Shunto]

Paying strict attention to this thread.
Question is this setup suitable for towing?(jetski, small Bass Boat and maybe a small Travel Trailer) You guys didn't mention if you tow any toys - so i will assume that you dont.

 

[Shunto]

While that does sound like a good setup, it is definitely a lot more expensive than the Belltech setup AND I hesitate to use "factory replacement" shocks on a lowered vehicle as they often blow early due to the increased stress.

I have the Bilstiens in my old 4 runner.. Love them.. I have heard about using knuckles.. supposed to be fairly effortless and works well.

 

[91RS]

While that does sound like a good setup, it is definitely a lot more expensive than the Belltech setup AND I hesitate to use "factory replacement" shocks on a lowered vehicle as they often blow early due to the increased stress.

You get what you pay for and suspension and tires are the absolute worst place to go cheap because it'll ruin the entire driving experience. The drop knuckles in the front keep the front suspension geometry completely stock (the drop is from the knuckle, not a shorter shock and/or spring) and the shock extenders in the rear will keep the rear shock at very close to the stock length. Use the McGaughys extenders as they drop the shocks down a good bit more than the Belltech ones which really just move the shock mount further back. I'm using this suspension setup with Mag Ride and it rides and drives exactly like stock plus I added the Eibach sway bars to help with handling. If I hadn't already replaced all four shocks before I lowered, I likely would have deleted the Mag Ride and gone with the 5100s.

 

[Shunto]

Thanks 91rs,
For the sake of argument what is roughly the cost difference? are we talking $1k or less or $2k or more for the better setup?

 

[91RS]

Looking at Belltech’s web site, the drop shocks with rear springs to do a 2/3 drop is just under $600. The 2/3-4 kit with knuckles is just under $575. The McGaughys rear shock drop mounts were $65 on eBay if I remember correctly and the 5100s were $350 I’m wanting to say on Amazon. So less than $500 more, maybe less depending on what the Belltech stuff costs elsewhere compared to their web site.

 

[Shunto]

Looking at Belltech’s web site, the drop shocks with rear springs to do a 2/3 drop is just under $600. The 2/3-4 kit with knuckles is just under $575. The McGaughys rear shock drop mounts were $65 on eBay if I remember correctly and the 5100s were $350 I’m wanting to say on Amazon. So less than $500 more, maybe less depending on what the Belltech stuff costs elsewhere compared to their web site.

Thanks for the information,
Ok, So we're not talking a lot of money here.. when the time comes for me this might be a viable option. I know that when i lifted my 4 runner i went with a kit that was recommend to me. it had the 5100's I've been happy every since.
this particular set can one tow with it?

 

[Big Mama]

I’ve had spindles on my 07 for 5 years with no issues. I’m changing my struts soon due to age not from a problem due to lowering 2”. @iamdub correct me if I’m wrong that the spindles keep everything in the factory position.
@Shunto As for towing you should be fine. If not you can add helper bags if you’d like.

 

[91RS]

That would depend more on the springs than the shocks. I’ve towed a little with mine but not nearly maxing it out, just a trailer full of mulch or furniture. Mine still has Autoride so I can’t say how much it would squat with regular stuff.

 

[Shunto]

I’ve had spindles on my 07 for 5 years with no issues. I’m changing my struts soon due to age not from a problem due to lowering 2”. @iamdub correct me if I’m wrong that the spindles keep everything in the factory position.
@Shunto As for towing you should be fine. If not you can add helper bags if you’d like.

Thanks for the reply.. I heard helper bags are pretty useful.