Replicating NorcalSS Drop Kit

[the_tool_man]

Hi all:

I finally had an opportunity to get a drop kit for my Denali (Z55 suspension, which I want to keep), only to find out NorcalSS is out of business. I'm trying to replicate his 2/3-4 drop kit:

Belltech kit 739, which includes:
- Front spindles: Belltech 2509
- Rear springs: Belltech 23323
Rear shock relocation kit: Belltech 6651 <- EDIT: not needed if using the DJM kit below
DJM rear hardware kit: RK2007 <- EDIT: includes shock relocation brackets, LCA relocation brackets and offset sway bar links

Three questions remain:
1: The Belltech kit photos show what appears to be new bumpstops. Can anyone with experience confirm this? If not, where do I source those?
2: What about the Z55 ride height sensor rods? I can make replacements from threaded rod. But I haven't found where anyone has documented the thread size needed (aside from one thread where someone said 1/8", which isn't a screw size, lol). Does anyone know? I'm thinking #10-24, or M5x0.8?
3: One YT video I watched also showed offset rear swaybar links. Are these really needed? I don't see them in photos of his kit.

If it matters, I plan to do the free travel mod. I also plan to upgrade to Hellwig swaybars at some point.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[TollKeeper]

Where did you hear that NorcalSS was out of business?

As for the offset rear stabilizer bar, yes it is needed if going over 3 inchs drop for the rear.

 

[the_tool_man]

Where did you hear that NorcalSS was out of business?

As for the offset rear stabilizer bar, yes it is needed if going over 3 inchs drop for the rear.

His website doesn't have a functioning payment system. When I asked around, I was told he'd been hacked. I did some checking and found he hasn't been on here since April. I texted him, IM'd him, and reached out to him on Twitter a week ago. Nothing. So whether he's officially out of business or not, he effectively is.

Thanks for the other info.

 

[mb1500]

10-24x3 works nicely.

 

[the_tool_man]

Okay, so I found DJM makes the offset sway bar links. They also have a drop kit that includes shock relocation brackets and LCA relocation brackets. The full kit is recommended even for just a 3" drop. So it might make sense to order that kit and not the Belltech shock relocation brackets.

 

[a4edwin]

I think you need to check him on instagram

 

[the_tool_man]

I think you need to check him on instagram

Like I already said. I sent a follow request. Nothing.

 

[TollKeeper]

I only researched the drop kit a bit, than sold the Esky..

What I can tell you, if you do the drop spindles, which I do recommend, make sure you have 19" rims or larger. 17" and most 18" rims dont clear the ball joint.

 

[iamdub]

Okay, so I found DJM makes the offset sway bar links. They also have a drop kit that includes shock relocation brackets and LCA relocation brackets. The full kit is recommended even for just a 3" drop. So it might make sense to order that kit and not the Belltech shock relocation brackets.

Yes. The Belltech shock relocators will not work with the DJM LCA relocators. Getting the whole kit is best. DJM is also the only manufacturer of the offset sway bar links.

The rest is standard Belltech parts, available everywhere online.

You have lots of options for low-profile bump stops for the rear. I've been dropped over two years and still haven't installed bump stops. I've towed trailers and cars and have never bottomed out. Definitely do the free travel mod. Look at universal bumps stops such as Energy Suspension #9.9132G. The "G" is for the color (graphite), replace it with "R" if you want red. The rearmost ear at the top of the panhard bracket on the axle (driver side) will hit the cross member before the axle bottoms on the frame. I run Air Lift bags with 8-10 psi when not towing. They're about as firm as stock, maybe slightly firmer. Without the air, it's a bit too cushy for my style of driving.

I bought 6" pieces of stainless 10-24 allthread to make my link rods:

Growing up doesn't have to suck

I really hate that you've started shortening your posts. I wanted you to keep up with the super duper detailed experience logs. Sry. Hd 2 gt bk 2 wrk on Taho. Yal gon hav 2 jst fil n da blnks.

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

The plastic ends aren't threaded. Actually, they're splined. The 10-24 threaded rod screws into the plastic and makes its own threads. It's very secure. The key to maintaining factory function is to put the sensors right back where they were when the vehicle was at stock height. So, mark the sensors accurately BEFORE you drop it. I used a silver Sharpie to make alignment marks, then used my razor knife to scratch a line in the center of that silver mark for razor sharp (literally) accuracy and better visibility.

 

[the_tool_man]

Yes. The Belltech shock relocators will not work with the DJM LCA relocators. Getting the whole kit is best. DJM is also the only manufacturer of the offset sway bar links.

The rest is standard Belltech parts, available everywhere online.

You have lots of options for low-profile bump stops for the rear. I've been dropped over two years and still haven't installed bump stops. I've towed trailers and cars and have never bottomed out. Definitely do the free travel mod. Look at universal bumps stops such as Energy Suspension #9.9132G. The "G" is for the color (graphite), replace it with "R" if you want red. The rearmost ear at the top of the panhard bracket on the axle (driver side) will hit the cross member before the axle bottoms on the frame. I run Air Lift bags with 8-10 psi when not towing. They're about as firm as stock, maybe slightly firmer. Without the air, it's a bit too cushy for my style of driving.

I bought 6" pieces of stainless 10-24 allthread to make my link rods:

Growing up doesn't have to suck

I really hate that you've started shortening your posts. I wanted you to keep up with the super duper detailed experience logs. Sry. Hd 2 gt bk 2 wrk on Taho. Yal gon hav 2 jst fil n da blnks.

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

The plastic ends aren't threaded. Actually, they're splined. The 10-24 threaded rod screws into the plastic and makes its own threads. It's very secure. The key to maintaining factory function is to put the sensors right back where they were when the vehicle was at stock height. So, mark the sensors accurately BEFORE you drop it. I used a silver Sharpie to make alignment marks, then used my razor knife to scratch a line in the center of that silver mark for razor sharp (literally) accuracy and better visibility.

Thank you for all the info. This is exactly the type of experience-based feedback I was looking for.

 

[the_tool_man]

Now if I could just find his prices, lol.

 

[HansJr]

His website doesn't have a functioning payment system. When I asked around, I was told he'd been hacked. I did some checking and found he hasn't been on here since April. I texted him, IM'd him, and reached out to him on Twitter a week ago. Nothing. So whether he's officially out of business or not, he effectively is.

Thanks for the other info.

You know I searched NorcalSS on here and this thread popped up. Glad I did cause I've been going thru the same thing. No contact on ANY avenue when trying to contact. Been trying for about 2 weeks now. Thanks for posting. Gave me some good info on what to source myself now.

 

[pwtr02ss]

Now if I could just find his prices, lol.

In the past when Ive ordered drop stuff, he was never cheaper than what I had found elsewhere, just fyi. He seems like a nice guy though. I remember him from my way back when s10forum days back in like 2001-2002. I always tried to give him a shot, but money is money. You can probably find what you need and order it elsewhere.

 

[the_tool_man]

In the past when Ive ordered drop stuff, he was never cheaper than what I had found elsewhere, just fyi. He seems like a nice guy though. I remember him from my way back when s10forum days back in like 2001-2002. I always tried to give him a shot, but money is money. You can probably find what you need and order it elsewhere.

It might be a reflection that his website hasn't been updated in a while, plus the recent price increases for most everything. But his $550 kit costs about $800 when sourced separately right now.

 

[pwtr02ss]

It might be a reflection that his website hasn't been updated in a while, plus the recent price increases for most everything. But his $550 kit costs about $800 when sourced separately right now.

Cant go wrong when you're saving money. Have you tried calling him? I know he used to have his phone number in his sig but I haven't seen him in a bit.

Good luck with it though. I'm looking forward to finished pics.

 

[iamdub]

Thank you for all the info. This is exactly the type of experience-based feedback I was looking for.

Glad to help. Also, I meant to say that I'm running Jeep TJ coils in the rear. Whatever coil you end up with might not NEED the helper bags. I specifically wanted a softer spring to reinforce with the bags in an attempt to control them with the factory ALC compressor. Why? Because I'm a stubborn idiot that might just hate himself.

 

[iamdub]

It might be a reflection that his website hasn't been updated in a while, plus the recent price increases for most everything. But his $550 kit costs about $800 when sourced separately right now.

His kit might not be $550 any more. It might be advertised as that, but if it's not available, then it could be priced at $5 and it wouldn't matter.

I can't speak for your area, but I see GMT900 drop parts all the time on my local Marketplace. Mostly BT spindles, struts and rear shocks (for trucks). I think the biggest hurdle is finding the rear coils you want.

 

[the_tool_man]

Glad to help. Also, I meant to say that I'm running Jeep TJ coils in the rear. Whatever coil you end up with might not NEED the helper bags. I specifically wanted a softer spring to reinforce with the bags in an attempt to control them with the factory ALC compressor. Why? Because I'm a stubborn idiot that might just hate himself.

For now, my plan is to use the BT rear coils and retain the factory Z55 shocks. I've seen a number of recommendations for using Trailblazer coils instead. If the ride is too firm, I'll try a pair of those later. It looks like the rear coil swap is the easiest part of the whole process.

His kit might not be $550 any more. It might be advertised as that, but if it's not available, then it could be priced at $5 and it wouldn't matter.

I can't speak for your area, but I see GMT900 drop parts all the time on my local Marketplace. Mostly BT spindles, struts and rear shocks (for trucks). I think the biggest hurdle is finding the rear coils you want.

I doubt it would be that anymore. I did a fair bit of looking, and the prices are within 10% of each other everywhere. I ended up getting the best price for the BT kit on eBay with free shipping (no small thing since those spindles are HEAVY). I found the DJM kit in a few places. Once I factored in shipping, they were within $5 everywhere, with DJM being the least expensive with their flat-rate shipping. Parts ordered. Now I can work on the free travel mod while I have a few days off at Christmas.

 

[the_tool_man]

Cant go wrong when you're saving money. Have you tried calling him? I know he used to have his phone number in his sig but I haven't seen him in a bit.

Good luck with it though. I'm looking forward to finished pics.

I didn't call him. But I texted him, assuming he'd respond to that before he'd answer a call from an unknown number. No response.

I sincerely hope Tony is okay. It's kinda weird that he'd just ghost everyone like that. I would expect better of a reputable business. So it does make me wonder if something happened to him. Whatever happened, it must be permanent. I noticed as of today he's no longer listed as a supporting vendor. This changed in the last week or so.

 

[iamdub]

I've seen a number of recommendations for using Trailblazer coils instead. If the ride is too firm, I'll try a pair of those later. It looks like the rear coil swap is the easiest part of the whole process.

I've heard of using DJM 4" drop coils for a Trailblazer in a Tahoe/Yukon for ~5" of drop and really nice ride. Of course, "nice ride" is subjective. You could always use spacers if the drop is too much. Supposedly, these coils were much preferred over the BT ~4" coils. I only have personal experience with the BT 5305, McG 33052 and the Jeep springs. The Jeep springs were a total fluke. I nabbed them out of my buddy's scrap yard pile because they looked like the McG coils I had at home. The BT 5305 got me around 3.5", I think. The McG 33052 were listed as a 3" drop and, IIRC, I got 2.5". Them and the BTs might would've ended up at their 3" and 4" respective advertised drops had I kept them in longer. But, I was experimenting and swapping coils around. The TJ coils got me right about 4.5" after settling. All my drop stuff starts here: https://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/threads/growing-up-doesnt-have-to-suck.93510/post-1394964

I doubt it would be that anymore. I did a fair bit of looking, and the prices are within 10% of each other everywhere. I ended up getting the best price for the BT kit on eBay with free shipping (no small thing since those spindles are HEAVY). I found the DJM kit in a few places. Once I factored in shipping, they were within $5 everywhere, with DJM being the least expensive with their flat-rate shipping. Parts ordered. Now I can work on the free travel mod while I have a few days off at Christmas.

Cool! Movin on in life. Here's my FTM stuff. Note the UCA. I detached it from the axle, loosened the frame side, rotated it up outta the way then tightened the frame side bolt to hold it. Only took a few seconds with the impact to not have that arm in the way.