Z71 4x4 drop question

[RedRocker]

NEWBIE ALERT! Ive never altered a 4x4 suspension. Is there any advantages is using springs versus spindles for a mild drop? Does either method have an adverse affect on the integrity of the 4wd system? Ive looked over alot of ideas and opinions on this site but not sure about 2wd suspension mods verses 4wd suspension mods, or if it even matters. Thanks in advance.

 

[KMeloney]

NEWBIE ALERT! Ive never altered a 4x4 suspension. Is there any advantages is using springs versus spindles for a mild drop? Does either method have an adverse affect on the integrity of the 4wd system? Ive looked over alot of ideas and opinions on this site but not sure about 2wd suspension mods verses 4wd suspension mods, or if it even matters. Thanks in advance.

No problem lowering a 4x4 the standard 2"/3" that most people here do.

You can lower the front via drop springs (without doing spindles), but if you have autoride on your truck, you'll not want to go that route (you'll be using the same autoride shock with a shorter spring, so that travel of the shock gets compressed).

I just (TODAY) did spindles and rear springs on my LTZ (4x4 with autoride).

You'll get people who say that they don't understand people lowering 4x4s, but they're talking about hurting ground clearance where off-loading is concerned. If you do it for looks/handling, then there's nothing keeping you from doing it.

 

[RedRocker]

Thanks, glad to hear. I do not have autoride. Also I have 2 extra batteries, subs, amps, and sub enclosure behind the 3rd row, and a mobility scooter rack in the class III receiver so I'm already level with all the extra weight I have. Im thinking a 2/2 will be pretty sweet.

 

[KMeloney]

If you go spindles and springs, you'll get 2" out of the front, and then can change how much drop in the rear you get with spacers. Whereas Tony's kit will come with a 1" spacer, you can get 2" spacers on eBay.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RedRocker]

Thanks KM, Im still new around here, who is Tony?

 

[NORCAL SS]

im tony

i also posted a z71 i lowered not to long ago 2/3 came out perfect

 

[RedRocker]

im tony

i also posted a z71 i lowered not to long ago 2/3 came out perfect

Hi Tony, where might I find this lowered z71 pic? The only thing that scares me about a 2/3 kit is the extra weight I have in the rear - I already set perfectly level with no modifications what so ever.

 

[NORCAL SS]

all you have to do is add another 1 inch spacer to the kit and your fine which is 45 dollars.

here it goes
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=26508

 

[RedRocker]

That Z71 looks really nice, but that looks lower than what I had in mind. Would this kit: http://tbssowners.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=106 give me a nice level stance somewhere between stock and the pic you just linked? Also, givin the additional rear weight I have, will this kit also give me some adjustability on either front or rear to make it just right?

 

[NORCAL SS]

that is the same kit thats on that truck

you would have to add a additional 1 inch spacer in rear to bring it up 1 inch. Total would be $600 shipped.

 

[RedRocker]

Im kinda diggin this kit, I think it should work for me. Im not afraid of work or getting my hands dirty, but compressing those front spings might be a stretch for me. Does places like Auto Zone rent such a device to compress springs, or do I need to find a local shop more equipped for that kind of work?

 

[NORCAL SS]

the front is cake honestly. Spring compressors autoparts store rent for the day yes.

rear is so easy

 

[baddohtentahoe]

i would say a z71 shouldnt get lowered but if you dont offroad than why not still looks just as good. i lowered my 4x4 lt with spindles in the front and noticed that if im in 4wd it seems alot harder to make trurns at all but i know your not so pose to use 4hi on pavement but i wanted to make sure it was working. just skipped and dragged and scrubs alot around turns, even on grass. dont know if it was like this before cause i didnt use my 4wd much in the past. but i imagine since the angle on the cv shaft is being changed that is does SOMEHOW make it a little worse.

 

[NORCAL SS]

i would say a z71 shouldnt get lowered but if you dont offroad than why not still looks just as good. i lowered my 4x4 lt with spindles in the front and noticed that if im in 4wd it seems alot harder to make trurns at all but i know your not so pose to use 4hi on pavement but i wanted to make sure it was working. just skipped and dragged and scrubs alot around turns, even on grass. dont know if it was like this before cause i didnt use my 4wd much in the past. but i imagine since the angle on the cv shaft is being changed that is does SOMEHOW make it a little worse.

you lose turning radius with the spindles nothing new. As for the 4wd system ive seen many people with spindles go 100k on the belltech or mcgauhys with no problems. Hell 3 of my buddys have belltechs and live up in lake tahoe and have from 80-110k on their 07/08 trucks and axles are fine and it snows up there a lot.


also the kit i quoted him uses drop struts not spacers. Higher mileage trucks belltech drop struts all the way.