Thinking of dropping the rear 2"

greyghost03 · August 5, 2003

I am considering lowering the rear of my truck 2" to level it out and maybe get a little traction for when I get my Westers and then, new gears and locker.

I have read the threads and done some reasearch and it looks like the Belltech 2" shackles are the best. Looks like I can get a set for about $45.

How much will this effect the ride quality, and will it help the handling? Will it cause the truck to squat too much if I hook onto a boat (hopefully in the next year or so I'll be buying a boat) or even heavier load?

Thanks in advance for any help!

The SPEEDY · August 5, 2003

If the boat has a heavy tonge wieght, yes. But a 2 inch drop in the rear is not going to remove all of the rake in the stance. So there will be some left for towing, without the nose sticking up in the air.

The only way that it would make your ride harder would be if you hit the bumpstops, which shouldn't happen with a 2 inch drop. You can always cut those off or put on shorter stops though.

My Grandpa put a 2 inch drop on the back of his, and he loves it. Never complains about the ride.

greyghost03 · August 5, 2003

My Grandpa put a 2 inch drop on the back of his, and he loves it. Never complains about the ride.

Does it look level? Pretty close to it?

Would I have to go with a 3" or even 4" to level it out? I really didn't want to lower it that much!

The SPEEDY · August 5, 2003

Two looks great. It's hard to explain, but until a truck is laying on the ground it is very hard to tell the a 3" drop in the rear is level. A 2 inch drop in ther rear will get the butt down, but leave some give for towing. It appears to be level.

If you get shakles, you should have a choice between 1" & 2" in the same shakles(differant mounting holes). If you decide you want to drop it more, the shakles will still be used in the drop. So it's not like you will be throwing you money away.

The SPEEDY · August 5, 2003

You shouldn't have to go 3" or 4".

greyghost03 · August 5, 2003

Two looks great. It's hard to explain, but until a truck is laying on the ground it is very hard to tell the a 3" drop in the rear is level. A 2 inch drop in ther rear will get the butt down, but leave some give for towing. It appears to be level.

If you get shakles, you should have a choice between 1" & 2" in the same shakles(differant mounting holes). If you decide you want to drop it more, the shakles will still be used in the drop. So it's not like you will be throwing you money away.

Thanks for the info!

A 2" will get the butt down and still leave some give for towing and appear level. That's what I'm trying to do!

99Silver6.0 · August 5, 2003

I believe DJM's shackles are a little better quality. I just bought a set of DJM 2" shackles for the rear of my truck. Gonna shove some 20's on and see how it looks.

greyghost03 · August 5, 2003

I believe DJM's shackles are a little better quality. I just bought a set of DJM 2" shackles for the rear of my truck. Gonna shove some 20's on and see how it looks.

I looked at those too! I'll look again If you think they are better!

Thanks for the input!

greyghost03 · August 6, 2003

OK, if I were to order These DJM Shackels would they come with everything I need. Are there any other parts I would need to install?

The Belltech Shackles kit says *Must use Pinion Shim Kit 4975BLT (Extended Cab Chevy/GMC Only)

Is that why the DJM's are cheaper?

99Silver6.0 · August 6, 2003

I do not know of any pinon shim. I dont know of anyone that has used a 2 inch drop in the rear having to install a shim anywhere. DJM doesnt mention that on thier website! I guess I could call and check. Although, I have seen DJM shackles new for sale on eBay with nothing other than the shackles. Anybody else have some insight on this? I didnt notice you had an EC till a second ago!! Im unsure on an extend cab man, Im sorry. That might be the reason for the different price. If you lower an EC and dont raise the carrier bearing I think you will get some vibration. DJM has a complete carrier bearing bracket setup to move the bearing up. That shim your talking about might be Belltechs solution to the vibration problem.

SH2599-2 is the DJM part # for the shackles. Here is DJM's full list of parts for Chevy trucks. DJM Suspension Parts

greyghost03 · August 6, 2003

Thanks for all the help 99Silver5.3!

I will call both of these companies and see what I need for my truck then see which one I like best. I'm new to lowering and all........as if you couldn't tell!

The SPEEDY · August 6, 2003

The pinion shim is to correct the rear pinion angle after a drop, but I have never heard of them bing needed with just a 2 in drop.

Like you said give them a call, and make sure.

99Silver6.0 · August 6, 2003

GreyGhost,

I dont know a whole lot about lowering anything myself. Just a few things. I hope these shackles are easy to put on!!

Speedy,

That kinda got me wondering. Of all the people I have seen drop the rear of an NBS Chevy, they didnt say anything about shimming anything. Ill try to give DJM a call after I get off work and see what they say. That is unless GreyGhost beats me to the punch and posts the answers!

The SPEEDY · August 6, 2003

You shouldn't have to shim. On a reg cab shims usually aren't used until a 6 rear drop. On a ext cad they don't need them until a 4. With a 2" drop the pinion angle should be better than stock. Almost perfectly in line.

greyghost03 · August 6, 2003

Just talked to DJM and Belltech.

DJM - They said that all I need is the 2" shackles (part# SH2599-2)

Belltech - They said I need the shackles (part# 6400) and maybe the shim kit (part# 4975BLT). They said to install the shackles and see if there is any vibration and if there is to start off with a 2 degree shim and then go from there until the vibration goes away.

Has anyone had vibration probs after installing the 2" shackles? Maybe this only applies to ext. cabs?