2014+ Lowering / Drop Kits

Cooldaddygroove · April 20, 2016

So, what are the drawbacks of using rear shock extenders and stock shocks, versus installing shorter shocks?

And does anyone make shorter bumpstops that can be mounted to the OEM bump stop bracket?

Edited April 20, 2016 by Cooldaddygroove

93yukon · April 21, 2016

So, what are the drawbacks of using rear shock extenders and stock shocks, versus installing shorter shocks?

And does anyone make shorter bumpstops that can be mounted to the OEM bump stop bracket?

Nothing that I can tell. I am running my stocks shocks with extenders. Rides like stock. As far as bump stops belltech and mcgaughys sell shorter ones but I don't think there's much advantage to utilize them on the stock perches bc with mine I had my stock ones trimmed as low as I could and I was bottoming hard only being lowered 4 inches. 8f lowered less than 4 inches then you can just trim the stock ones.

Darth_Vader · April 26, 2016

Mcgaughys bump stops and shock extenders

You might still have issues with the McGaughy's bump stops on some harder bumps, if you do you can look into the energy suspension ones, they are even shorter but still provide plenty of bump stop.

Darth_Vader · April 26, 2016

So, what are the drawbacks of using rear shock extenders and stock shocks, versus installing shorter shocks?

And does anyone make shorter bumpstops that can be mounted to the OEM bump stop bracket?

Shock extenders try to keep the shock in the ideal dampening range but they can also effect the geometry of the suspension and so you are possibly going to wear the stock shock out faster just for a different reason. With stock shocks and no extenders you are actuating the shock outside the ideal range it was designed to work in. Stock shocks with shock extenders helps to get it back in the ideal range but applies more lateral force to the shock because the additional angle. For what the rear shocks cost on these it is probably a good idea to go ahead and just replace them with drop shocks but make sure and read around as there are some out there that will make the ride worse.

I think the common agreed upon belief around here is that the Belltech drop shocks are the best ones for our trucks.

Edited April 26, 2016 by Darth_Vader

wuznme · April 27, 2016

Depending how much drop you have, could also look into the Bilstein 5125 as they come in custom sizes and valving. RideTech has the same thing with their shocks (built by Fox) they like them a lot though. LOL

I have the 5100's on rear of mine, lowered via shackles and block removal, not using the shock extenders, I may put them though at some point

Edited April 27, 2016 by wuznme

Croak · April 29, 2016

2015 Sierra

Combination of Belltech and DJM to give a 4/7 drop. Goes back in for air assist in a week so I can still haul a race trailer (which is the whole reason I bought one... can't put a Class 3 hitch on a CTS-V Wagon.)

Ck960 · May 1, 2016

Looks great Croak. Nice & clean. What size wheel & tire setup are you running? Those are all terrain factory replicas right?

Croak · May 1, 2016

Looks great Croak. Nice & clean. What size wheel & tire setup are you running? Those are all terrain factory replicas right?

Thanks! Yes, they're 285/40/22 Falken Ziex tires on OE Wheels LLC reps. Couldn't justify spending 3 times as much on the OEM ones and then having to pay to strip the chrome and powdercoat them.

Edited May 1, 2016 by Croak

Tyler John Van Boekel · May 2, 2016

hey guys just picked up my 16 reg cab short box z71, looking to lower it, never lowered a truck before but i am an apprentice tech at a dealership so got all my tools needed, any kits you guys recommend? thanks in advance!

14GMC14 · May 2, 2016

Got some OEM SEY 22" now I need to get smaller tires these 285/45r22 rub. Any suggestions?

Croak · May 2, 2016

2016-05-01 19.39.59-3250x2050.jpg

Got some OEM SEY 22" now I need to get smaller tires these 285/45r22 rub. Any suggestions?

I run a 285/40/22 Falken Ziex STZ05. Toyo makes the Proxes ST2 in the same size.

Ck960 · May 3, 2016

So I'm wanting to run 24's with 295/35-24 on a 2014 CCSB. Is it possible with a 3/5 drop? If you guys are rubbing with 22's sounds like they def will not fit with a 4/6. Am leaning towards the belltech kit with the shocks included. Any suggestions?

http://www.belltech.com/products/belltech/complete-lowering-kits/lowering-kit-14160.html

Croak · May 3, 2016

I rub a bit at full lock 4/7 on 22's. I'm guessing you'll have more issues because you're an inch higher (which has you covered vertically for clearance, effectively a trade-off with my measurements) but that still puts the tire an inch further out from the hub so you're an inch closer to rubbing on the inner side of the wheel well when the steering wheel is cranked.

:EDIT: Also depends on your offset, obviously. My setup is pretty close to stock offset.

Edited May 3, 2016 by Croak

14GMC14 · May 3, 2016

I run a 285/40/22 Falken Ziex STZ05. Toyo makes the Proxes ST2 in the same size.

I will look in to that. Was looking at 285/35/22 but that seems too small. I see that you wrote that you rub on full lock which is not a big deal to me. Any issues on bumps?

Croak · May 3, 2016

I will look in to that. Was looking at 285/35/22 but that seems too small. I see that you wrote that you rub on full lock which is not a big deal to me. Any issues on bumps?

Probably depends on your offset, I see you have OEM wheels. Mine are tucked like stock fitment and I haven't noticed any rubbing at speed but it rides like a covered wagon. I'll bottom out the bumpstops in the rear before anything touches there, I haven't managed to rub up front yet other than cranking the wheel in parking lots. Scraped the front air dam a few times.