Drop for better handling.

April 2, 2004

What parts do I need? I want to get better handling. 20s are coming on soon so please take that into consideration when you post your suggestions. Any ballpark $ for install? I see terms like shackles, C-notch, hangers and I don't know what they mean. I'm familiar with car suspension parts, but these are truck parts only right?

Thanks!

Wingnut · April 2, 2004

How far do you want to drop it?

If you only want to drop the rear (looks great, improves handling a little) a couple of inches...You can pick up a set of drop shackles for about $30-$40 and put them in yourself in about 30 minutes.

rhilton · April 2, 2004

I see terms like shackles, C-notch, hangers and I don't know what they mean. I'm familiar with car suspension parts, but these are truck parts only right?

a c-notch is for a really low drop. don't think you want that, but what it is: you've maxed out the amount of drop you can get; axle is about near touching the frame. So you cut a notch in your frame, drop it some more and then your axle won't hit the frame. This sucks though, cause it causes more ride problems than I think you'd want. 20s will probably be rougher riding too. Or you can save up lots and lots of money and bag the truck, and get it really low. You're talking about 5 grand with that mod.

Honestly, I dunno if you have 4WD, but

if you have torsion bars, let the screws all the way out, that should drop it up front about 2 to 3". Then add 2 or 3" blocks (shackles I guess is what some people call them) in the back. That's what wingnut was talking about. --again I apoligize for this miscommunication about the shackles and torsion bars. I've done the torsion bar let out on my ford explorer and the only real problem I've had with ride is the camber of the tires, I can tell they're messed up. But I have not -repeat- have not let the torsion bolts out ALL the way. --R

That covers the lowering. But for better handling, ditch the stock shocks, upgrade to something like Edelbrock Performer IAS shocks for all the stock shocks (I believe Edelbrock makes a shock for lowered applications). The stock shocks will handle the lowering for about 2000 miles then go out, BAD. Next I recommend upgrading your front and rear swaybar, and upgrade the rubber bushings on the stock bars to Urethane bushings.

That is probably WAY too much info at one time. Feel free to ask me any q's to may have, or take it to the PMs if you want. I'll definitely be glad to help.

-Robert

Wingnut · April 2, 2004

Shackles and blocks are two totally different things.

Blocks go in the space between the axle and the leaf spring. Shackles mount between the rear of the leaf spring, and where it mounts to the frame.

Oh, and if you let the torsion bars all the way down....It's going to ride like a$$ because you will have pretty much removed the preload and rebound from your front suspension.

rhilton · April 2, 2004

Actually, I forgot to say what to do if you have two wheel drive. It also makes a difference if you have standard or extended cab.

I think they make a lowering spring for the front instead of torsion bars. Hopefully you have 4WD and it'll save you a few bucks, but either way you'll get a better ride. Check out these lowering springs for

2003 Silverado 2wd extended cab springs

and

2003 Silverado 2wd standard cab springs

these websites also include shackle kits (which I found out are like lowering blocks, only are welded together into one piece construction )

But you should still get the swaybars and shocks with your set up.

MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR TRUCK ALIGNED AFTER YOU DO ANY SUSPENSION MODS, and ask for a camber kit to be put in

or else you'll get about 1000 miles out of 60,000 mile tires. I can't stress the importance of getting an alignment enough. But make sure you ask for a camber kit. It is extremely important.

rhilton · April 2, 2004

Shackles and blocks are two totally different things.

Blocks go in the space between the axle and the leaf spring. Shackles mount between the rear of the leaf spring, and where it mounts to the frame.

Oh, and if you let the torsion bars all the way down....It's going to ride like a$$ because you will have pretty much removed the preload and rebound from your front suspension.

I apologize for the shackle miscommunication.

Listen to wingnut before you listen to me. I trust him completely.

But look into those websites I put up to give you a little idea. There's not much more you can do if you have torsion bars, other than let them out most of the way, unless you do some very risky modifications, torsion flip being the main thing I'm talking about. All you can do then, is either trim the bumpstops down a little to give you some more travel, or not crank it down as much. You have to remember that a 4WD was designed for more of the offroad aspect, not the dropped aspect.