Just showed up today. A day early! I bought it off summit racing, but it shipped directly from the manufacturer. I looked at the manufacturers website and it was actually a few dollars cheaper to buy from summit after shipping.

I'll probably install this weekend. Biggest question right now is whither the 255/70r16 tires will even fit with the drop. Good thing this is my second car and I can toss the wheels on the utility trailer to get them changed if needed.



(not shown is the included front and rear shocks)

 

A little slow going. Two out of the six bolts holding on the leaf springs were seized and a sob to get out. The front hangers are riveted on, I ended up grinding them flush with the frame and drilling a 1/4" hole most of the way through and then pounding them out with a punch and hammer.

(just noticed the slim is backwards in this pic)


I ran out and bought all grade 8 hardware. It came with grade 5. It also did not include bolts for the leaf springs so I replaced the metric oem bolts with standard grade 8 bolts.


One grinder down! I had already bought its replacement last year when I had to replace the brushes. Was just waiting for the magic smoke to finally escape.

 

Rear end is installed. I think it dropped it closer to 3 inches then 4. But looks pretty good to me.
It was a PITA to get the rivets out of the factory front hangers but I did it without dropping the gas tank.

 

looks good.
welcome to DF.

 

I attempted to start on the front. Broke two sockets right off the bat trying to loosen the bottom shock bolt. I think I might have to take it to a shop for this one. I don't have any ideas for getting the bolts loose. I don't have a torch and I don't think I can get my sawzall in there.

I suppose I could try my 3/4" drive socket set. I only have standard, no metric though.

 

Looks nice!

 

Wow 3/4 drive is pretty big.

Try PB Blaster or some other kind of penetrator. And a hammer, smack it with a hammer.

How do you break a socket?

But seriously a hammer, penetrating stuff and breaker bar is all you need. Maybe not even penetrator.

Use the hammer, knock the rust loose

I like hammers... I need to go to bed

 

Thanks guys. This is my first 2wd vehicle, so I figured I'd lower it. I'm already beginning to think I should of gone lower. I think you have to notch the frame for the 5/7 drop though.

I wire brushed it and sprayed with PB blaster, then hit it a few times with my 3lb'er before I broke the sockets. First socket was a 12pt deepwell, second was a 6pt regular one and it snapped pretty quick too. Had it on my breaker bar with a cheater pipe. I think that was the first time I'd ever used that socket too.

Maybe I need a bigger hammer.

 

you will need new shocks, I had the same set up (bell tech) toxic shocks are pretty good, they give a good ride, and to help with bottoming out when the truck is loaded air bags are a good idea