Hello.. My son wants to lower his SST.... He thought about changing the front springs and using a "leaf spring relocation" kit for the rear.. He wants to keep the ride quality pretty much the same.... Those of you that have done a "lowering", your suggestions, experience, comments, Etc... (I did see a post from a guy having trouble with removing the factory rivets for the leaf perch - we don't want to hack up the truck)
My suggestion to him was a spindle change up front...Not sure about the rear...... I lowered a Nissan 3" (rear) with a block kit, I couldn't stand the banging of the axle on the frame!!!! Will he have this problem on his truck.....
Thanks to all .....

MOPAR OR NO CAR>>>>>>

 

Well my experience is with a 98' F-150 and a 3"/4" drop kit, but am willing to bet you will recieve the same results I did..... DON'T DO IT!! Cornering and body roll was greatly improved, but ride quality and my ability to haul/tow loads went out the window. I ended up smacking the axle on the bump stops any time I hit something at speed and EVERYTIME I had my atv(400lbs) in the bed or on the trailer. And the front wasn't any better. Probably worse.....

If your son is looking strictly for that dropped/low rider look, I'd say go for it. But, and this is a big but....... If he ever intends to haul/tow anything and doesn't want the ride quality to suffer I say leave it alone. I know I personally will never again lower a truck.

Check out the attachment for a pic

 

Anytime you flip the axle, you doom the truck for any kinda utility use. Unless you airbag it it is worthless. Also lower and ride quality don't go hand in hand with a static drop. If he want's to lower it here is what I would recommend get a set of Belltech spindles Belltech part # 2650 and rear shackle set 6580 if the truck is a standard cab short bed, you will need a different kit for the back if it is a extended cab or so on. That is probiably the best way to lower the truck some and keep close to the same ride quality. It is amazing how much difference just an inch or two will make. http://www.belltechcorp.com/agps-final/btag012705.htm

Wanted to add, as for putting new hangers on the frame. It goes hand in hand with lowering a truck. I hot wrench (cutting torch) will make short work of the hanger rivets as long as you apply the heat only to the rivet head. Something has to give when you start modifying suspensions. Research your kits and see which is the most user friendly and go from there. I will tell you from my personal experience belltech stuff is hard to beat but it is more pricey. If you don't want to cut the hangers off and want to retain the utility of the truck then don't lower it. Once you flip the axle like I said before you're utility is gone.

 

Thank You guys for the info............. I will pass on the advice......not to mention that I agree "he should leave it alone"........

 

With my ford I didn't even have to "flip the axle" it came with a set of shackles and hangers to achieve the 4" in the rear. As noted prior I still had a very crappy ride and I ran Belltech components and shorter gas shocks designed especially for this kit. I will say they were very high quality top notch parts, but it is still not a mod I would ever consider again.