I thought I would put together a small thread to gather information about lowering the 3rd gens. Some like it, some don't. But opinions aside, here's what I have so far.

I will modify this original post as new info or changes come in.

For the front
There are few options

1
Adjustable drop struts
The most expensive but probably the most "right" way to do it is with these adjustable lowering struts. 1-3 inches lower and they have adjustable dampening as well. According to Yuri at aim industries, they are a smoother ride than stock by a long shot. They use the factory spring though, so spring rate doesn't change
http://www.airbagit.com/product-p/low-dod-30-f.htm

2
Trim coils
If that's too much coin, the only other option other than all out custom fabrication (which I know nothing about) is to trim the springs. Removing 1 and 1/3 loops gives around a 2 inch drop and is pretty much the max if you want to get your camber back to spec. This changes spring rate, makes the spring stiffer because there is less to squish. This thread is the only example I've found of it being done, and it looks great.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...-2-4-drop.html

For the rear
There are more options, but still limited

1
Removing a leaf
This was done in the previous thread aswell and can give different drops depending on which one you remove. Scotscan removed the second from the bottom leaf to get 2 inches

2
Lowering Shackles
I chose this route because it keeps the ride quality and load capabilities for the most part. It's cheap, 70 bucks for the shackles and a couple hours of work. Scotscan used 2 inch shackles on his drop too for the whole 4 inches.

3
Leaf spring perch relocation
For this you need to weld, or know someone that does. Get some new leaf perches, I didn't measure the axle diameter but these ones Here should be ok, but measure to make sure. Here is a thread where the perches were installed.

addition... Another method to lower the rear end, our leaf packs have a load leaf. You can clamp the leaf pack down to the ends of the load leaf and it will bring the ride height down a bit and you keep your payload capabilities.

Airbags
If you're still going to use your truck as a truck, you will want to get something to help the rear end, there's no airbag kit specifically for our truck but here's a universal one which scotscan also used.

Some important information if you lower the rear more than 2 inches, you will need a set of shorter shocks like These and shave your bumpstops or find shorter ones, I don't think that part would be too hard.

Be sure to watch your wheel offsets, I haven't installed my rims yet but I'm pretty sure my offset (+13) is too low for lowering anymore than 2 inches all around. I think a +30mm offset on a 9 inch wheel would stop the tires from rubbing the fenders during articulation.

Here are the links to the products I listed
Airbagit Lowboyz
http://www.airbagit.com/product-p/low-dod-30-f.htm
Shackles, there are other brands but i could only find these for now.
http://www.canuckmotorsports.com/cat_dodge_lower.html
Shorter shocks
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BEL-2212DD/
Spring perch
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/DCC-4120074/
Airbags
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/AIR-59209/

 

good info. wrong direction for me though...lol

 

Good info and the front coilovers and relocated spring perches will work. I should know.

 

How is the damping and rebound control on those front lowering struts.

Am almost thinking about getting me the front struts if they are worth a damn, rear shackles, remove a leaf and add a rear sway-bar from an 05 to 07. Should handle pretty decent then.

 

front's good. Rear not so good. Just got in my belltech 2212dd shocks. Should have them in next week.

 

Great info! I would like to add that I urge anyone considering this to PLEASE research airbagit and AIM industries before using any of their parts. Everyone has to make their own conclusions but after spending some time researching their reputation myself I can personally say that none of their parts will ever touch my truck.

 

question for you guys. i lowered my 4x4 in the front by loosening the torsion bars. i bottom out over everything. would those drop shocks help me at all?

 

if the bump stop is bottomed out before the shock no...

 

No, I wouldn't get these ones. They are for the 05 and up. They might have something else for you, but to add to what Altair said, try to find something from someone else before you get an AIM/airbagit/chassistech product. They are literally the only ones with a lowering product for the front end of an 05 and up, otherwise I would recommend someone else. They have terrible customer service and don't accept responsibility for their poor products. Most of the issues are with their air bag products, fitment issues and quality/longevity problems.

These shocks in question have been tested for a couple years by a couple guys they have no complaints. SO hopefully these continue to hold up.

thunder, do you have any springs or just torsen bars? What you need is more resistance, thicker torsen bar or stiffer shocks. I'm not sure if the bars exist, and I don't know which shocks are stiffer but I'm sure there are some out there. Lucky for you, the 2nd gen trucks have lots of options but I haven't looked into any of them.

 

I heard of another method to lower the rear end, our leaf packs have a load leaf. You can clamp the leaf pack down to the ends of the load leaf and it will bring the ride height down a bit and you keep your payload capabilities.