New to DF! Suspension Question
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2006
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New to DF! Suspension Question
Newbie here! Great Forum.
I have an '04 QC 1500 4x4 with a Hemi. It's been almost a year since I bought it used and I love it so far. Here's my question:
Can I remove the shackles from the rear of the leaf springs? Will the eyelits line up with the mounts that the shackles are bolted to currently?
Here's why I ask:
My truck has the 17" wheels and there is a 7-inch gap between the top of the tire and the fender in the front and 10-inches in the back. I want to level it out by droping the back to match the front (NOT the other way around). I've looked at a couple of the lowering shackles from the aftermarket but they claim a 0-2" drop. I'm affraid that won't be enough to level the truck.
Also while I'm here... I need to replace the current OEM shocks. I've seen a lot of references to Bilstein on this forum. Is there a widespread preference to these over a set of Rancho 5000 or RSX9000 series or the Edelbrock IAS? If so, why?
Thanks!
I have an '04 QC 1500 4x4 with a Hemi. It's been almost a year since I bought it used and I love it so far. Here's my question:
Can I remove the shackles from the rear of the leaf springs? Will the eyelits line up with the mounts that the shackles are bolted to currently?
Here's why I ask:
My truck has the 17" wheels and there is a 7-inch gap between the top of the tire and the fender in the front and 10-inches in the back. I want to level it out by droping the back to match the front (NOT the other way around). I've looked at a couple of the lowering shackles from the aftermarket but they claim a 0-2" drop. I'm affraid that won't be enough to level the truck.
Also while I'm here... I need to replace the current OEM shocks. I've seen a lot of references to Bilstein on this forum. Is there a widespread preference to these over a set of Rancho 5000 or RSX9000 series or the Edelbrock IAS? If so, why?
Thanks!
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2004
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RE: New to DF! Suspension Question
Welcome aboard. Glad you like your truck.
Can't help much with the shackles issue, as I've never tried it.
On the shocks, though, a lot of guys like both the Bilstiens and Edelbrocks, although some report the Edelbrocks tend to leak some fluid. If you do a search on here for shocks, you'll find a lot of input with the reasoning on them. I'm ready to switch shocks on mine ('04, 40k) as the back end has a mind of it's own over choppy pavement and will probably go with the Bilstiens.
Can't help much with the shackles issue, as I've never tried it.
On the shocks, though, a lot of guys like both the Bilstiens and Edelbrocks, although some report the Edelbrocks tend to leak some fluid. If you do a search on here for shocks, you'll find a lot of input with the reasoning on them. I'm ready to switch shocks on mine ('04, 40k) as the back end has a mind of it's own over choppy pavement and will probably go with the Bilstiens.
Record Breaker
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,192
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From:
RE: New to DF! Suspension Question
Welcome to DF
My first question is to why you want to lower a 4x4? You can always raise the front and put slightly bigger tires, but in your post, it seems you want to just lower the back. If you absolutely must lower the back end, you can buy shackles from a number of companies.
Regarding the shock issue. Rancho 5000 tend to be set up on the stiff side. The Bils are a great compromise between firm and soft with great control when the going gets tough, but are a little more costly. The Rancho RS9000's are fully adjustable to suit your preference. The Edelbrock IAS shocks are reportedly good shocks, but had some QC issues at first. I only have personal experience with the Rancho 5000 and the Bils. I'd choose the Bils over the Rancho 5000's any day of the week.
My first question is to why you want to lower a 4x4? You can always raise the front and put slightly bigger tires, but in your post, it seems you want to just lower the back. If you absolutely must lower the back end, you can buy shackles from a number of companies.
Regarding the shock issue. Rancho 5000 tend to be set up on the stiff side. The Bils are a great compromise between firm and soft with great control when the going gets tough, but are a little more costly. The Rancho RS9000's are fully adjustable to suit your preference. The Edelbrock IAS shocks are reportedly good shocks, but had some QC issues at first. I only have personal experience with the Rancho 5000 and the Bils. I'd choose the Bils over the Rancho 5000's any day of the week.