Lowering kits

[RacerJJ]

How difficult is it to install any of the popular drop kits (belltech, MG, etc.) yourself? If not, how much should the install run me?

[SSjohnson1422]

I got a Ground Force kit priced at about 800 for everything, kit, install, everything. Chux TruX is the store.

[SSplaytoy]

The hangers in the rear are a bit of a b***h to get off, but you could do it yourself. Just get a ball joint seperator for the ball joints.

[RacerJJ]

The hangers in the rear are a bit of a b***h to get off, but you could do it yourself. Just get a ball joint seperator for the ball joints.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's for the kit with the spindles right (ball joint seperater)? If I go with the Belltech which uses torsion keys, then it should be much easier correct?

[r8rs4lf]

Talk to Dylan about the place where I got mine done. He's in good with them and they know all about it since they already did mine. I paid next to nothing for the install. Paying someone to do the install IMHO is well worth it because it's very difficult to remove the stock shackle rivets from what I saw. The room under there is very limited and having a lift makes it alot easier.

 

Late- Alex

[RacerJJ]

Talk to Dylan about the place where I got mine done. He's in good with them and they know all about it since they already did mine. I paid next to nothing for the install. Paying someone to do the install IMHO is well worth it because it's very difficult to remove the stock shackle rivets from what I saw. The room under there is very limited and having a lift makes it alot easier.

 

Late-  Alex

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks!

[Jonmalibuss]

The hangers in the rear are a bit of a b***h to get off, but you could do it yourself. Just get a ball joint seperator for the ball joints.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I wouldn't use a ball joint seperator just wack the spindle with a 5lb. sledge the ball joint seperators usually tear up the boot which then lets in water dirt etc.. you get the idea!

[RacerJJ]

I'm having a place in Anaheim do it tomorrow for $350 installed. They're doing a 2/2 drop with torsion keys and shackles. Good deal?

[AUTOGUY]

I paid $250.00 to have the McGaughy's kit installed with shackles,hangers and spindles. That included a re-alignment.

 

$350.00 sounds a little high for just shackles and keys.

Edited March 23, 2005 by AUTOGUY (see edit history)

[Tony-CA]

I just installed the McGaughy 2/4 kit on my truck last night. The offset spindles were fairly easy to replace. I thought the most time consuming part was removing the 6 rivets holding the rear hangers on, 12 total for both sides. The fuel tank straps were removed allowing the tank to move just enough to take off the stock hanger/leafspring bolt on the left side. It also eased the installation of the new hanger and associated 4 bolts/nuts. The tow hitch platform came down to remove the lower shackle bolt. I set up the leaf spring on the 2 inch drop at the hanger and set up the shackle at the one inch drop. The rear bump stops were taken off the bracket and mounted directly on the frame, 2 nubs were cut off. After it was all done I wasnt satisfied with how the front end sat higher. I turned down the torsion bolts 3 full turns on each side. That made the front end sit even with the rear. Camber and caster were within specs. A minor toe adjustment was all that was needed. The total time for all of this was approximately 5 hours. I must mention this was done on a twin post rack with air tools and a grinding wheel(for the rivets). The only concern I have is with the front axles. They appear to be taxed out at ride height and even though they dont grind during turns they do seem to bind up just a bit when the wheels are cranked all the way in either direction. Overall, if I had to do it all over again Id go this same route.