I've made a post a while back, but this is it, I've narrowed it down to 2 options. I looked at the Rousch, So-Cal and the rest. Currently I have Belltech front springs (1000 #) and a 2" drop. I readjusted the front sway bar with energy suspension end links. The rear is dropped with JLP 3" shackles and I redrilled my frame and mounted the dogbone sway bar link as high as I can. I have belltech Nitro drop shocks as well. I like the look of the truck but I know the suspension is not tuned.

Option 1:

Full Hotchkis suspension:
Front & Rear springs, Front & Rear sway bars (Total Vehicle System Part # 80304)
QA1 shocks Front (TC1958P), Rear (MU7855P)
Panhard bar (Ruslow)

I'll reinstall the stock shackles for the rear springs.

This will give me a fully tuned suspension but only give me a 1/2 drop. I'm not running 20" wheels to fill up the gap but I know this thing will take the curves.

Option 2:

Hotchkis rear springs (2412)
Hotchkis sway bar kit (2242)
QA1 as listed in option 1
Panhard bar (Ruslow)

I'd keep the front 2" belletech springs, reinstall my belltech 2" drop shackles but mount the new rear springs to the 1st bolt hole position. This way I have the 2/3 drop that I have now or even make it a 2/4 by mounting the spring fully on the 2" shackle. That is the look I really like!!!

Will option 2 handle like option 1 or even close? Or since I don't road race I won't notice that much of a difference? I just feel there is too much gap with a 1/2 drop without going with 20" wheels.

 

My final setup rides and handles great. I used the orig springs in front with the western chasis lowered a arms. I used the belltech hangers and shackles with the "4" drop in the rear. C notched the rear, and then moved the rear sway bar from the top of the rear axle to the back of the axle to avoid pinching between the axle and the frame. I also notched out the bed rail cross member above the rear of the pumpkin. I added a set of the QA1 shocks. The L handles great, rides low, never bottoms out, and the cornering is fantastic. It is absolutly flat around the corners. It has a real sports car feel.

 

I'm not going to C notch the frame. I still am taking this truck to the track. I plan on getting some more power and I want the frame to be as strong as possible

 

Talk to that Speedin Bob character. He may save you some headache.

 

The full Hotchkis kit will drop you 2" in the rear and 1.5" in the front, so if you want to go lower than that you need to notch the frame. Add the Belltech shackles and some A arms up front for more drop.

Make sure you get the correct length QA1s for your rear drop.

 

Ayrton,

I knew you would respond. Your one of the suspension guru's. I'm just waiting for Stan and Tim to send a reply to this post!!!

 

Thanks for the comment, but I learned everything from Stan and Tim.

Stan is my hero...

 

I think there is only a handful of us here on the board that can really appreciate taking turnoff on a highway and hitting the gas to accelerate through it.

 

Ahhh…when you hit the apex just right and the car just drifts right on the line…

 

What he said ^^^^^^^

 

JewishLighting,

IMHO, Option 1 is a good choice. Dunno about the BellTech coils.

Looks like you have the end links issue covered but don't forget bumpstops and to add clunk washers/cam bolts.

BINGO!

Bob

 

Clunk, bump stops and cam bolts already done. I did them when I dropped the front and rear.