I know, I know...new guy to the board asking a question that has been asked soooo many times. I did the search, but have been unable to find the real answer I am looking for.

I am the proud original owner of my 2001 Lightning. Over the last week I became single again and finally realized that I can start spending money on myself again. I have sunk about $15K into the stereo (2 tv's, dvd, navigation, front and rear cameras, tv built in to rearview mirror)....but I want to make the truck more aggressive.

I went to Tim Skelton's website and saw the picture of the Roush Suspension Package and I was sold. However, I called up Roush and they told me I would only get 1-inch all around even though it is a 2/3 package.

Money isn't necessarily the issue here. I am willing to spend the money as long as I get what I am looking for.

I want the truck to not be slammed, but I do want it to ride right over the tires so I am looking for a good 3 inches all the way around.

I also want it to handle better, not lifting and staying level.

So here are the questions I have:

1. Does anyone make a full suspension kit that does the above? If so, where can I purchase it?

2. If I need to do more than just a Roush Suspension Kit, what else do I need to buy and do to accomplish this.

I really do appreciate all of your advice. I am looking forward to becoming an active member of this board.

 

As a former Roush owner I just want to say that trucks look lower then they advertise. I had a Stage 3 stang but I have seen many trucks. If you want to purchase this kit for your truck save yourself some money and call Donald at Planet Ford in Houston. I GUARENTEE he will have the best prices just tell him You know Dennis from FNsweet.com He knows me. That goes for anything Roush at all for you guys Call Donald he is the man for parts. He also logs onto fnsweet.com as TXroush and I am Roushwannabe over there.

 

Here's what I run (and like):

Hotchkis springs front and back (2" front 3" rear)
Hotchkis sway bars
Ruslow panhard bar
QA1 shocks
Metco Lower traction bars.

Truck handles (what I would consider) very tight, especially for a truck. rear end stays planted around a corner, but brakes will allow you to transfer weight as you would like to...

I recently (nearly) totalled my truck. If I had to do it again, I think I would go with:

WC A-Arms (2" front)
Ruslow shackle replace (2" rear)
Ruslow Front spring mount replace(0.5" rear)
Ruslow panhard
QA1s
Hotchkis Sway bars
JL long traction bars
Unknown springs....

This setup would keep all of the travel of the original suspension (something that is definetly lacking with most drops).

Since I haven't tried it, I can't say how it would be, but I anticipate it would be good for spirited driving with a bit more wife appeal.

Coldie

 

Thanks for the info.

But the real thing is am I going to get that true lowered look with the Roush package?

I am not stuck on Roush. I just want to get the best that I can.

I love the '01 Rims so I just want the truck to sit on top of them.

I am not against bagging the truck so I can adjust it how I like...but I really don't want to ruin how it handles.

If I go with Roush I will give him a call for sure. Thanks for the info.

 

I get about a 2" drop from my ROUSH kit:



now if only the NSX would get out of my way.

 

Since your not stuck on Roush.
For the conveiniance of a one stop job with people who know what there're doing. Just drive your truck down to Pomona and make a stop at the So-Cal Speed Shop. They've done a ton of lightnings and the end result looks great to me.
In fact you might see me there soon.
http://www.so-calspeedshop.com/index2.html

 

So-Cal has some good hardware (adjustable end links, shock extenders) but their lowering kit uses Eibach springs.

Eibachs are good for looks and street cruising but are NOT handling springs, period.

Been there, did that.

Roush kit is really nice as is the Hotchkis.

SVT_KY's truck has the Roush hardware, some Ruslow accessories, Brembos and that Red beast corners like a **** and bruised quite a few Porsche egos. Major . Too bad I only drove it during a parade lap session.

Bob

 

I appreciate everyone's input...but I still want to know which kit is going to give me at least 3 inches all around for the drop?

Does anyone make a full suspension kit that will drop the truck that much?

I appreciate your patience with me on this. I just want to do it right. I want that mean agressive look and I want the stability when I am carving.

Should I just go with a 2/3 drop and be happy with that? I guess performance should be more important....I just want that mean look.

Thanks again guys for any more input you have.

 

Here's my 2001 with the full Roush kit on it:



I don't know why they only say it's a 1" drop. Look at my pic and tell me what you think?

 

Thanks! That's what I want. If that's what it's going to look like then I am going to order it first thing.

And I assume you are extremely happy with how it handles?

I am not too worried about it being a rough ride. I just want it to be much stiffer and handle like it's on rails.

Would love to know your opinion on how it handles.

Thanks

 

I fell in love with the ride and handling the 1st time I drove it. I definitely don't feel like I am driving a truck. The ride is firm, but not harsh, and handles great. Cloverleaf on and off ramps are very fun. My wife rides with me on occasion and she has no complaints either.

 

Awesome. Then I am sold.

One more question though. Do you think it's worth another $300 to add a Ruslow Panhard Bar?

I don't think the Roush package comes with it.

Also, it's funny. I used to think my Lightning had killer handling, and it does for a truck, but if the suspension is what you say it is, then I can't wait to get this done.

Anyway --- would love to know your thoughts about the panhard bar.

Thanks again.

 

I don't have the Ruslow panhard, but I think it is always a good idea on any suspension you want to have a more solid feel with. I don't think you neccessarily need it, but it definitely wouldn't hurt either.

 

Before I ever bought my Lightning I thought the same thing about the handling. It is great from the factory for a truck, but I can guarantee you will be very impressed with the Roush kit.

 

Awesome. Thanks.

I am going to do it on Monday.

Thanks again!