Is anyone running the hotchkis 2.5" leaf springs with just shackles? I already have the GF 1/2 kit... and I almost decided to get the Hotchkis TVS, but I really shouldn't be spending $1000+ on my truck right now. Anyway, I'm happy with the way the front of my truck sits, so I really don't need to bother with that. So my question is, with the Hotchkis leaf springs and the shackles that I already have, do you think the rear will be too low? Should I get the damn leafs or just take out a leaf or 2 from what I have now? I also still have the hitch on the truck, and that's coming off in the next few days so figure that'll raise it up a little bit too.

 

 

Start with removing the 2nd from the bottom leaf. It costs you nothing and you could always return it to stock. Removing the hitch will raise it quite a bit. In that case, try removing the very bottom leaf in addition to the 2nd from the bottom.

I also recommend reversing the direction of your pinion shim (located under the leaf pack).

The Hotchkis is considerably higher rate (read stiffer) than this route.

 

Hi Leeann, others might have different opinions but I would say take two leafs out and keep your 2" shackles on. This is like $800 cheaper than buying after market leafs, will give you the look you want and still give you a good ride, this will cost me $140 for the local shop to do. If you had a 99-02 you would only need to take out one leaf but as far as the 04 goes you need to remove two leafs, this is equal to the ride of the earlier models.

These are my opinions and in no way reflect the opinions of the majority here.

Later...Bert.

 

Save your money and remove one or two leafs. That is, unless you plan on road racing or autocrossing. For drag racing the lower spring rate can help, but for the curves go with the Hotchkis.
Jim

 

As mentioned that last time you posted, and from the advice above, remove your leafs first, then go from there if still unhappy.

 

The Hotchkis leafs are $350 shipped, not $800..

 

Ive got the Hotchkis kit, only difference is I have a different pair of lowering shackles from a Chevy truck on the back of mine. The Chevy shackles compared to the Ford shackles, the Chevy shackles make the truck sit about 1/2" or less lower. With my kit on and the shackles, the truck squats lower in the back ever so slightly. Almost un noticeable

 

Thanks, I'll just take out 2 leafs instead and see what happens. I ended up buying billet grilles and clear corners instead of the hotchkis leafs.. as if spending $300 on an ipod for my truck wasn't enough. At least I don't have to bother making cds anymore.

 

I am running the Hotchkis rear leafs with 2" drop shackles on back and the truck sits awesome. I did the whole take two leafs out thing with the old leafs and with this combo it sits lower and is definitely nice. I will try to dig up a picture. I still have to lower the front. The only thing that might be a problem is when you go to the strip and race. I am still experimenting with them on as far my 60' times are concerned. I also run QA-1's out back.

Ronnie

 

Here you go. I can't find one of me on street tires, but here is one on slicks. I don't know if you can tell the difference in the wheel wells.

 

Thanks! Looks sweeeet

 

I have 2'' shackles on my 01 and if I take out the second leaf will my rear end sit lower than my front (which) has stock suspension.

Also I'm going to drop the spare and hitch so maybe that will keep the truck level too if I do decide to remove a leaf.

 

My front is lowered so I'm not worried, and since 04s are higher in the rear than 01s it sounds like I'll be fine.. hopefully.

 

I have the FRPP kit with Hotchkis rear leafs. This is set on the lower shackle setting and I could raise the back a tad if I wanted...L sits just slightly higher in the back...