Hey Guys,
I need help with this and appriecate the time it takes for ya'll to reply.
I want to drop the lightning 3/4" but want to do it the correct way.
I have taked with people that just change the front springs but I am concerned about the front end geometry. Should drop spindles or A-arms be used instead. And shouldn't I also change the shocks? The more I read the worst I get confused about this mod. Thanks for any help you can give.
Alvin

------------------
99.5 Ford Lightning - Full Bassani exhaust, Swanson Performance Chip,Pro-m,undersized pulley,3.73 ears,Transgo shift kit,cobra type hood, snug top cover,2" drop in back, yellow stripes down red truck.
13.01 @ 103.6, 378 RWHP
http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4294235379

 

Hey Alvin,

I seriously doubt anyone makes drop spindles that only drop it 3/4".

I've never done anything half-*ss on my vehicles, and I'm not about to start now, but I just got some Chassis Tech springs for the front. These drop a regular F-150 3", I believe, but on our truck they will drop it 2". I realize you aren't looking to go that low, but it may take a real prototype spring/etc to get you that minimal amount of drop.

I will add shocks shortly thereafter should my ride quality, body roll, etc get really poor. But, with 9k miles on these shocks, I'm going to stay with them and see what happens.

In the rear, I wanted something that would keep the stock rake of the truck. So, I'm only dropping that 2" as well with some leaf spring hangers from Chassis Tech. I am not changing the leaf springs or the shocks themselves...yet...as I will tow with this truck occassionally, and I do not want a much stiffer ride which will also hurt traction.

I'm taking it a step at a time b/c, like you, there are a number of options...enough to confuse the situation. So, I'm going to try one thing at a time, that way I can isolate problem areas and make improvements as need be.

I don't know when I'll have time to tackle this project, as I am planning to do it myself, and it will not be a 2 hr job for sure.

------------------
Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--364rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html

 

He may have been talking about 3" in front and 4" in the rear.

------------------
2000 Black Lightning, Snuglid
Custom Bed Carpet
Clear Corners, Lightning banner
Tinted Windows, Custom air intake
2" drop, VTech Taillight covers.
NLOC #377

See pics of '00BlackLightning at:
http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4294555843

 

OH...duh! Thanks. My bad.

------------------
Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--364rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html

 

Hey Wes,
I love you man, I was half way through you post and my mind was turning inside out when I finally realized were we were off track.
Yes I already have a 2" drop in the back. I am looking at a 3" front drop and a 4" drop in the back.
But thanks for your time and that poor attempt at helping buddy.
Alvin

 

Hey Alvin,

Well, I just hope most of my 200+ posts here have been more informative than that weak attempt.

It just shows you how little I am into suspension drops on trucks. My Mustangs are both lowered...like 1+". That's about all you can do before severely compromising the suspension...or without completely redoing the entire suspension (which isn't a bad thing on a Mustang) .

Anyway, hopefully someone can help you here. I'd like to see your truck after you drop it that much!

Have a great weekend,

------------------
Wes Tarbox
90 LX 5.0 (10.69 @ 134.7)--597rwhp/590rwtq
96 Cobra (12.63 @ 114.5)--392rwhp/433rwtq
99 Lightning (13.20 @ 103.3)--364rwhp/444rwtq
00 Expedition XLT 5.4
http://members.aol.com/Wa2fst/index.html

 

Thanks WA2FST... I haven't laughed this hard in a long while... just something about the capital "OH" followed by the "Duh" just set me off...

 

Hey Mr. Babolt,
I like the way your sig looks without the caps. Someone told me you hold the key to my questions. Where are you? As they said in Ghost Busters, " I am the Keymaster are you the Gatekeeper?". If that is what you are waiting for then I am out of luck because being your Gatekeeper sounds wayyyyyyy to sexual for me to fill.
But if you can find your gratification else where and find the time to help, I am will to pay tribute.
Thanks,
Alvin

 

dogleg,
I can't help you on your drop, but I hope you repost a picture when you get it done. I too plan to drop mine, but only the 2" on the rear.....need traction.
Can you tell me where you bought the cobra hood. (phone #) I've gone thru the faq but no #s are listed.
Tim

[This message has been edited by TimBurntire (edited 08-26-2000).]

 

No No No, I can't help you with those addresses, I am too damn busy asking my own questions!!! OH, --- That really sounds bad now that I'm rereading it. Must me the wrong answer.

Why yes, I a happy to help --- That's better. You know being married and without sex makes me a little confused sometimes. A guy at the guy once asked me why I wear my wedding ring and I told him I was proud to wear it ---- It's a public statement that I can live without money or sex!

Sorry, got sidetracked --
Hood - American Auto Designs, Inc.
16051 Pinto Rd. Unit 1
M. Ft. Myers, FL. 33903
941-995-5052

YOU HAVE TO GET THE COWL COVER WITH YOUR HOOD
Trader's Sport Truck Superstore
Dept. FT.
12266 Rooks Rd.
Whittier, CA. 90601

If you open my sig there are some really old pictures of the truck with just the 2" back drop.
Alvin

------------------
99.5 Ford Lightning - Full Bassani exhaust, Swanson Performance Chip,Pro-m,undersized pulley,3.73 ears,Transgo shift kit,cobra type hood, snug top cover,2" drop in back, yellow stripes down red truck.
13.01 @ 103.6, 378 RWHP
http://www.zing.com/album/?id=4294235379