All,

Just seeking some help and opinions on some impending mods to be done to my 01L.

I am looking to lower it and have researched the BellTech, Hotchkiss, SoCal Speed Shop and Roush kits including most of the posts regarding these kits. I want to retain the hauling and towing ratings of my truck (just in case) so I am considering the Hotchkiss and SoCal kits. I am also looking for roughly a 2/3 drop and I would also like the truck to handle the twisties as well as running in a straight line. The Hotchkiss kit doesn't give me the 2/3 drop that I'm looking for but they also don't use drop shackles so I assume it will handle the curves better. The SoCal kit gives me my 2/3 drop but also uses the drop shackles. What do you guys think of using the SoCal kit with the Hotchkiss sways? I have already called SoCal regarding this and they told me they have already done it on a number of trucks with their lowering kit. Will the drop shackles used in the SoCal kit adversely affect my handling in the corners? If so, how much of a difference will it really make (this is probably a good question for Spike)?

Also, I plan on adding 20" chrome 01 wheels when someone finally makes them. I am also planning on adding a new grille and am going to go the Speed Grille route, mainly because it's different and I have yet to see another one. It's a toss-up between the satin aluminum inserts and the chrome inserts. I like the idea of the chrome inserts because they will ultimately match my wheels but I'm not sure if it will be too "disco." Much as I hate to admit it, I like the way the grilles on the new Yukons look (the chrome mesh inserts). Does anyone have a picture of chrome Speed Grille inserts on an L?

Thanks in advance,

Dan

 

I don't thing SoCal has used the Hotchkis sway bars. Hotchkis hasn't shipped any yet. They are supposed to be shipping either tomorrow or Monday. According to them there has only be 2 sets release. One went on a standard F150 for Sport Truck mag and the other is on the test L.

I think either way you go will be some what of a comprimise. Hotchkis not as low as you want or SoCal with shackles and reduce load carrying. I opted for the complete Hotchkis package. Will install it as soon as the bars come in. So far the pieces I have recieve are top quality. I like that the bars and spring were engineered as a unit. If you use the SoCal kit and Hotchkis bars you should confirm the spring rayes SoCal uses. With a progressive of soft spring rate you may not see much improvement with the bars. You will see some but possibly not up to what they are capable of.

 

What Silver-Bolt said...

The So-Cal kit is a good setup and you can order it with a different sway bars. IMO you probably wouldn't feel the performance difference between SoCal and the Hotchkis setup, unless you're on a road course. Yet, each would have a different "personality" that would be noticable. Your straight line performance will probably suffer off the line and at the upper RPM range in 1st gear prior to the 1-2 shift. Yet IMO, not enough to matter.

Regarding the load capacity, both Hotchkis and SoCal state that the capacity is unchanged. Yet, both also told me that airbags are recommended if you are planning on loading up the rear often. It's simply a matter of reduced axle travel. At least both companies were honest about it.

Either system need tuned shocks. None are available, but the 2001 L shocks or the KYB's (as an option) with the SoCal kit is a good compromise. Hotchkis is working with Bilstien, but I wouldn't be surprised if a different manufacture supplies a tuned shock.

BTW, I will have a full/NEW review of the Hotchkis system posted in a couple days. Dreamin will be posting comments also.

Spike

Notice the hitch? I always offer a tow to anyone who wants to go faster!

 

ttt