OK, I am ready to do this. Was going to buy some 20" chromes, but found out the rims I wanted are on a 3 month backorder and I need tires now!! So instead, I am going to a lower profile tire and dropping the truck - either a 2/4 or 3/4 drop.

As I understand it, I will also need to get drop shocks and a shim kit. But I also have read that I will need a camber kit.

What does the camber kit do and how much does one of these cost??

One more question, for those of you that have used drop springs up front - is the ride better or worse than stock?? Are the A-arms a better way to go??

Thanks in advance!!

 

The camber kit will run about $40 and it will allow the truck to ride on the entire width of the tire where as with no camber kit, you will wear out the insides of your tires quicker. Since i had a lifted truck before, i had a fabtech camber kit on hand. For the drop, i have the Belltech 3/4", but I have lowering coils and leaf springs. I didn t go with the hanger/ shackle combo. this is my first drop for trucks, but that is what the salesman told me that this would give the smoother ride. I do not know of what kind of ride the control arm drops will give, but i am happy with what i got!

 

Ah yes, I remember when your truck was the inspiration for mine back in the fall 0f 2001! How time flys....anyway I digress.....Mine is a DJM 2/4 drop and I still think the truck handles and rides much better than when it was stock. I have drop springs and no I don't remember the cost of the camber kit.

 

Stewscrew - man, glad I could help you out - you wouldn't believe how many emails I have gotten (and still get) asking how I did my truck, where I got the parts, how much did it all cost, etc. - I have enjoyed talking to everyone.

But after 3.5 years and 109K miles, it is time to "refresh" the newness with a little change. I had my 265/60/18 Falken STZ01's installed yesterday (3rd set) and I must say I wish I had gone with this size all along (instead of the 285/60/18). They look a little more low profile without increasing the tire well space too much, but I am getting ready to lower it, so that doesn't matter. The tire shop is fired up about lowering my truck, so I have got to get the kit ordered and installed, especially before I head to Myrtle Beach for Bike Week in May.

I'll get some pics up once it is all said and done - thanks everyone!!

 

Good luck LightningCrew, I'll look forward to your pics..........mine is now 2.5 years and 11K.... you must have a long drive everyday!

 

Hey Stew and Lightningcrew,
On you guys front bumper and foglight mods where did you get the bumper covers and did they come with the lower valance as one part? If so how much did they cost and where did you order them.
I am going to do that mod as my next one. Question is if I have a dark highland green metallic with arizona beige underneath would you go with arizona beige bumper?
Give me some thoughts
Matt

 

Mine was installed by the dealer when I first got the truck and it was around $1200 installed and painted, but I think they charged me for some additional parts that I did not need.

If I remember correctly, Stewscrew's truck is a two-tone (I think red and silver), so you might want to look in his gallery. Also, I believe GA Southern Eagle has a two-tone with the L front valance (navy/ arizona beige). Check out their galleries.

As far as the front grille, I believe it comes with the bumper cover.

 

Mine was also installed by the dealer when I first got the truck. It was around $1000 for the bumper cover painted and installed. Yours should be a little less because mine is bright red so it has gold in the paint wihich makes it more expensive. As Lightningcew said mine is Bright Red/Silver...I toyed with the idea of striping silver accross the bumper cover but could not get it look as good as it did all one color. Hope that helps.

 

Matt, I saw this on another board. I thought you might be interested. http://www.nloc.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=69559
Also I do not know if you are looking for rims but I have a new set of 2000 style 20" chrome Lightning rims for sale. I also have a set of 2000 style Ford 18" chrome Lightning rims with Falken 285/60/18 tires. I would like to get rid of either set. Let me know if you are interested. blake9@charter.net.

LightningCrew, you know you better send me some pics of the drop. I would love to see that. I bet the drop would look good with the SS body kit that I have.

Blake

 

see below

 

Man, you know I will. I would love to have the body kit, I would just be afraid of dragging it off (or afraid the wife would!!! )

Unfortunately I caught an interstate gator (shreaded semi truck tire) this weekend - left a whole bunch of skid marks down the side of my truck. Looks like it might buff out though (I hope )

 

You decide on a drop yet?

I've been looking around for a complete kit, but can't decide which one. The Ground Force 2"/4" kit looks good, but I've heard some bad things about it (i.e. - poor ride). It can be had for around $500 with shocks.

 

I have been looking at the Western Chassis 2/4 or Belltech 2/4 and adding Doetsch Tech Nitro Slammer shocks.

www.sporttruckdirect.com

This site seems to have good prices - it is where I bought my 2" drop shackles a few years ago.

I have a stock sell set up for this and other projects around the house, so whenever they execute the sell, I will be in business.

 

Cool! Got yet another question...you doing the A-arm or the coil spring setup? I have no clue as to which has the better ride.

I have been looking at the 2/4 BellTech coil spring kits with the Nitro Active shocks today and the price compares to the Ground Force, so I'm even more confused than ever. Can't decide which one to get.

 

I have heard that the A-arms give a more "factory" ride, but I am probably going to go with the drop springs.

I have heard good things about the Belltech kit, but a few mixed reviews on their shocks.