I am wanting to lower my 1997 F150 for Christmas. I am looking at the Belltech brand and Chassis tech brand and any other brand anyone would suggest. I'm sue everyone has seen the ad for the Chassis tech one in any truck mag, for $185. Is this one any good? Will it last? I know Belltech is close to the best, but I am also factoring in cost. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.

Scott

 

Most of the brands out there are tested and proven to be good. I myself am using a Belltech 3/4 on my truck and I love it. The only brand I have herd to stay away from would be AIM which I think is also chassis tech(but i am not sure about that). The problam I have herd about AIm is the lowering control arms they use dont have all the hardware on them for like brake lines or bump stops.

 

Yeah I would stay away from them! I don't have any personal experience with them but I've read some real bad stuff about their quality on other message boards. I have Belltech on mine and they are quality parts, I've also heard good stuff about Western Chassis. They both have reasonable prices too!

 

Hey Scott, for what it's worth, I have listened to a bunch of good ideas, suggestions and comments from guys who have "been there - done that" and they all say Belltech, DJM or Western Chassis are all good.

However, they offer "Packages" to lower your truck. It's like buying a store bought suit. It's packaged with a double-breasted coat and pleated trousers. But what if you want a single-breasted coat and no pleats?

Maybe that's a poor analogy. But I think you get the idea. Belltech sells good front springs for $89 a pair. That's quality for a decent price. So, that takes complete care of lowering the front end 3-inches. Plus a set of Caster/Camber bolts and an alignment job when your finished.

For the rear-end, Belltech wants to sell you a set of hangers and shackles for a big price. But several other companies offer rear leaf springs that will lower the rear of your truck either 2', 3" or 4" for $149/pair. I am going with the 3" leaf spring ... plus a 2" shackle that also has a hole at one-inch. This way, once I bolt the 3" dropped springs in place, I can put the 2" shackle in for a full 5" drop in the rear. But, if it's too much ... I can quickly unbolt the shackle and use the one-inch hole for a 4" drop. I don't know about you but I want that kind of flexibilty.

You see, a 4" drop is about the maximum you can go and not get in trouble with bottoming out on your bump-stops on the frame.
Go much more than that and you're looking at a "C" Section on the frame.

A 5" drop may be a little bit too much. But you won't know that for sure (depending on how much the 3" Leaf Springs drop the truck) until you have it setting on the ground with all the weight on the tires. Some trucks weigh more than others. So, with the 2" shackle, and a 1" option, I have some flexibilty to work with.

And, the best part is this: It's all a bolt-together lowering job. You don't need to hire someone for $350 to do it for you.

Don't forget that any time you lower your vehicle more than an inch, you need to get into shorter travel shocks or they will bottom out and ruin the shocks.

That's my methodology ..... Good Luck!!

BillVoyles

 

Bill, I like you thinking. I've pretty much reached the same conclusions. I am only going with a 2 inch front drop and will probably use belltech. But for the back, don't know if it should be a 3 or 4 inch drop. I like the slight rake but I'm gonna buy something that will give me some flexability for the rear, just to be 100% sure I'm happy with the stance.

 

Greg Mc, if you decide on only doing a 2/3 drop you might want to look into the Hotchkis 2/3 kit. It includes 2" coil springs and 3" leaf springs and will probably give you the best handling out there. At least that what they design them to do! But its not cheap, I believe its around $400 for just the springs.

 

Dittos for Mr Voyles. Western Chassis is excellent product. If you do your homework and compare construction, I think you'll see it's an excellent product. The boys down at the "chop shop" swear by it, and also have good reports with Belltech product. They don't like AIM/Chassis Tech, and had some pretty choice words of defilement when I asked them "why". I don't argue with the boys down at the chop shop. (Some of those wrenches are pretty durn big).
Check this out:
http://www.sporttruckdirect.com/supera-arms.html

 

99flareside, I'll probably go with BellTech front springs but not sure if they will be 2 or 3 drop. The Belltech springs are about $90 and the Western springs are $130. Not sure what the difference is. On the rear I'll go with the Western shackles and hangers since they are adjustable. I like the idea of putting the truck on the ground and having the ability to move the rear height around till it suit me. Wish I could afford the Hotchkis set up, that would be the ticket but don't want to spend that much $.

Did you use a shim kit for the rear or a camber kit from the front with your 3/4 Belltech kit?

 

Price was the reason I didn't go with the Hotchkis too! The Belltech kit included the shims for the rear and when I got my alignment they installed a camber kit for the front too.

 

FWIW , I had two different people tell me to stay away from AIM parts. Seems quality is on the low side.

I think I will use the Bell tech front coils and rear leaf spring mounting kit for a 2/4 drop. I want to retain the OEM rear springs on my truck since I do hook onto a car trailer at times.

I've heard the lowering leaf springs do not have the capacity of the OEM leaf springs.