Lowering the L need some advice

[2002_500HP]

Hey Guys,
I used the 2.5 drop shackles in the rear and i would like to lower the front some now...any of you cut your front springs and if so how much? And did it mess up the ride alot in the front? i would just like to take about 2 to 3 inches out of the front. Just wanting to know what you guys have done and tried to see what works best. BTW i don't do any kind of towing or hauling so i don't have to worry about that.

Thanks
Chris

 

[BoostedSVT03]

Just cut one coil off of the front springs and it should put you right where you want to be. It stiffens up the ride a bit but its not harsh, IMO it made the truck ride like it should have. I think it was too soft from the factory.

 

[LIGHTNING LARRY]

Call Mark at LFP and get the Hotchkis front springs.
They will ride much better than cut springs and give you the look you want.

http://www.lightningforceperformance.com/catalog/productDetails.php?productID=1010

 

[2002_500HP]

thanks man

 

[miamijdm]

or put some belltech spindles.. ride is awesome.

 

[LIGHTNING LARRY]

or put some belltech spindles.. ride is awesome.

Do they work with 18in wheels?

 

[2002_500HP]

is it easier to do the spindles or the springs i'm just looking for the easiest way to do this.

 

[brucewrs]

It was easy to do the springs....

 

[2002_500HP]

bruce did you buy springs or cut yours ???????

 

[brucewrs]

I cut one coil....Just make sure you have a big hammer to hit the side of the upper control arm housing.What I did was place jack stands on both frame rails and then place a jack under lower control arm.After you removed the shock and unbolted the sway bar pull the cotter pin out of the upper control arm.. Unscrew the nut but dont take it totally off.Then with your sledge hammer give it a good wack on the side of the upper control arm housing.After it falls out slightly,then jack it back up and remove the nut.Slowly lower the jack all the way down and out comes the spring.Just make sure you disconnect the plastic clips and the clamp that holds the brake line to the lower control arm..

 

[Scotts Elle]

Do they work with 18in wheels?

Yes but you have to:
1. Machine the nut down by almost half or...
2. Belltech will send you a slim nut if you fax them a proof of purchase

As much as they say these are OK to work with our trucks, they never did test them on an L. You may have to mod the part a bit but in the end its worth it. You get to retain the stock a-arm angles, ball joint angles, etc.

 

[brucewrs]

BTW,I love how the truck handles with the cut coil and 2 leafs taken out...Alot lower center of gravity and a little stiffer up front.

 

[2002_500HP]

bruce what did you use to cut yours off with...i think i'm gonna do it that way just want to round up all the stuff i'm gonna need in advance.

 

[brucewrs]

I used a 4inch cut off tool.I cut half way through and then i put it in a bucket of water to cool it off.Then cut the rest of it off.The circular cut off tool cuts like butter...I am not a mechanic and was a very simple and cheap mod..

 

[2002_500HP]

is it for a drill and where did you get it at?

 

[brucewrs]

http://www.epinions.com/Campbell_Hausfeld_Cut_Off_Tool_TL1035_Shop_Tools if you have an air compressor or http://www.toolbarn.com/product/makita/9565/

 

[gpro71bird]

I cut 1/2 a coil from the front spring of my Groung Force Kit. It looks just right. :thumbsup:

 

[jboss10]

I used the Hotchkins drop coils...and love them!!!!

 

[CHIZ]

check my how to and you'll see how easy it is to change the springs. as far as cutting them, i would just go and buy the right springs for your application.

 

[Blown5pnt4]

I plan on using Hotchkis front coils, with JLP 4" shackles, and socal shock extenders.