Truck suspension question

[frame]

Hello all,
I am looking at lowering my tuck 2/4. I want to do it for handling as much a looks. I have come up with a setup and I need some feedback.
Front
*Ground Force 2" Drop Front Coil Springs
*Edelbrock Performer IAS Shock for a 1500 lowered 2" x 4"
Back
*Ground Force 4" Drop Rear Hanger/Shackle Kit
*Edelbrock Performer IAS Shock for a 1500 lowered 2" x 4"

Any suggestions?
Also any advice on removing the rivets from the front spring hangers on the rear springs? Also is there any way to install the front coil springs without a spring compressor?

The truck is a 2000 Silverado reg cab, short bed.

Thanks!

[CKTA]

If you want just a 2/4 drop, get the Hotchkis kit. By far one of the best for what you are looking for.

[scrapin']

If your only looking for a mild drop but want some serious handling, you want Hotchkins.

[1badgmc]

yep, yep...if you're after handling I wouldn't use anything other than Hotchkis or Eibach. They're the best in the biz.

[Loki]

I heard that with the Hotchkis kit, you lessen your turning radius...is that right...that is why I went with the djm 4/6, plus I plan on bagging in the way off future, so Baby if you see this post, don't go getting all jerked off over nothing.

[ChevyOnAir]

Originally posted by LokiSLE
I heard that with the Hotchkis kit, you lessen your turning radius...is that right...that is why I went with the djm 4/6, plus I plan on bagging in the way off future, so Baby if you see this post, don't go getting all jerked off over nothing.


Hotchkis does not reduce your turning radius (Because they use Springs)... But Belltech Spindles (2505) will reduce your turning radius. DJM uses control arms so it doesnt affect turning radius. Of course this is all for the 1999-200x models.

Hope this helps!

[frame]

thanks for the info guys...I am going to go with the Hotchkins coil/leaf springs. That is exactly the application I am looking for. Plus I don't have to replace any spring hangers:) The only thing about the Hotchkins is the $$$. I've been told they are worth it, I guess I'll find out.

I appreciate your input guys. I really glad to see some sites/forums popping up that involve late model chevy trucks

One more question, is it possible to safely remove my stock coil springs without a spring compressor?

Thanks.

[ChevyOnAir]

I really like Hotchkis stuff and they are worth every penny!!! I think there is away to remove the coil spring by unbolting the lower control arm (jack underneath it of course) and changing it out that away... someone probaby has a better answer on that than I do though...

Good Luck, and take lots of pictures :)

[1badgmc]

Originally posted by frame
One more question, is it possible to safely remove my stock coil springs without a spring compressor?

Thanks.

Yes.

[frame]

Sweet! Thanks for the help guys! Now if only the nearest dealer had the leaf springs in stock! They will be mine soon.

I think I will document my install with pics. Just because I would want someone to do the same for me:)

[ChevyOnAir]

Yes please document your install, make a good tech article :)

[astroracer]

Frame,
I am not sure about the suspension design on the newer trucks as compared to my '95 but you may want to talk to an alignment shop about the caster/camber adjustment for yours. On the earlier years the upper control arms need to be removed to access the knockouts for the adjustment slots. These need to be removed before the adjustments can be made. You will want to do this yourself while you've got the truck apart. You will save yourself some serious green.
Another thing to think about, if you are serious about your truck handling well, is going to polyurethane bushings in the upper and lower control arms. The Hotchkis rear springs should come with them already installed. Lowering your truck 2 & 4 will make a difference but 4 & 6, with the polyurethane bushings will turn it into a slot car. Doing the front sway bar bushings and adding a rear sway bay will make a DRAMATIC difference.
Anybody riding in my truck for the first time gets their head knocked against the passenger side window when changing lanes. It's a lot of fun blasting thru e-way entrance ramps at 100 mph... without a tire squeal and zero body lean. Mark

[1badgmc]

Man, I wish I would have had poly on my mind a month or so ago. I'm getting ready to bag my truck and am having to put my factory control arms on. Sure would have been nice to think ahead and have the poly done. I have 3" lower arms on it now with poly and I LOVE them!

[frame]

Well I kinda pussed out and had a friend put on my springs for me:)

Where it probably would have taken me all damn day, it took him about 3 or 4 hours.

I really love how the hotchkis springs handle but still give you a nice smooth ride. The new springs also seemed to level my truck (the front driver's side leaned down about 1/4 - 1/2 inch stock...).

Next will be some Edelbrock IAS's and hotchkis sway bars.

Thanks for the suggestion CKTA! Well worth the money.

-jd

[ChevyOnAir]

Good to hear frame, I have the Edelbrocks sitting in my room ready to go on soon :)

[TribalVision]

I documented my 3/4 drop on my hoe. it is on my website.
http://www.geocities.com/wreckmster
under lowering pics