Lowering questions...

Alright so it's lowering 101 for me. I have an 03 Sierra rcsb(step side). I have wanted to lower my truck for like 2 years now and haven't done it but I have pretty much come to the conclusion that unless someone here can talk me out of it I'm gonna do it. What I'd like to know are the pro's and con's to lowering a truck. I want my truck to handle better and I want to be able to take turns a lot faster than stock. Not autocross level or anything but I'd like it to handle more like a factory Camaro would. I realize ofcourse this isn't a sports car but I am not able to get rid of the truck and quite frankly I love it so I just want to turn it into what I want. Ofcourse I'm on a rather low income too which is why I need advice. I also don't want to create traction problems. This is my only mode of transportation so I will have to drive it in the snow and ice when necessary although we haven't had a problem with that in my neck of the woods yet(knock on wood).

What I was thinking is a 2/3 drop. I know there are different ways of doing this but that is about the level I want to drop it. What can ya'll tell me?

I would go with a 2/4 drop. The best kit out there is McGaughy's...but is one of the most expensive. I would prefer a spindle drop as well...

You could alway spend a lil money on some lowering shackles for the rear. They're very easy to install but it won't do much for handling. It will make it look a lil more level though. If it's more of a performance style ride that you're going for I wouldn't skimp on the cash. Save up your money and buy something worth the time and effort. Do not cut your springs or anything like that. I've heard of people doing that and effing stuff up. Like was said before go with spindles on a 2-4 drop. You should still have enough clearance to go over a curb if needed and you shouldn't really bottom out on anything.

+1 Maybe get some good shocks under it and a sway bar or something. If you dont already have rims and a good set of tires that will make a world of difference too.

2/4 McGaughys here.

2' lowering spindle up front

Shackles and Hangers in the rear. (2" each.)

Ride close to factory if you cut in rear bump stop and get new shocks or shock extenders.

I hate to sound ignorant but I am. What are shackles and how do they work?

Also, I was told putting a good anti-sway bar on the rear would help it enormously as well. Thoughts on that?

i heard the rear sway bars work well...but i dunno...i cant find one that will work with a 6" drop

2/4 Drop ftw. Then buy Summit Street shocks.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KongGMC

I hate to sound ignorant but I am. What are shackles and how do they work?

Also, I was told putting a good anti-sway bar on the rear would help it enormously as well. Thoughts on that?

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Your answer lies at google.com. If you look under the rear of your truck it is the metal bracket attached to the rear of your leaf springs then attaches to your frame. take a look and then you'll understand.

The more power and less weight over the rear the less rear bar you need....in many cases...if you're looking to run twisties.

Okay so my main concern is being able to take turns faster(and safer). Is simply lowering the truck and getting some decent low profile tires going to make all of the difference with a truck or am I going to need to switch to all polyurathane mounts/bushings and switch to bigger anti-sway bar up front?

I also forgot to ask before. But I read several weeks ago where someone on here was complaining that the driveshaft was making racket and a few people said he would have to shim the driveshaft cause it changes the pinion angle. Would I have this problem with a 2/3 drop and if I do can you get shims at the parts store?

You shouldn't need it with only a 2-3, and yes, low pro tires will help