Suspension opinions

I've been debating which suspension I want to go with, and would like some opinions.

I don't want to drop the truck a whole lot, just get it down a bit and get some good handling out of it.

My options are:

Full hotchkis kit w/ swaybars

or

Air ride tech cool ride w/ upper and lower control arms, and the Air bar 4 link kit out back.

The hotchkis is cheaper, but the air ride tech has it's coolness factors also, plus new upper and lower control arms, which I like.

Hotchkis is 2/4 air ride is 3/5 at ride height. I'm afraid 3/5 will be a little too low for my taste, not sure.

One thing I'm worried about is that the hotchkis coils won't lower the front a full 2" because of the lighter Ls1.

So, any opinions? Right now I'm leaning towards the hotchkis as I'd like a nice street truck that will handle well, but I like the air ride for other reasons.
Truck is a '91 1500 reg cab short box. Getting an Ls1 auto combo and escalade front conversion.

You'll love the Air Ride Tech! If you don't want to spend a lot of money go with the Bell Tech drop like me. I'm using 2" drop spindles and going from a 1" spring drop to a 2" with the LS1. It all depends on how much denero you want to spend.

I just cut one full coil out of my stockers with an abrasive blade in my circular saw. Gave me a 2" drop and a nice ride. I bought aftermarket coils before and they were way spongy. It may be because they were from AIM, though. Oh well, free was better any way.

I have had several really good experiences with Hotchkins. I love the way trucks handle with those kits. Much better than mine with an Eibach front kit. Iwould recommend that for the front of your truck.

In the rear..I'd go air ride. I love the 4 link that comes with it, and you can customize the rear height to match the front.

Ross

Airbags seem too flimsy to me on a truck. Ihave dealt a lot with my Dad's Lincoln's airbag problems, and, frankly, I wouldn't trust them on a truck. Maybe I'm wrong, though.

Lincoln/Ford air bag systems are pieces of Sh**. Don't judge by them.

Quote:

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Originally posted by BlenderWizard@Jun 15 2005, 12:34 PM
Airbags seem too flimsy to me on a truck. Ihave dealt a lot with my Dad's Lincoln's airbag problems, and, frankly, I wouldn't trust them on a truck. Maybe I'm wrong, though.

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I've had rear air helper springs on my truck since Sept 2000 without any problems. I think the application is more appropriate on trucks where they can be used to keeps loads level.

I've got a beltech 2/4 on mine and love the appearence not to low but it looks mean, and still can get in anywhere without scrubbing which is real nice on my painted spoiler. By the way I put 2 drop coils on front, and shackles and leaf springs on back, C-Notched the frame, And Toxic Drop Shocks all the way around.
It dropped lil over 2 in front after the springs settled, about 5 in the back. Good ride for truck that low. Had 3in drop on the fronted and hated it took it off about a week later and went with the 2.

How about hydraulics? LMAO!! I was coming home from work one day and there was this blue Geo trying to strut his stuff next to me. I revved my engine a little and he took off in front of me bouncing up and down and then on 3 wheels. He thought he'd bounce again and me and my bro saw something fly out from underneath the front end and about 5 seconds later the CV joints with drive shafts came rolling out in the street and he was sitting on the ground with no way to roll!! This is a true story we'll never forget, it had to be the funniest thing we've seen happen with a low rider! LMAO :rofl:

OK, Nevermind, let's keep you away from the hydraulics!

Quote:

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Originally posted by Vortec383@Jun 15 2005, 06:02 PM
How about hydraulics? LMAO!! I was coming home from work one day and there was this blue Geo trying to strut his stuff next to me. I revved my engine a little and he took off in front of me bouncing up and down and then on 3 wheels. He thought he'd bounce again and me and my bro saw something fly out from underneath the front end and about 5 seconds later the CV joints with drive shafts came rolling out in the street and he was sitting on the ground with no way to roll!! This is a true story we'll never forget, it had to be the funniest thing we've seen happen with a low rider! LMAO :rofl:

OK, Nevermind, let's keep you away from the hydraulics!

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Geez, why would anyone spend the dough on a hydraulic setup on a friggin Geo? Now, I knew a guy with hydraulics on his S-10, and that was kinda cool...

well thanks for all the opinions.

Air bags are just fine on a truck, hell the big rigs use them. I'm thinking I'm gonna go with the hotchkis setup though, and if the front sits too high w/ the ls1 then I can raise the back a little if needed. Or I'll have to check and see if a V6 spring would be better.

Does anyone know the weight difference between a stock v8 and the ls1?