im waiting on some parts to go just a bit lower than my current status but, who here is the lowest statically dropped truck? what do you have done or how did you do it? me, im currently at a 4/3 with 2" spindles up front, a B/J filp, and slightly eased down torsion, rear have belltech 3" leafs. to go lower im gonna be running a 205/50/16 setup on my starions, 3" lower control arms, and a 3 or 4 inch block in the rear. i may go lower yet and mill myself out a front lower balljoint spacer.... possibly 1" or 1 1/2" thick to bring it down more. here's what mine currently looks like.......
here is a picture of my first '86. its got lowered torsions (sittin on the bump stops) with a 3" block on rear, the only other thing on the rear is the shocks, there load shocks from a 1st gen truck, if i remember correctly there like 1/2" shorter than the 2nd gen shocks. I will be droppin my turbo truck in the next 2 weeks!
honestly, for how much leafs cost vs. a block kit..... leafs hands down. the ride is sooooo much better. not to mention less axle wrap. i have the belltech 3" drop leafs by the way.
Yes, they are capable of carrying the same loads as the stock leafs. BTW half a ton is pushing it anyways, even on the stock springs.
I sat here debating this very same question for weeks; leafs vs. lowering blocks - over and over, again, in my head. If the ride is THAT much better than going with blocks, then leafs it is. Sometimes it's so tempting to go that less expensive route to get that instant gratification. But at the same time, I know in the long run it pays off to be patient and to do things properly. Just wanted to sound off - I really appreciate this thread - thanks guys.
yes, i know that is alot of weight. but my turbo truck is what huals the bikes around. my harley is the heaviest at a dry weight of 545 lbs. and my buell is 395 lbs. so that is y i was wanting to know.i will most likely later on get lowered leafs, but for me, blocks work for now.
my belltechs do not haandle weight well.... its a 2 leaf pack so ride is sacrificed over load capacity. mine will squat with around 300lbs back there...... they will likely bottom with more than 500lbs
I have flatteren leaves (reset) with 2 1/2 inch blocks and major wound torsions (no rake) no bump stops in front or rear and tucks 17's with 40 profile tyres nicley. Dont get axel on frame bash even on potholes front will rub on the firewall if reversing down a hill (gutter) while at full lock
Sunset - nice ride! Are those 18s? How'd you lower it? I have an '85 Xtra cab as well, and am looking for ideas.
The wheels are indeed 18's! As for the drop... I loosened the torsion bars, cut off all of the bumpstops, cut and raised the front shock towers about 2 inches, 4" or 4 1/2" DJM pinion correcting lowering blocks on stock leaf springs, and cut out the front wheelwells!