jbone36

First and foremost, I apologize if I'm beating a dead horse with my post. I honestly know little about the ins and outs of lowering, hence my reaching out to you all in the know.

I have an 18' SCREW 4wd and am currently running 2-inch Ground Force drop shackles w/ rear blocks still in. I have 2.5* shims as there were vibes between 20-30mph when slowing down. I currently have 22x10 (+30) on 305/45's for the summer and my stock 20's in the winter as I live in MI. I seldom tow anything and when I do, it's not much.

While I 100% prefer the looks of a 2/4 drop on these trucks, I am uncertain if the 2 / 4 or 1.5 / 3 drop is the correct route for me to go. Here are my primary concerns:

• ability to run stock wheels / tires in the winter
• optimal front suspension geometry
• vibrations
• issues that cause premature wear having to replace front end parts too often
• ride quality

From what i've read on here, front spindles are the way to go up front for 2wd's, but I'm pretty confused on the "best" method for 4wd's. Are there any other options for 4wd up front besides coilovers? Seems like people have said those make geometry worse so to speak.

What do you guys feel is the more appropriate way to go? If you suggest a 2/4, what is the best means to accomplish this? If I do a 1.5 / 3, I think the Ground Force kit is what I would go with.

Thanks gents!

jbone36

This is what I'm working with. Definitely think a drop would look great.

justinb491

I was in the same situation as you. Im by no means a pro at lowering trucks though. Id try by first removing the rear block and see how you feel about the look and ride. Next step would be front lowering springs and a flip kit. There really is no in between, Ive looked and tried everything. Ride quality isnt bad on mine now, nut its not as smooth as stock ride with Fox shocks. Tire size I think you should be fine with a 2/4 drop.

jbone36

Thanks for the reply! I just put pinion shims in this last weekend and thought about pulling the blocks while I was in there, but I didn't. Main reason was because it would put me at a complete zero rake on the passenger side and a .25" rake on the driver side. I still should have done it though just to see how I liked it. I like the look of yours w/ the GF kit, but I think we both have the opinion that the 2/4 looks even better. I was eyeballing the Belltech kits, but people on here seemed to have problems with the back dropping lower than the front. Being that you're in Chicago, do you run your stock shoes in the winter months?

justinb491

Thanks for the compliment. The block removal will still leave a good amount of rake to the truck. The Belltech kit is great, but it still seems like most guys are happy with the Crown and it’s a lot cheaper. Also the Belltech shocks suck, I’d use the money saved and invest in good shocks. I never have swapped tires for winter. We have 4 wheel drive. Hahaha. You’ll be fine without swapping tires.

jbone36

Interesting. This was the Belltech kit I was considering

https://www.jegs.com/i/Belltech/146/1001HK/10002/-1

Idk how much better those shocks are than the SP kit.

Lol and only reason I swap my wheels is to keep the salt from destroying my dubs!

justinb491

I really like the look of that kit, but it’s the price. I’ve seen a few guys on here that ran that kit and liked it.

Brad2013FX4

I did 2wd struts and 2" shackles with the rear block removed.

The 2wd struts dropped the truck 1.5" in the front. I have about 1" rake now with my setup.

But now I want a 2/4 drop

jbone36

That's exactly what I know will happen if I don't just go for the 2/4 to begin with lol ...

justinb491

just do it. Then let us know how it goes.