Lowering question (some questions from my shop)

[draft]

Okay, so as some of you may know, I financed myself $2500 so far to get the truck lowered 2" all around and put some Lexani 20s with some high-profile tires.

So I went to get the lowering done today, but these guys are really pushing to replace my spindles. Now, they can't even find replacement/performance spindles for the X (my year/style specifically), so they really don't know what to do.

So far, they know they're going to TT the front and put some 1" blocks on the back with the "stock blocks" flipped for the free 1" drop. Back is easy. Front.. will a 2" TT in the front really stress the front that much as these guys are stressing to me? I mean, I'd rather just do the TT and put some custom tuned shocks for lowered vehicles and call it done...

Now I'm just stuck in a trap of what I should tell them to do. But they seem to not want to drop my truck because they really want to replace those spindles (which cost a fk* fortune).

Again, 2" drop all around, flipped rear "stock blocks" in back with 1" blocks/u-bolts, front 2" tt down -- they claim the suspension is going to be stressed so much if they don't spindles, what do you guys suggest I recommend, or tell these guys?

These guys know their stuff.. but it's almost in my hands now.

Thanks so much!

 

[Robb]

You took your truck to a shop to do a tortion twist?

 

[etc]

As far as I know there are no drop spindles for explorers. Think they are just trying to get some more money out of you.

 

[IAmTodd]

Just a little tip: You do not need rear spacers. The Mono leaf in the sports already have multiple Spacers. They're about a half-inch each. All you have to do is remove the center bolt and reposition them on the top.

 

[james t]

they only have one choice, and that is to do the TT. there are no drop spindles, control arms, or anything else. the TT is the only way... and nothing can be adapted from another vehicle. the 2" TT will be fine. it wont ride that great, but as long as its aligned and they trimmed the bumpstops, all will be ok. it wont put much more noticable stress or wear on balljoints.

 

[draft]

Originally posted by Robb
You took your truck to a shop to do a tortion twist?

Simply, yes.

I don't have any tools here for working under the truck (at least that I think)... usually just used to working with audio systems.. so that's really the only supplies I have. Plus, I'd like to get this all done at once and get the alignment done while I'm at it.

Anyways, thanks, I'll be sure to let the guy know tomorrow when I drop by. To better off the ride, should I just invest in some semi-cheap Monroe reflex's or something for the time being? I'm really not interested in Edelbrocks (horror stories, failure to live up to warranty, etc, or maybe I'm just crazy), plus how they're expensive.

Thanks again =)

 

[X24]

All you need to do the TT is a 13mm socket.

I would recommend the monroe reflex's. Mine do a great job with handling but I think they could do a better job of taking the bumps... but they're designed for a stock explorer, not a lowered one, so I know it's not the shocks fault.

 

[IAmTodd]

The Edelbrock's are definetly worth it. I have them on a stock height Explorer and they do great. The "warranty" is only for defects, not normal wear. Just like tires, the warranty is only for defects, not for the tread to last forever. They are quite pricey, but deliver and excellent "sporty" ride.

 

[X~FACTOR]

I have the Edelbrocks on all four. They were great when they were new, that's for sure.

 

[aldive]

I finally dumped the Edelbrocks, the crappy, harsh ride was driving me nuts, and got Rancho 9000x shocks. What a world of difference. It still rides like crap since its lowered but the Rancho's made a big difference.

 

[X24]

Al, are those adjustable?

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by X24
Al, are those adjustable?

Yes. 9 ways.

 

[draft]

Well, I really considered the Ranchos to be a last draw.. and more meant for offroading & lifted trucks...

I wouldn't be hesitated to give Edelbrock a shot.. any other options I should look into? (price may be a factor, but the ride is also one too)

Referring back to the comment on just moving the spacers in the back above.. I heard that only gives a 1" drop.. still would need a 1" block to give it the 2"- correct? LMK If I've just been hearing things wrong... (from what I read and told, just those spacers give 1")

 

[Robb]

It is going to depend on the individual rig. Just dropping everything 2" doesn't mean your truck is going to sit level. Sometimes, the rear already sags lower than the front, and 2" up front, and 1" in the back will make it level. It just depends on the truck.

I would just get under the truck, remove the front t-bar adjusters, then do whatever needs to be done to the rear to level it.

 

[X~FACTOR]

One thing to watch out for when removing the TT bolt, you can't go too low that you cannot correctly get the alignment right even after installing the eccentric camber kit. Like Robb said each truck is different but its anything pass the 2-inch drop that you should start worrying about this.

 

[draft]

I already know 3" is basically suicide on the bottom of the truck as far as the metal pans and gas tank goes.. I would just be jeopordizing that all, and to be honest, this is where the ride quality issue can only go so far.

Yep, I even told the guy it would take some work to do a ~2" drop, but it's doable without new drop spindles, but insisted on thinking the other.

Guess I'll see what happens today. =X

 

[Black Magic]

Originally posted by Robb
It is going to depend on the individual rig. Just dropping everything 2" doesn't mean your truck is going to sit level. Sometimes, the rear already sags lower than the front, and 2" up front, and 1" in the back will make it level. It just depends on the truck.

I would just get under the truck, remove the front t-bar adjusters, then do whatever needs to be done to the rear to level it.

Robb, Is 100% right on this. I found the look I wanted with 3.5" front drop and only a 1" block in the rear.

 

[draft]

Definately will take into consideration. Thanks guys.

This guy had a hard time me "laying down the law" on the drop spindles issue.. but he finally let go and understands basically the information I've relayed from this post and the general stuff I already know.

Again, big thanks. =)

 

[james t]

he just needs to understand there is no "issue" with drop spindles because they dont exist. kind of hard to buy a set and slap them on when there isnt such a thing on planet earth. now, if he wants to design a mold, and have an iron foundry pour you a set, then i would say go for it.

 

[draft]

Originally posted by james t
he just needs to understand there is no "issue" with drop spindles because they dont exist. kind of hard to buy a set and slap them on when there isnt such a thing on planet earth. now, if he wants to design a mold, and have an iron foundry pour you a set, then i would say go for it.

lol.. never.