Mikes Lowdown

Just kicking the can around
about lowering suspension

Have a burning issue or an question you would like to discuss with Mike? Ask Him!

mike@djmsuspension.com

Red Urethane

Urethane is wonderful stuff and is a premium material but it requires some attention when assembling.  The black rubber that comes stock on your vehicle can take a lot of torque on them and keep moving.  Urethane can also but it will bind up and squeak. Put away your air tools, 35lbs of torque is probably enough on moving parts. Don’t be a hero! And by the way, don’t forget to lubricate.

Alignment shops

I hate alignment shops. OK, not really, but man do some of these guys cause a lot of tech calls. Too often, you drop off your newly lowered truck for the alignment, pick it up later and they will give you your vehicle back unaligned. When your tires are ruined 6 months later and you question them, you get back an answer like “Well , we did the best we could”.  Alignment shops want to do my Mom’s Buick that is in alignment before it even goes in there.  Our stuff aligns to stock specifications!  Our people work their tail pipes off to make sure all our products can be aligned to stock specifications.
The new generation Chevy is a constant problem for alignment shops. I get calls all the time from owners saying that the alignment shop tried there best but can’t align the truck. They have no adjustment left. So this is what you do, loosen the top control arms and drive the truck backwards 10 yards and then look at the tires! All of a sudden a miracle happens and the camber is now the other way. Which shows there was more than enough adjustment and they had no idea how to align it.

Towing/Load Capacity

Engine torque, axle capability, tires and weight of the vehicle, spring rate, and suspension travel determine towing and load capacity. When you lower a truck the only thing that changes enough to matter is suspension travel. If you install a 6/8 drop kit on your dually you will simply be on your bump-stops sooner with the same load capabilities. If you want to lower your truck you can without losing load or towing capacity, and if you tow heavy trailers or carry heavy loads you can use air bag assist kits to allow you to regain the suspension travel you lose when loaded down.  

Tricky trucks

The 2004-2008 F-150’s can be tricky to lower in the rear. Some come from the factory with lifting blocks in the rear, please check before lowering or it will mess the drop height up

The new 07 and newer Silverado is a little different too.  The standard cab short bed is 3 THREE  inches higher than the front not the classic 2!

Lowering For Gas Mileage

GM has finally officially said that lowering a vehicle will help gas mileage! Don’t believe me click here to read for yourself.

Shock Length

The proper length shock does not effect ride height, springs determine ride height not shocks! It is important to note that shocks that are too long will restrict suspension travel, which can cause a nasty ride.