How to Lower a Truck
Two-wheel-drive trucks can be lowered to give them a sleeker, "street" look. Some enthusiasts say lowering a truck drops the center of gravity, improving your handling of the truck at higher speeds and making the ride a little smoother. Plus, it's easier to get in and out of the truck. Lowering a truck too far, however, can cause significant problems with the undercarriage. Before you buy, check the prices on different options and brands. Online stores like Stylin Trucks and JC Whitney carry a wide selection of state-of-the-art truck lowering kits.
Careful Deliberation
Before starting, make sure the modifications you make will not void your manufacturer's warranty. A call to your dealer can clear this up for you. Moreover, be sure to choose new truck lowering springs that fit your make and model and that are made by a reputable company. Also, check to make sure all the parts you need are included in the kit before you begin removing parts from your truck. Most truck lowering kits run from $300 to $800, although there are some pricier performance options.
A few truck owners try to save money by cutting the front springs and adding small blocks to the back. However, because springs are rated for the weight of the vehicle, the results can damage your truck. If you don't feel comfortable with your level of expertise, talk to a professional mechanic.
Prepare the Truck
How low should you go? The professional opinion is no more than 3 inches in the front. Any more, and you may not be able to drive as well or the truck could bottom out on low roads, bumps and railroad crossings. To decide how low, measure the height of the truck, front and back, to get an idea of what you're working with. Then, raise the truck on a lift.
Remove the wheels, brake rotors and front coil springs, loosening the ball joints. Remember to use a compressor to removing coil springs, which can be under a lot of pressure and snap out of control if you're not careful.
Attach New Parts
Once everything has been removed, attach the upgrade parts, beginning with the coil springs and moving to the drop spindles. Then, reconnect the ball joints and add the new shock absorbers. You'll also have to install the section brace at the rear of the truck. Look for the leaf springs, which on a stock model should be above the axle. You'll see the frame rails nearby. Notch the frame rails so you can raise the axle and move the leaf springs under it. This will force the truck lower.
A Professional Finish
Remember that modifying the vehicle's suspension can affect your truck's wheel alignment, too, so be sure to check the response by driving the truck a few miles. Then, make any necessary adjustments. Skipping this step can cause problems with steering and how you can control the vehicle. It also can cause excessive wear on your tires.
To find Stylin Trucks promo codes or JC Whitney promo codes, visit UltimateCoupons.com
Careful Deliberation
Before starting, make sure the modifications you make will not void your manufacturer's warranty. A call to your dealer can clear this up for you. Moreover, be sure to choose new truck lowering springs that fit your make and model and that are made by a reputable company. Also, check to make sure all the parts you need are included in the kit before you begin removing parts from your truck. Most truck lowering kits run from $300 to $800, although there are some pricier performance options.
A few truck owners try to save money by cutting the front springs and adding small blocks to the back. However, because springs are rated for the weight of the vehicle, the results can damage your truck. If you don't feel comfortable with your level of expertise, talk to a professional mechanic.
Prepare the Truck
How low should you go? The professional opinion is no more than 3 inches in the front. Any more, and you may not be able to drive as well or the truck could bottom out on low roads, bumps and railroad crossings. To decide how low, measure the height of the truck, front and back, to get an idea of what you're working with. Then, raise the truck on a lift.
Remove the wheels, brake rotors and front coil springs, loosening the ball joints. Remember to use a compressor to removing coil springs, which can be under a lot of pressure and snap out of control if you're not careful.
Attach New Parts
Once everything has been removed, attach the upgrade parts, beginning with the coil springs and moving to the drop spindles. Then, reconnect the ball joints and add the new shock absorbers. You'll also have to install the section brace at the rear of the truck. Look for the leaf springs, which on a stock model should be above the axle. You'll see the frame rails nearby. Notch the frame rails so you can raise the axle and move the leaf springs under it. This will force the truck lower.
A Professional Finish
Remember that modifying the vehicle's suspension can affect your truck's wheel alignment, too, so be sure to check the response by driving the truck a few miles. Then, make any necessary adjustments. Skipping this step can cause problems with steering and how you can control the vehicle. It also can cause excessive wear on your tires.
To find Stylin Trucks promo codes or JC Whitney promo codes, visit UltimateCoupons.com
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