sewlow
Bitchin' Stitchin'
Shock extenders on a 4" drop could be used. I've considered that, just to get away from the compromised angles. For that I'd think that stock length shocks would probably work, but 2" shorter ones would be better.
As far as using aftermarket short springs, I'm not a fan of them. I have 2" shorter ones in my '98. While they may look more substantial, i.e., heavier gauge, they are designed to mimic the stock ride characteristics, which to me is too soft. Along with the lower height, that stocker softness adds to the prob of the occasional bottoming out. A really good set of shocks will help to cure some of that. My dream shocks are the dble. adjustable Steeda QA1's, but, at $375.00/ea., they are a ways down on my purchase list!
I prefer the drop spindles, as they do not affect the geometry of the suspension.
One of my buddies has virtually the same truck as my '98, suspension-wise, although he's running an LS engine which is probably a bit heavier than the V6 my truck has (had?). 4/7 drop. Only dif is that he cut his stock coils to get the additional 2" drop over & above the 2" spindles. Although the LS may keep his front end planted a bit better, the ride of his compared to mine is night & day.
Riding in his truck, it feels like it's on rails, as compared to mine. Chasing him, I could almost keep up in the corners, (Almost! He kills me in the straights, & that LS has the balls to pull him outa the corners way better than the 6!) but while my truck is doing the oingo-boingo stock-spring-feel-ride, bouncing on any little dip or bump in the road, his truck remains planted, allowing him to carry more speed both in & out of the corner.
So, just my opinion, for that 3" drop you want, I'd run a 2" drop spindle, with a cut coil. As I haven't cut my springs, yet, (I've been considering dropping my '97 to a 4/6, 4/7 drop) I'm not exactly sure on how much to cut for an additional 2" drop. My '97 is @ 2/4 now, & it's staying at that till my '98 has an LS heartbeat!
From what I've gathered from the forum, I believe that 1/2 a coil cut off = a 1" drop, although someone else with the experience will have to jump in here with more exact info.
As far as using aftermarket short springs, I'm not a fan of them. I have 2" shorter ones in my '98. While they may look more substantial, i.e., heavier gauge, they are designed to mimic the stock ride characteristics, which to me is too soft. Along with the lower height, that stocker softness adds to the prob of the occasional bottoming out. A really good set of shocks will help to cure some of that. My dream shocks are the dble. adjustable Steeda QA1's, but, at $375.00/ea., they are a ways down on my purchase list!
I prefer the drop spindles, as they do not affect the geometry of the suspension.
One of my buddies has virtually the same truck as my '98, suspension-wise, although he's running an LS engine which is probably a bit heavier than the V6 my truck has (had?). 4/7 drop. Only dif is that he cut his stock coils to get the additional 2" drop over & above the 2" spindles. Although the LS may keep his front end planted a bit better, the ride of his compared to mine is night & day.
Riding in his truck, it feels like it's on rails, as compared to mine. Chasing him, I could almost keep up in the corners, (Almost! He kills me in the straights, & that LS has the balls to pull him outa the corners way better than the 6!) but while my truck is doing the oingo-boingo stock-spring-feel-ride, bouncing on any little dip or bump in the road, his truck remains planted, allowing him to carry more speed both in & out of the corner.
So, just my opinion, for that 3" drop you want, I'd run a 2" drop spindle, with a cut coil. As I haven't cut my springs, yet, (I've been considering dropping my '97 to a 4/6, 4/7 drop) I'm not exactly sure on how much to cut for an additional 2" drop. My '97 is @ 2/4 now, & it's staying at that till my '98 has an LS heartbeat!
From what I've gathered from the forum, I believe that 1/2 a coil cut off = a 1" drop, although someone else with the experience will have to jump in here with more exact info.
