97 K3500 lowering front diff

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

Tommy Frantz

OBS Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 6, 2018
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
Location
Salem, VA
I have a suspension engineering question for you guys; I want to lower my front differential 2" to clear this ridiculous engine I want to install.
My question is this: Can I lower the front differential 2" without lifting the truck? I want to keep the stock ride height but I'm concerned about full deflection of the suspension breaking the CV joints.

Whaddya think?
 

94burbk1500

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
790
Reaction score
334
Location
Omaha, NE
I'm thinking you need either a body lift or a cowl hood, I wouldn't want to put the diff, and nothing else, down toward the ground, that just sounds like it would get messy.
 

Tommy Frantz

OBS Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 6, 2018
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
Location
Salem, VA
I was concerned about that, too. It is getting a body lift, but I'm going to get the engine in its final place to see exactly what I need to do.
 

MIHELA

1-5-6-3-4-2-7-8
Joined
Dec 9, 2009
Messages
1,367
Reaction score
1,596
Location
Sioux Falls, SD
You can drop the diff, there are kits available but they would have to be modified for a 9.25 axle. Luckily the passenger side bracket will work without modification and the driver side is pretty simple.
 

94burbk1500

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
790
Reaction score
334
Location
Omaha, NE
You can drop the diff, there are kits available but they would have to be modified for a 9.25 axle. Luckily the passenger side bracket will work without modification and the driver side is pretty simple.
That shows what I know. :doh2:
 

Tommy Frantz

OBS Enthusiast
Joined
Aug 6, 2018
Messages
69
Reaction score
8
Location
Salem, VA
What engine are you trying to shoehorn in?
A 6V53 Detroit Diesel, twin turbo. Why? I love the sound they make. They don't make any more hp's or torque than a stock Cummins or Dmax; I just love the sound. Truth be told, DD's can be objectionable engines---they won't start when cold, they smoke a lot---but that sound is soooo cool.
 

94burbk1500

I'm Awesome
Joined
Jul 13, 2017
Messages
790
Reaction score
334
Location
Omaha, NE
I've read about one guy putting one in a K3500, but he went for a solid axle up front to handle the weight and i think he used a shorter oil pan.
 

MIHELA

1-5-6-3-4-2-7-8
Joined
Dec 9, 2009
Messages
1,367
Reaction score
1,596
Location
Sioux Falls, SD
Personally I think you should go SAS too. The 6V53 weighs 2000 lbs and the IFS will die, repeatedly. You will need to substantially reinforce the frame and you will need 19.5 wheels and tires. A 3500HD or 4500 would handle this better.
 

MIHELA

1-5-6-3-4-2-7-8
Joined
Dec 9, 2009
Messages
1,367
Reaction score
1,596
Location
Sioux Falls, SD
The GAWR is 4500 lbs in a 3500. Keep in mind that counts the passengers, engine, trans, cooling system and all of the vehicle components that are already there.
 
Top