Lowering Kit

[_JB_]

Very interesting. I spoke with Tony at JTS earlier today and he suggested the 1/2 kit. He said that it gives a nice stance and appearance. He said that the 2/3 kit is a bit more aggressive in stance but it will, depending of road conditions, bottom out.

In that the need is for appearance and ride, I am thinking that the 1/2 is a better choice.

In spite of having the highest gas taxes in the world, the roads conditions here in The Land of Fruits n' Nut's boarder on the original Oregon Trail and I would not want to have it bottoming out.

I put JTSVP's 1/2" on my truck, didn't notice any difference in ride quality, and still running the stock shocks. I really wanted 2/3" but I read the bed can only handle about 400lbs before resting on the bumpstops.

 

[CWPED]

If memory serves me ,,, I believe Tony based his kit to imorove on McGaughty's kit ..

What has caught my attention about the McGaughty operation is they are here in Fresno. They do not sell direct only thru a dealer organization and the dealer here in Fresno is named AVS. I know of them. They are real big in to the drifter car suspensions.

I'm going to do a bit more home work on this but I might go by the operation and take a look at things up close and personal.

 

[VIPR PWR]

What has caught my attention about the McGaughty operation is they are here in Fresno. They do not sell direct only thru a dealer organization and the dealer here in Fresno is named AVS. I know of them. They are real big in to the drifter car suspensions.

I'm going to do a bit more home work on this but I might go by the operation and take a look at things up close and personal.

Let us know what your conclusion is and what you choose ...
And do a DYI on the install with pics ,,, we like pics lol

 

[CWPED]

An executive decision was made. I contacted the local company (McGaughty's) and looked at their product. I discussed with a fellow in their vendor outlet group, AVS Design because McGaughty's does not offer retail sales and sell thru a "Dealership" network only.

Anyway, I purchased the McGaughty's 1.5 front/ 2.00 rear kit from AVS. Total price with tax was $360.00. That included the U bolts, blocks, springs, misc hardware and delivery to my shop here in Fresno, CA. It will be delivered today (1/23) and sometime in the next few days I will get started on the install. It appears to be a pretty much straight forward project.

I questioned as to why they do not put a new bump stop in their kit and they told me that their suggestion is to "trim or cut" as much as needed from the OEM unit that is welded onto the frame. Of course if wanted, I can saw cut the original one off of the frame and bolt on a lower one but they was not suggested by them. So I am going with that and will trim the original one down to where it will work and not be cutting the frame.

As things go I will take and post before, during and after pix on the site. Stay tuned.

 

[VIPR PWR]

Nice looking forward to the DIY

 

[Srt10650]

OK. Time for a another tweak on the machine. Anyone have any suggestions as to what to use and/or to purchase for a lowering kit for my 04'?

2 vendors have them on their web sites but the price difference between the seemingly same kits, is nearly $500. The one kit does include new rear shocks but in that I just changed the shocks on all 4 corners with OEM Bilstein pieces I don't think I need shocks. Or at least not replace them if I don't have too.

I am told that the bump stop has to be removed and a replacement is included in the kit. Cut or saw off the one that is welded on and bolt on the replacement. Other than that it is a bolt on project.

Any thoughts or inputs would be appreciated. Particularly if you have installed a kit yourself and where you purchased it.

Thanks

Here a thread I did a few years ago.

Front springs JTSVP vs Belltech

Hello VTCOA Fam, just wanted to get some feedback from you guys/gals. I’ve had my truck for a few years now and I’m ready to lower my truck. I know JTVSP products are top notch(I know because I already have some of their products), but has anyone tried both front springs? Either had belltech...

www.vtcoa.com

 

[VIPR PWR]

Here a thread I did a few years ago.

Front springs JTSVP vs Belltech

Hello VTCOA Fam, just wanted to get some feedback from you guys/gals. I’ve had my truck for a few years now and I’m ready to lower my truck. I know JTVSP products are top notch(I know because I already have some of their products), but has anyone tried both front springs? Either had belltech...

www.vtcoa.com

Good thread .. informative

 

[THEWELSHM]

I put JTSVP's 1/2" on my truck, didn't notice any difference in ride quality, and still running the stock shocks. I really wanted 2/3" but I read the bed can only handle about 400lbs before resting on the bumpstops.

Add air bag helpers to your springs towing issues solved mate.

Thewelshm

 

[THEWELSHM]

An executive decision was made. I contacted the local company (McGaughty's) and looked at their product. I discussed with a fellow in their vendor outlet group, AVS Design because McGaughty's does not offer retail sales and sell thru a "Dealership" network only.

Anyway, I purchased the McGaughty's 1.5 front/ 2.00 rear kit from AVS. Total price with tax was $360.00. That included the U bolts, blocks, springs, misc hardware and delivery to my shop here in Fresno, CA. It will be delivered today (1/23) and sometime in the next few days I will get started on the install. It appears to be a pretty much straight forward project.

I questioned as to why they do not put a new bump stop in their kit and they told me that their suggestion is to "trim or cut" as much as needed from the OEM unit that is welded onto the frame. Of course if wanted, I can saw cut the original one off of the frame and bolt on a lower one but they was not suggested by them. So I am going with that and will trim the original one down to where it will work and not be cutting the frame.

As things go I will take and post before, during and after pix on the site. Stay tuned.

Fun install mate, been there done that.

Thewelshm

 

[THEWELSHM]

An executive decision was made. I contacted the local company (McGaughty's) and looked at their product. I discussed with a fellow in their vendor outlet group, AVS Design because McGaughty's does not offer retail sales and sell thru a "Dealership" network only.

Anyway, I purchased the McGaughty's 1.5 front/ 2.00 rear kit from AVS. Total price with tax was $360.00. That included the U bolts, blocks, springs, misc hardware and delivery to my shop here in Fresno, CA. It will be delivered today (1/23) and sometime in the next few days I will get started on the install. It appears to be a pretty much straight forward project.

I questioned as to why they do not put a new bump stop in their kit and they told me that their suggestion is to "trim or cut" as much as needed from the OEM unit that is welded onto the frame. Of course if wanted, I can saw cut the original one off of the frame and bolt on a lower one but they was not suggested by them. So I am going with that and will trim the original one down to where it will work and not be cutting the frame.

As things go I will take and post before, during and after pix on the site. Stay tuned.

I used the max track, similar but with McGaughty's airbag helpers.you will need them

Thewelshm

 

[CWPED]

Done Deal. Installed the lowering kit yesterday. The kit is from McGaughy's of Fresno, CA. 1.5X2.0.

Haven't driven it. New stance looks nice. The install was straight forward. Nothing special tool wise needed. I'll take it to get re-aligned next. Did not "trim", cut or change the bump stops. I'll see if they create an issue or interference problem after I get it going. If necessary will cut them back.

 

[VIPR PWR]

Done Deal. Installed the lowering kit yesterday. The kit is from McGaughy's of Fresno, CA. 1.5X2.0.

Haven't driven it. New stance looks nice. The install was straight forward. Nothing special tool wise needed. I'll take it to get re-aligned next. Did not "trim", cut or change the bump stops. I'll see if they create an issue or interference problem after I get it going. If necessary will cut them back.

Nice ! Now for the pics of the truck lol

 

[CWPED]

Hit a snag. Had to give the rear blocks a haircut and chiseled off the front bumpers and put on some after market pieces.

Not a big deal. They were bottoming out so it was necessary to make some adjustments.

Pictures of the out side look coming shortly.

 

[CWPED]

New front lowering bumper and a rear view look of the finished product. Will take some more pix from the side and front.

But it really changed the appearance.

I like it. Very pleased with the new look.

 

[Wifey]

Glad it was easy enough to get er done!

I was curious if lowering changes the height enough to cause issues with clearance if it had to be towed and/or changing a tire?

Seems like the front fascia already makes it difficult to tow without removing it but I'm not sure

Thanks

 

[Wifey]

Looks great from the back! Which is the view most people see!!!

I like the old skool plate color scheme

Hahahaha

 

[CWPED]

Still inside on the hoist but you can kind of get a sense of the look.

Much lower than I thought it would be.

But very pleased with the look.

We are supposed to get some rain so I will have to wait until that passes thru in a couple days before I take it outside for a shakedown cruise.

 

[VIPR PWR]

New front lowering bumper and a rear view look of the finished product. Will take some more pix from the side and front.

But it really changed the appearance.

I like it. Very pleased with the new look.

Looks nice and level . New bump stops look better than cut offs also

 

[VIPR PWR]

Still inside on the hoist but you can kind of get a sense of the look.

Much lower than I thought it would be.

But very pleased with the look.

We are supposed to get some rain so I will have to wait until that passes thru in a couple days before I take it outside for a shakedown cruise.

Should hadle better

 

[Wifey]

Still inside on the hoist but you can kind of get a sense of the look.

Much lower than I thought it would be.

But very pleased with the look.

We are supposed to get some rain so I will have to wait until that passes thru in a couple days before I take it outside for a shakedown cruise.

Sweet!!! And your shop is nice