Lowering Kits

Lowering your truck offers several advantages beyond just aesthetics. Key benefits include:

• Improved Handling: A lower center of gravity reduces body roll during cornering and braking, leading to a more stable and responsive ride, especially on paved roads.
• Enhanced Appearance: Achieve a sleek, aggressive, and custom look that sets your truck apart.
• Better Aerodynamics: Lowering your truck can reduce drag, potentially leading to a slight improvement in fuel efficiency, particularly at highway speeds.
• Easier Access: A reduced ride height can make it easier to get in and out of your truck, as well as load and unload cargo.

There are several methods and types of lowering kits, each offering different levels of drop and characteristics:

• Lowering Springs: Replaces factory coil springs with shorter, often stiffer springs for a modest drop.
• Drop Spindles: Reroutes the wheel hub higher on the spindle, effectively lowering the truck without significantly altering suspension geometry or ride quality.
• Leaf Spring Flip Kits: For trucks with leaf springs, this kit relocates the axle from below to above the leaf springs, providing a significant drop in the rear.
• Lowering Shackles and Hangers: Replaces factory shackles and hangers in the rear suspension to lower the truck’s rear end.
• Coilovers: Adjustable spring and shock assemblies that allow for precise tuning of ride height and dampening, offering excellent performance and adjustability.
• Complete Lowering Kits: Comprehensive kits that combine multiple components (e.g., springs, shocks, spindles, flip kits) to achieve a balanced front and rear drop.

Truck lowering kits work by modifying various components of the suspension system to reduce the distance between the vehicle's frame and the ground. This can involve:

• Shorter Springs: Using springs that are shorter than stock, causing the vehicle to sit lower.
• Relocating Mounting Points: Components like drop spindles or flip kits change the effective mounting points of the suspension, bringing the vehicle closer to the axle.
• Adjustable Components: Coilovers allow you to manually adjust the spring perch to set your desired ride height. Each method is designed to safely lower the truck while maintaining proper suspension geometry and performance.

The impact on ride quality depends on the type and quality of the lowering kit, as well as the amount of drop. High-quality lowering kits from reputable brands are engineered to maintain or even improve ride quality by pairing springs with appropriately valved shocks. Extreme drops or low-quality kits without proper shock dampening can lead to a stiffer, harsher, or “bouncy” ride due to reduced suspension travel. We recommend choosing kits that include matched shocks or recommend specific shock upgrades for optimal performance and comfort.

Yes, many lowered trucks can still tow and haul, but it requires careful consideration. A significant drop can reduce suspension travel, increasing the risk of bottoming out when carrying heavy loads or towing. For those who frequently tow or haul, we highly recommend installing helper bags (airbags) in conjunction with your lowering kit. Helper bags are adjustable air springs that provide additional load support, prevent squatting, and maintain a level stance, ensuring a safe and stable towing experience. Always check your truck's revised weight capacities after modifications.

The difficulty of installing a truck lowering kit varies widely depending on the type of kit and your mechanical experience. Some basic lowering kits, like shackles or lowering blocks, can be a DIY project for experienced enthusiasts. However, more complex kits involving spring replacement, drop spindles, or full coilover systems often require specialized tools, knowledge of suspension geometry, and proper alignment afterward. For safety and optimal performance, we generally recommend professional installation for most lowering kits, especially for larger drops or if you are not experienced with suspension work.

Yes, lowering your truck will change its suspension geometry, which can affect tire wear and handling. A professional wheel alignment is absolutely essential after installing any lowering kit. This ensures that camber, caster, and toe angles are within specifications, preventing premature tire wear and maintaining proper steering response. Failure to get an alignment can lead to rapid and uneven tire wear.

At Suspension Superstore, we carry high-quality lowering kits from industry-leading brands known for their performance, durability, and engineering excellence. Some of the top brands we offer include:

• Belltech
• DJM Suspension
• QA1
• McGaughys
• Rough Country

These brands are trusted for providing reliable and effective solutions for achieving your desired lowered stance and improved handling.

Lowering kits are available with various drop amounts, typically ranging from 1 inch to 6 inches or more.

• Leveling Kits (Front Drop): Often a minimal drop to level the truck's front with the rear.
• Mild Drop: 2-4 inches, providing a noticeable but still practical reduction in ride height.
• Aggressive Drop: 4-7+ inches, creating a very low, custom stance. The specific drop will be indicated in the product description and depends on your truck’s make, model, and the kit design. Always consider your driving needs and local road conditions when choosing your desired drop.