Lowering a 98 4wd

[Cornfield creations]

My 98 k-1500 is my DD, basically a street truck, has 20's and nice riding tires. Does what I need it to do. I would however, like to lower it slightly in the rear.

I cranked the torsion bars slightly to level it out, but I actually would like it to sit where it was in the front, but slightly lower in the rear to level.

Would this be best accomplished with shackles?

 

[dhcomp]

Define slight. 1/2", 1"?

I'd get some decent drop shackles, and be done with it.

 

[63chevyll]

torsion keys and drop shackels.

I have some if you want,
was gonna lower my wifes 98 burban, instead i left it alone cuz i got some new tires and she is always driving over curbs

 

[dhcomp]

and she is always driving over curbs

 

[Cornfield creations]

Define slight. 1/2", 1"?

I'd get some decent drop shackles, and be done with it.

Slight, like where the factory setting on the front torsion bars were. Maybe so the CV shafts are straight, instead of angling down to the hubs.

Just a little more comfortable to get in and out of.

 

[dhcomp]

Slight, like where the factory setting on the front torsion bars were. Maybe so the CV shafts are straight, instead of angling down to the hubs.

Just a little more comfortable to get in and out of.

I was referring to the rear drop.

Be aware though, just like raising it via torsion bars will increase "spring rate" and stiffen ride, lowering it will soften it. You may be more susceptible to bottoming out.

Good luck. Think the 90's trucks look pretty good when lowered properly.

 

[Cornfield creations]

I lowered it down 5 turns on the front. Which looks about where it was from factory, I have about an inch from the bump stops. Rides a whole lot nicer and looks better, but now it's got a rake. I am unsure on a 1 inch shackle or a 2. The 2 is cheaper and may be just right, or down too low. Unsure if I can lower the front any more than it is.

 

[63chevyll]

When I lowered my torsion bars down I actually cut the bump stop, but didn't like the ride. Everyone thought it was a Texas 2wd truck

 

[Cornfield creations]

I did trim the bump stop a bit today, and lowered it as far as I could with the factory keys. My fender edge right behind my tire is at 16 inches. Rides SOOO much nicer, but I would like it a bit lower in the front and looking at my clearances I can do so with different keys. I believe the purple keys are the ones.

I did some checking, and apparently this is a common thing on performancetrucks.net. They have all sorts of lowered 4x4's. http://www.performancetrucks.net/forums/gm-drivetrain-suspension-22/how-drop-your-4x4-490689/

I really like the picture on post #6 with the factory 17's. I know mine is a different body style and I have the nice 6 spoke 20's off of a 2009 GMC. I just think that's a nice height for a street truck.