Belltech lowering kit install (1043SP)

[Ranger_Rocks]

I’m planning on getting control arms and better coilovers soon. I’d like to get my drop closer to 3/5, it’s currently closer to 2.5/5 because Belltech doesn’t allow for much front travel and the springs and valving are too soft. I love the improved ride, traction and handling but their shocks and struts kinda suck.
...

Beautiful wheels with that blue !!

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[dmeyers8]

Final pics and multiple adjustments
Depending on your plans for your truck, and how your use may change in the future, this kit is very flexible. One thing that isn't billed with the kit as a whole are the multiple height settings you can achieve. The rear can be dropped 4, 5, or 6", which is noted. But the front is also adjustable. You can have a 0-2.75" drop by adding or removing spacers for the lower spring perch. You would probably buy the full kit to lower the truck. But if you needed to replace the OEM front struts for some reason, didn't get the full lowering kit, but wanted to consider it some day, you could buy Belltech's front struts (part #25021) and add the rear axle flip kit (#6531) and front upper control arms (#25121) at another time.

IMO, the rear 6" drop is too low in proportion to the front 2.75" drop. Not a Carolina Squat by any means (but would be if you just did the rear axle flip!). Also, with the summer wheels/tires below that I will run, I'd be concerned about rubbing when trailering due to the offset pushing the tire out an inch or two. Here is my first go-around with the new gear. You can see how the fender gaps are a little off, front to rear.

That said, I really like the look of the 6" drop and will explore a front coilover in the future so it could be matched.

I went from the 6" to the 4" drop and drove for a few days. Just a bit tall for my taste and again, there was just a slight difference in the fender gaps (this time the rear had more gap than the front - a much more stock rake to it). So I changed to the 5" - which due to the simplicity of the leaf springs and the rear hanger, you remove one bolt, change the position in the hanger, and retorque the bolt - super quick and easy.

Here are the before and afters. Note that because of the leveling kit that was on the truck, I really went down ~5" in the front and the rear. Very pleased, the ride quality is essentially stock (different shocks/dampers, but stock springs), and now it's more me. And easier to wash. ?

 

[VendettaFXR]

Hey Dmeyers8,

Beautiful rig. After reading your thread, I'm set on lowering my truck also in the near future, at 2/4, in order to keep it somewhat conservative, yet retaining the stock rake so whenever I load up tue rear, I'd be level, and not 'squatting' .

My question to you deals with the exhaust. You had to cut off the tip with the 2/4 only, correct?

I'm looking to get the Roush Exhaust. Do you think I'd run into the same issue?
What about the Gibson True duals?
If anyone else knows, your input is appreciated.

If not, I'll run the MRT side exit exhaust,
Though I'd strongly prefer an exhaust exiting after the rear wheel.

 

[dmeyers8]

Hey Dmeyers8,

Beautiful rig. After reading your thread, I'm set on lowering my truck also in the near future, at 2/4, in order to keep it somewhat conservative, yet retaining the stock rake so whenever I load up tue rear, I'd be level, and not 'squatting' .

My question to you deals with the exhaust. You had to cut off the tip with the 2/4 only, correct?

I'm looking to get the Roush Exhaust. Do you think I'd run into the same issue?
What about the Gibson True duals?
If anyone else knows, your input is appreciated.

If not, I'll run the MRT side exit exhaust,
Though I'd strongly prefer an exhaust exiting after the rear wheel.

Thanks - I love the truck. The Belltech 4" drop in the rear requires the cut due to where the rear leaf spring is positioned. I imagine any exhaust exiting in the stock location would be affected in a similar way. I am looking at the MBRP dual exhaust which should have no issue as it is inboard of the leaf springs. I've also considered a side exhaust (my first choice) behind the rear door, but don't have much room due to the running boards.

 

[VendettaFXR]

Thanks - I love the truck. The Belltech 4" drop in the rear requires the cut due to where the rear leaf spring is positioned. I imagine any exhaust exiting in the stock location would be affected in a similar way. I am looking at the MBRP dual exhaust which should have no issue as it is inboard of the leaf springs. I've also considered a side exhaust (my first choice) behind the rear door, but don't have much room due to the running boards.

Thanks for clearing that up boss!!
I'm still on the fence about the exhaust, but at least I got an idea of what to look for. As much as I dig the Roush exhaust, I'll probably skip it and just go with the Gibson exhaust. I believe it's also inboard duals. It's like the MBRP, but to me sounds better.
Got the images from LightningBlue's exhaust.
Just to confirm, these are inboard, and I should not have a problem, like with the MBRP?

Worst case, I'll go with the MRT sidekick exhaust. Got the running boards to deal with as well.
We'll see.

Thanks again!!

 

[tracktechfasteners]

Installed the Belltech lowering kit (1043SP) - love the new stance! Smooth installation process and noticeable improvement in handling. Highly recommend!

 

[dmeyers8]

An update on living with the Belltech kit and some new wheels/tires for the truck. I got a set of Sparco All-Terrain Sport Truck 20" wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tires. I had to laugh as Tire Rack called and asked if I knew that the tires I ordered were a high performance summer tire. I know lowered and sticky tires goes against the normal intent of the truck, but what can I say, I'm a track day guy/road racer.

1) The suspension was OK at first but the ride quality has gotten bad. Lots of bounce and a rough ride. I will live with a lot of compromise for handling and performance, but this is too much. Working with Belltech on what could be wrong and most certainly will be replacing the dampers.
2) In my previous post about the MBRP dual exhaust, I was incorrect. The lowering kit DOES interfere with the kit as the rear portion of the leaf springs are now in the way. Needing to have an exhaust shop modify the kit for it to work.
3) I love the look and I have no issues with pulling my car trailer. I shouldn't...there was no change to the leaf springs, so capacity and everything is as stock.

If anyone has recommendations for a softer front spring, I'm interested. That plus a better damper should help the ride quality.

 

[Loweredon33s]

An update on living with the Belltech kit and some new wheels/tires for the truck. I got a set of Sparco All-Terrain Sport Truck 20" wheels with Yokohama Advan Sport tires. I had to laugh as Tire Rack called and asked if I knew that the tires I ordered were a high performance summer tire. I know lowered and sticky tires goes against the normal intent of the truck, but what can I say, I'm a track day guy/road racer.

1) The suspension was OK at first but the ride quality has gotten bad. Lots of bounce and a rough ride. I will live with a lot of compromise for handling and performance, but this is too much. Working with Belltech on what could be wrong and most certainly will be replacing the dampers.
2) In my previous post about the MBRP dual exhaust, I was incorrect. The lowering kit DOES interfere with the kit as the rear portion of the leaf springs are now in the way. Needing to have an exhaust shop modify the kit for it to work.
3) I love the look and I have no issues with pulling my car trailer. I shouldn't...there was no change to the leaf springs, so capacity and everything is as stock.

If anyone has recommendations for a softer front spring, I'm interested. That plus a better damper should help the ride quality.

I like how it’s coming along! You actually use those steps??

 

[My12SecRanger]

what size tire are you running ?

 

[dmeyers8]

what size tire are you running ?

275/50ZR20 FWIW - there is a slight rub on the driver's side bumper support in the front. But only when reversing.

 

[dmeyers8]

You actually use those steps??

LOL - not anymore since the ~5" drop. My wife is 5'2" and still does.

 

[My12SecRanger]

what is the wheel offset , looks good

 

[Loweredon33s]

LOL - not anymore since the ~5" drop. My wife is 5'2" and still does.

My wife is the same height but I make her jump!

 

[dmeyers8]

what is the wheel offset , looks good

+28mm That pushes the wheels out a little more than I wanted, but was somewhat limited in wheel options I liked. It's not bad, and is (barely) covered by the splash guards, but if I bottomed out the rear suspension, it would rub the plastic trim/edge.

 

[My12SecRanger]

I am in the same boat the wheels I liked only come in +25 offset for 20-inch wheels

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