Suspension Parts


The decision whether or not to lower your truck is rather simple. But when it comes to, "How should I lower my truck?" things become very confusing. Several different products are available for almost every application imaginable. Because every truck is different, it is difficult to compile a list of lowering parts that covers all trucks.

Thanks to Sportruck.com, you will find almost every type of lowering product available. We must remind you that not every part on the list will apply to your truck. The prices given are approximate street values. There are several manufacturers and companies selling these products so shop around for the best price. Be aware if the price you are quoted is for your specific truck or application. Expect to pay more for recently re-designed truck applications (e.g. '97 Dodge Dakota or '97 F-150) and classic truck lowering parts. Some items may be priced by the each, per pair, or as a kit. Some technical knowledge and tools are necessary for installation of these parts, so don't forget to add in labor costs if you are not going to do the work yourself. If you have a specific question about your truck's suspension, you can Post Your Question on the Truck Tech Forum.

Suspension Parts
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Lowering Parts

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Front Suspension Lowering Parts

Coil Spring Dropped Spindle
Drop coil springs replace the stock coil springs. Available in 1, 2, and sometimes 3-inch drops. A higher spring ratio makes drop springs handle better compared to stock springs, but the ride is usually more harsh. Coil springs can be used on their own, or combined with a drop spindle or control arm for an even greater drop. Replacement springs range in price from $40 to $120 depending upon your application. Drop spindles replace the stock spindles. The location of the axle in the spindle is higher than stock, thus dropping the vehicle. Drop spindles are available in 2 to 3 inch drops, depending upon which truck you own. Prices vary greatly, but a pair of spindles start around $100 for common applications, most run in the $150-200 range, but some applications can cost up to $300.

 

Lower Control Arm I-Beams
These lower control arms replace the stock ones and essentially move the coil spring down. Problems may arise if the control arm lies below the scrub line (the distance measured from the ground to the bottom edge of the wheel rim.) Control arms are available for drops of 2 to 3 inches. Control arms are priced $200 and up per pair. I-Beams replace the stock units in an I-beam suspension and yield 3-inches of lowering. I-beams were used on pre-'97 full-size Ford trucks, Ford Rangers, and import trucks including Mazda. Expect to pay around $200 or more for a pair of I-beams.

 

 

Rear Suspension Lowering Parts

Shackles Hanger and Shackle Kit
Shackles provide 2-inches or 1-inch of lowering. They move the rear leaf springs higher to make your truck lower. Shackles cost $10 to $60. Hangers lower a truck 2 inches. They attach at the front of the leaf springs, and essentially move the leaf spring mounting location up 2 inches. They are usually combined with 2-inch shackles for a total of 4-inches of lowering. The kit above also shows shock extenders and bump stops. Hangers alone cost from $30 to $80, and are also available in kits including shackles for $100-180.

 

Blocks and U-Bolts Mono-Leaf Springs
Blocks can be are placed between the axle and leaf springs to lower a vehicle further, provided that the axle is already on top of the leaf springs. The blocks are mounted by using extended U-bolts in place of the stock U-bolts. Shims are available to maintain the correct pinion angle. Blocks are available in 1 to 4-inch sizes. Expect to pay $10 to $50 for blocks. Dropped leaf springs replace the stock leaf springs. The leaf springs shown are a mono-leaf design. Using dropped leaf springs usually means sacrificing some of your payload capacity. Drop leaf springs are available in 1 to 5-inch drop applications. Dropped leafs vary in price, and cost from $100 to $200.

 

Flip Kit with C-Notch Airbag Kit
Flip kits relocate the axle from below the leaf springs to above. The result is a 6-inch drop (sometimes 7 or 8-inch drop on 1-ton trucks). It is necessary to notch the rear frame rail on a truck so that the axle can have proper travel. This is necessary with any drop of 6-inches or greater. A metal reinforcement is bolted to the frame so that a couple inches can be notched out. (For rear drops greater than 8-inches, the frame must by cut and new frame members must be welded in place.) Flip kits including a C-notch range in price from $100 to almost $200. Airbags can be added to the rear of a truck. They provide an adjustable ride, load-leveling capabilities, and even ride height adjustment. Airbag systems are available in many different configurations. The system shown above is meant to be combined with the stock leaf springs. By adding airbags, heavy loads can be handled easily without bottoming out your truck. More complicated airbag systems are available, which replace leaf springs and provide up to 8 inches of height adjustability. Simple 800-lb air helper spring systems start around $150. 2500-lb and 2600-lb systems cost more, $250 to $350. On-board compressor kits, gauges, and reserve tanks add about $300 more to the cost.

 

 

Front and Rear Suspension Parts

Drop Shocks
Replacement shocks are necessary for lowered vehicles. Any truck lowered more than 3 to 4 inches must use new shocks, both front and rear. These shocks are specially designed with higher pressure, shorter length, and larger bore for the decreased suspension travel found in a lowered truck. They also make a great improvement in ride over stock shocks. Adjustable shocks, such as air shocks, can be used to alter ride firmness and even alter ride height. Replacement shocks cost anywhere from $25 to over $100 each.

 

Suspension Performance Parts

Anti-Roll Bar Urethane Bushings
Anti-roll bars (sway bars) Reduce body roll while cornering, and help to prevent drift and understeer. They are often available in both stock and lowered vehicle applications, for both the front and rear of your truck. Some trucks include stock anti-roll bars, and can benefit further by replacement with a larger diameter sway bar. Priced at about $100 to $150 for front or rear, or you can buy a front and rear set at $200 to 250. Urethane bushings for control arms, sway bars, and frame mounts help reduce body roll and slop. Old bushings wear out, and create undesirable slop. Priced by the set (control arm, sway bar, etc.) at $10 to $50 per set.

 

Suspension Parts
Table of Contents

Lowering Parts

Suspension Performance Parts


Back to How To / Tech Features