WHAT WILL I NEED TO LOWER MY 2003 LIGHTNING? THERE IS A TWO INCH DIFFERENCE IN FENDER HIEGHTS.

 

I did the 2 inch on my 03 and it still isn't quite level. I would suggest the 3 inch, and thats what I would do if I were to do it again.

 

THANKS FOR YOURE INFO. VT.

 

i did the 2 in on my 03 and although its isn't exactly level it looks a hell of alot better

 

I used DJM 2" drop shackles and got about 1 1/2" drop which leveled the truck out pretty good. IF I had opted to go with 3" drop shackles I would probably have had to use shims, etc. due to vibration after the shackle install . (Many others have reported vibration with more then 2" drop and no shims) The 1 1/2" drop was plenty enough in my eyes and again install of shackles is easy and NO shims necessary no cutting/customizing of stops..

 

I used the 3" shackles from JLP; basically makes the truck level. I think it was right at a 2" drop. No vibrations at all with mine.



Jody

 

dealerjim (jimmy) has got the true blue should be down in the 11's now, bad azz truck. he had a leaf spring removed and re arced and then i think he said one of the coils were cut off and it lowered and balanced out great and handled awesome. getting ready to do mine this way will post some pics. hope this helps.

 

Seems those using the JLP 3" shackles are getting about a 2" drop and those using DJM 2" drop shackles are getting about 1 1/2" drop. I have communicated with a few here that reported vibration troubles when going with the 3" shackles. No one mentioned vibration troubles requiring shim usage with the 2" drop shackles. As for shims, guess they are not a big deal but not worth the bother to me if all I would gain is another 1/2" drop.
Funny, your drop looks like mine...

 

What 2" drop shackles did you use?

 

Where would you take it to get the shims changed?

 

Do a SEARCH here using the word SHIMS. You will get lots of info from past posts here. I learned lots by doing this. I opted to not drop so much that I had to fool with shims, etc.. Another bigge is to research just how to install the drop shackles so you get the maximum drop for the shackle you are using. Again, search here..

 

I used the JLP 3" drop, that leaves aprox. 5.25 inches from tire to body on the rear, almost matching the stock front with in a .25 of an inch.

I have had a number of compliments on the look. If you don't like it the shackles are adjustable and you can go to the 2 inch setting.

 

Stock:
Front - 18.75
Rear - 21.25

2" Shackles:
Front - 18.75
Rear - 20.00

2" Shackles/01' Leaf springs
Front - 18.75
Rear - 19.25

(Measurements from center of the wheel to fender)

I decided not to go with the 3" drop shackle route because of the added movement. Also a deciding factor was the harsher ride compared to my 01'...so I ended up finding a pair of 01' springs and swapped them out. In the side by side of the springs you can't really see the difference in arch height because I would say there is only like a 1/4" or so difference...if that.
What makes the 03' springs ride higher is the stiffness of the spring. Each leaf was about a 1/16th thicker than the 01's. Just pushing on the two back to back you can tell there was quite a bit of difference. Have the weight of the truck pushing on them and you have about 3/4" to an 1" difference in ride height.
Also I did notice a vibration after the shackles around 20-30mph. So when I replaced the springs I took the shim off the 03 and turned it around to get my pinion angle back. No vibration and rides alot smoother. Although I was getting used to the stiffness of the 03...felt a little (for lack of a better word) "sportier". Might have to check out the new hotchkis later on

 

Got my 2 in from razors edge.

 

hey if you go to http://svtoa-memphis.com and look at the vehicle of the month you will see how jimmys truck looks. don't have any pics my self to post but his look sweet. check it out.