2/3 Lowering Kit

[UGA Tahoe]

I am a brand new member and just bought my 05 Tahoe (2wd w/ heavy duty rear shocks) a week ago. Love the truck, but like all my other vehicles, I just cant seem to leave them the way they are. My first mod that I plan on doing is a lowering kit. I know that I only want to go as low as 2/3. I have looked around at other members rides and posts to get some info, but just want a little more.

First I see that there are many different brands to go with (Eibach/Belltech/McGaughys). Those three seem to be the top sellers. Each supplier offers the drop I want w/ the torsion key up front and springs out back. I have heard different things about every kit. Like the belltech kit is the softest. The eibach kit doesn't come w/ shock extenders. They all seem to be in the same price range. Except for the Mcgaughys kit that comes with the spindles upfront.

Questions:
Which kit seems to get the best reviews? (As far as ride quality)
Do I really need to replace the shocks? (Don't want to if I dont have to)
The torsion keys are cheaper, but are the front spindles the way to go?
Must I get an alignment w/ such a minor drop?

Any other reviews or advise would be great. And thanks for all your help. As I hope to learn enough to give others the advise you will give to me.

---------- Post added at 11:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:37 AM ----------

Well I did some more research and found that I definitly do not want to go with torsion keys up front. When the time comes, I will spend the extra money on some spindles. Also, I see that Belltech and Mcgaughys are the only ones with spindles for the front. Is this true? If so, which one is the best? I saw a thread that kind of goes over this problem, but it didn't seem completely clear.

Sounds as if the mcgaughy's front spindles maybe better than the belltech because of a patent they have. But others say the belltech is just fine. Also heard something about some spacing issues w/ the wheels when the spindles are install. Does anyone really know the answer?

Again thanks for the help.

---------- Post added at 11:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------

 

[NORCAL SS]

ive been installing the belltechs for years no issues. Rear kit belltech ride better, sits lower and are adjustable. Here is the kit you want

http://www.tbssowners.com/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=86

 

[UGA Tahoe]

Thanks for the info. Just one more question. My truck has 85000 miles. With me, hopefully soon, digging into my supension. What other parts do I need to think about replacing or should I wait until they are needed? Parts like: wheel bearings, pitman or idler arms, etc.

 

[NORCAL SS]

the djm kit above will reaplace lower balljoints and all 4 shocks. HOnestly i wouldnt bother with the other items unless you have play on it now.

 

[UGA Tahoe]

Thanks again. Looking forward to purchasing the kit soon.

 

[UGA Tahoe]

How hard is it to install the spindles? My mechanic said it would take a couple of hours for each side. Was a little disappointed after hearing this. How long has it taken others and is it possible to do in the driveway?

 

[NORCAL SS]

i changed my spindles in my 2wd escalade in 15 minutes.

 

[Vinniety]

Dam tony 15 minutes??? I jacked up truck put in the jack stands took of the front wheels and stared at what I was up against and that was longer than 15 minutes hahaha. It's not an easy job but if you have tools and an understanding how the front end parts work then ok. Also do you have stock wheels on the truck. Keep in mind if you have 17inch you need to cut lower ball joint bolt and as for the top one you need to cut it if your truck is four wheel drive. Even though im talking a lot about the work needed to install the spindles its worth it. I have 2inch drop torsion keys that i had in for about two months .......garbage . Spoke to tony and he sold me the belltech front spindels what a world of difference. Yes you will need an alignment at least it's a smart thing to get one.

 

[UGA Tahoe]

Yes I have the stock 17's. Have been debating whether or not I want to save up a little more and get some nicer wheels or go with the lowering kit and get wheels another day. Keep changing my mind everyday. Just wish I had enough money to do both at the same time.

Thanks for the ball joint tip.