Whats the best way...

[Silver_2000]

To lower the rear end on my new 04?
I would like to lower rear 2 inches and front 1 or 3 and 2

And NO Rocks this isnt a mod... :evil

[03LightningRocks]

To lower the rear end on my new 04?
I would like to lower rear 2 inches and front 1 or 3 and 2

And NO Rocks this isnt a mod... :evil
Seeing as how this isn't being done to enhance performance...:rolleyes: ....It seems like our 03-04 high fliers, have the best look with a 3-2 drop. I was told it could hurt my ability to launch hard...but of course, this won't matter to you...:d .


By the way.....I am reading along thinking..."I have him now"...and then I read the little ending statement. You kill me sometimes:rll: .

[03LightningRocks]

Superfords did the 3-2 drop if I am not mistaken. I know he posted a whole write up with pics of what he changed to do it. His truck has a nice level stance to it. He made the post quite a while back...for search purposes.

[Sixpipes]

To lower the rear end on my new 04?

Roush. Didn't want to disappoint. :evil

[Silver_2000]

Roush. Didn't want to disappoint. :evil
Thats an option - The ride is a bit harsh though... Also dont want to lose to much towing capacity

[dboat]

For what its worth, I had Terry install the FMS 1/2 on my 2002, which should be about the same as a 3/2 on an '04. The ride quality was only a bit worse but the handling and looks was a lot better. I got used to the ride difference in no time.
I would also suggest, that you consider the mild exhaust by Terry with the stainless tips. Its sounds good, does not drone and is not cab intrusive.

Not that you needed any unwanted advice.. :evil

Dana

[StormShadow]

I'm going with the Hotchkis TVS on my '03 and I know that Terry has 1 extra kit at the shop ready to go.

[L8 APEX]

Shackles just don't do the job on 04's they need springs de arched or replaced with 02 or later springs and shackles.

[StormShadow]

Here is a picture from a thread on F150 of a TVS system on an 03-04 truck.

http://pages.sbcglobal.net/geuvjehizian/_uimages/DSC02133_small.JPG

[sonicbluetommy]

Pics of my 04 with a 2" shackle drop.....still not where I think it looks as good as your old one used to but I didnt lose any towing capacity or ride quality. I would go with at least the 4rear 2front. Also my wing makes the ass end "look" higher than L's without it so maybe the 3/2 drop. Ford really jacked up the rears on these. Terry can have your rear leafs dearched by any amount you want and you dont lose too much towing capacity.


stock:http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10546&sort=1&cat=500&page=10

2" rear shackle drop:http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12439&sort=1&cat=500&page=1

1200lbs in bed:http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12430&sort=1&cat=500&page=2

[03LightningRocks]

I don't know Terry, I remember Sal had NOISE issues with his 02 springs...:rll: .

[Silver_2000]

Cant afford $1200 plus just to lower it ...

What other options are there ?

[03LightningRocks]

I hear you Doug. Your probably wanting to put some of that 1200 into some go fast goods...;) .

My truck has 2" drop shackles on the rear. If that's not enough drop, you could go with some 3" shackles. That would be the least expensive way. I have no sugestions on the front. I believe you have to go with new springs to lower the front.

Rocks

Cant afford $1200 plus just to lower it ...

What other options are there ?

[wesman]

I agree with Rocks....get some srings up front to drop it 1-1.5", they're only about $200 plus install and get the 3" drop shackles in the rear. You shouldn't lose any payload that way.

--wes

[WA 2 FST]

Roush...install it yourself, and it won't be $1200.

The ride is not rough, IMHO... not compared to my 2/2 drop on my '99.

It's a true 2/3 drop on an '03-04 truck. Also, you don't lose any towing capacity... just payload.

[Silver_2000]

Thanks Wes

While looking into it I did a Yahoo search on "Roush lightning springs" the 5th link was TALON and the 11th was SVTlightnings...:banana: knana :nana2 Makes me wonder why I even serached outside our sites...

[Mark #2]

Doug,

I think I have the record for most suspension changes in the first two years of owning a Lightning. Roush.

[Silver_2000]

Doug,

I think I have the record for most suspension changes in the first two years of owning a Lightning. Roush.
You have a point there - Someday we'll have to meet at BD's so I can drive it to see how harsh it is

Doug

[L8 APEX]

Roush rides softer than stock 04's. Just drop it off and tell me where you want it and forgetaboutit:tu:

[Silver_2000]

Roush rides softer than stock 04's. Just drop it off and tell me where you want it and forgetaboutit:tu:
I have driven Sixpipes - Its harsher than my 2000

Whats the cost ?

[PoorSvtman]

I have driven Sixpipes - Its harsher than my 2000

Whats the cost ?


But sixpipes also has 20 inch rims, That means a smaller side wall on the tire over the 18" stock sidewall. The smaller sidewall will give the suspesion a more harsh/stiff ride over the sidewall of the stock 18" rims.

So i think if you plan on staying with the stock 18's you will enjoy the ride.

[Silver_2000]

The Roush springs front and rear are about $650 - What else is needed

Doug

[L8 APEX]

The Roush springs are 2 leaf performance springs they cut your payload to 400lbs. Stock are 5 leaf with load leafs. You will be towing your boat on the bump stops at that rate. 99-02 springs are 800# payload and the 03-04 are 1340@. I would just de arch/shackle the rears and be done with it. I think a de arch is 250 at the spring shop while you wait?..

[Silver_2000]

So Then I need the Roush fronts and dearched rears and thats it ?

Help me out Terry I need details

[L8 APEX]

I am installing a Hotchkis kit on GGus' truck this week. He may sell his front springs which are Ground Force/Ford Racing springs that would work. Or maybe try cutting half a coil off yours. I would just take 2" out of the rear packs and use shackles if you need more than that. I didn't know if you wanted a low rider or just lower the rear. AggieMom's truck has Beltech coils up front and a custom de arch on the rear. The rear is a touch higher than Rouch or Hotchkis leafs. Ride is great with a little more bump steer as expected. Not bad for a girls truck:D .
http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/15CIMG0582.JPG

[Mark #2]

So Then I need the Roush fronts and dearched rears and thats it ?

Help me out Terry I need details
Why not just switch the 2000 suspension into the 2004?

[L8 APEX]

His springs are old and tired, too much work for negligable gains. The fronts are the same. I don't know how low he wants to go.

[Mark #2]

His springs are old and tired, too much work for negligable gains. The fronts are the same. I don't know how low he wants to go.
They are just broken in. They ride nice and soft and lower too.:)

[98Cobra]

I just did the 2" shackles on my truck, and I think it did improve the look. I didn't lose any ride quality that I can tell, and it was super inexpensive.

[Mark #2]

I just did the 2" shackles on my truck,.... and it was super inexpensive.
I'm make a note to raise prices.