2001 slow drop.

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BeauDuke01

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ok, so im getting ready to finally lower my '01, and since this is the ******* year, there is barely anything available. I have found a 3" drop coil from western chassis, and i plan on flipping the rear hanger, and belltech drop shocks. I am expecting a 3"-4" drop, but i have a few questions.

with a 4" drop out back, hanger flip and shackles, is it necessary to shim the axle?
with 3" in front, which bump stops do i need?
I'm sure i'll think of something else, but so far thats what ive got. Thanks in advance.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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ok, so i went ahead and ordered western chassis 2" drop coils, as much as i wanted lower... i dont want to get to low, our roads suck here. so, all thats left is my drop shocks, and some grade 8's for my hanger flip. i also ordered new ball joints. some time this next week, i'll go grab some new TRE's as well.
 

dodge dude94

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Are you sure you need a shackle flip? Most guys that do shackle flips do them for lift. You should just be able to get longer shackles for the rear and accomplish some drop.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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i already have drop shackles out back, im doing a front axle hanger flip, to lower it 2 more inches


edit: rear axle, front leaf spring hanger.
 
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dodge dude94

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Ohhhhhhh Gotcha. Didn't know that was a thing. My bad. lol
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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its cool, never know till you ask. i am kinda the odd ball out lowering a ram, when most jack em up
 

dodge dude94

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Lowering used to be real popular on Dodges back 15 years ago, but there are hardly any parts for them anymore. Easier to lift than lower. I applaud your efforts though and I'm sure that what you'll come up with will look great.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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thank you sir, i do appreciate it, and hope everything comes out the way it looks in my head.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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ok, i went ahead and ordered drop shocks last night, so as soon as parts start coming in, i'll get you guys an update.
 

Merc225hp

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i already have drop shackles out back, im doing a front axle hanger flip, to lower it 2 more inches

Gotta explain that one to me please.

So is this a 4wd truck that has been converted to leaf-springs in the front? In a 2nd gen 4wd truck there is nothing to flip to make it sit lower.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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Gotta explain that one to me please.

So is this a 4wd truck that has been sased? In a 2nd gen 4wd truck there is nothing to flip to make it sit lower.

I used the wrong wording, 2wd, the front spring hanger for the rear axle, knock out the rivits, flip the hanger, re bolt, and gain 2" of drop.
 

Merc225hp

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Ok thanks for clearing that up for me.

Tip; You will have to drop the gas tank to work on the drivers side hanger and leaf-spring bolt. If you have small hands and arm's you might be able to just loosen off the gas tank straps move the tank over and squeeze your hand between the frame and the tank (from the top that is).

Edit: Keep an eye on your pinion angle it going to change on you when you do this.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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yessir, you also have to elongate two of the holes to get it to bolt up.
 

Merc225hp

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I would not elongate a hanger hole, if there is room drill new holes in the hanger and the frame. Try and keep the new holes at least an inch from the old ones if possible.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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all else fails, i'll buy 9/16th's bolts instead and drill through all holes
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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new ball joints got here Saturday, drop springs will be here Wednesday, and shocks will be here Thursday. Still need to go get new tie rod ends, will get goodie pics as soon as i have the brown santa stop by
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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ok, i had some issues with my secondary vehicle, so i never had time to tear my ram down. but i sold my durango, and bought a new challenger. so reliable daily driver, means time to tear up the ram.

Last week, due to the drop in oil prices, my little brother, who was a tool pusher in the oilfield got laid off, so i took my ram out to the farm today, and gave him some cash to keep him floating. he's going to do my ball joints, tie rod ends, flip the leaf spring hangers, and install my drop springs, and new shocks.

i told him id come get it next weekend, then i just have to take it in for an alignment.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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ok, so the ass end is done, this is 2" drop shackles and front leaf spring flip. im currently running 305/50/20's

dg7Ihzn.jpg
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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hes starting the front this afternoon, but claims he wont send me any pics after this one. i think the rear drop is freakin perfect the way it is, and am super freaking stoked about seeing the front end dropped down some. I'll update when i see more.
 
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BeauDuke01

BeauDuke01

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ok, the shocks that i got last year when planning my drop are wrong. the rears where ok, but i got the wrong fronts. they sent oe replacements for a 4x4 ram, when i called belltech to re order the correct length, they told me they didnt have any. sooooo, a call to Summit Racing got me the right front shocks... and surprise surprise... i have two new Belltech Nitro 2 drop shocks on there way, the shocks Belltech told me they didnt have.

so they will be here monday, I'm going to head out to the farm and get my truck saturday after work, upgrade my front bumper bolts, and try to mount my new 30" lightbar in the slot of my bumper. I'll get some pics up sunday.
 
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