Lowered Towing, Thoughts?

[nickpohlaandp]

So I posted this in another section but I am beginning to think this is where it belongs.

I've recently gotten the idea that perhaps I should lower my truck a little for some better handling and a nicer stance.. I'd like to do the Ground Force 2/3, but that would require purchasing some extra parts (track bar relocation bracket, sway bar links, etc.), and it's already a more expensive kit. The other options are the Belltech and McGaughy's 2/4 drop, those kits are more complete with track bar relocation brackets, shocks (Belltech), and sway bar links.

I drive mostly as a daily driver, but I have a 27' camper that I tow on occasion as well. I'll be using the Airlift 1000 bags in the rear springs to help out in those instances.

What would the effect on my ride be if I were to drop my truck 2/3(or 2/4) inches?

I'm trying to decide what would be the best route to go with. The Belltech and McGaughy's both come with track bar relocation brackets and rear sway bar links, but I'm worried about the 4" drop being too much when I tow my camper, even with the Airlift bags helping out. Another thing to think about is that if I go with the McGaughy's, I have the option of doing a drop spindle up front instead of a spring. For what it's worth, I plan on keeping this truck for quite a while.

Additionally, I don't want my axle sitting off center, so if I have to get an adjustable track bar, I will. I'm not sure if I'm ready to bite the bullet on the adjustable upper and lower control arms though.

Any input you could provide would be greatly appreciated (pictures with your drop and brand would be nice too). Thanks in advance.

 

[charonblk07]

The AirLift 1000 or a set of helper bags is what you need and they handle towing just fine with the 4" rear drop. I tried replacing the coil springs with an air spring setup but it did not behave very well at all due to the large internal bumpstops.

 

[nickpohlaandp]

I wasn't planning on using ONLY airbags. I had purchased the Airlift 5000 Ultimate helper air bags, but now that I'm thinking of lowering, I won't be able to use them because they won't fit. They mount just inboard of the rear coils and there won't be enough room. I'm fine with using the Airlift 1000's inside the lowering spring, but I'm a little apprehensive of doing a 2/4 drop. I feel that there won't be any rake left to the truck, and when I'm towing it'll be nose up the whole time. I definitely don't want that. I haven't seen any good pics of a QC with the 2/4 drop. I'm thinking I'll end up going with the GF 2/3 drop.

 

[Uaintlo]

I just lowered my Ram 3/5 with a cut belltech kit, and I put in the Airlift bags from a Durango. I plan on being able to tow a car trailer with a mini truck on it.
one thing to note: If you go with the McG's Spindle kit, it will push your front wheels out a little bit, the coil kit will not

 

[razor1]

I tow an 18' boat all the time with mine on a 2/4 belltech drop

 

[nickpohlaandp]

I tow an 18' boat all the time with mine on a 2/4 belltech drop

I've got an '18 boat as well. It hardly has the tongue weight of a 27' camper trailer. That's my concern, not the boat.

 

[FlynDutchman]

I have been researching these kits for my truck as well but I will not be towing a trailer. Instead I will be putting 1-2 sport bikes in the bed for track days (total bed weight of 450 lbs - 900). From my research, I plan on using the McGaughys 2/4 spring kit. You can order it direct with the helper bag kit for $104.48 more. I would also check with Moes as he is great to deal with and a site Vendor. As a side note, from what I have found most people are recommending going down slightly in tire diameter with a 2/4 kit or the front can rub on the fender. I am going to change wheels to 22" and put a 285x45x22 tire on which is a 32 instead of the factory 20" which is a 33.

Here is a link to McGaughys site. I hope this input helps.

2009-2016 Dodge Ram 1500 2wd Quad Cab 2/4" Economy Drop Kit - McGaughys 44052 - McGaughys Suspension Online

I know a lot of people recommend Belltech but I had issues with a Tahoe lowering kit years ago and swore I would never use their stuff again (in all fairness it was years ago). I have used Eibach, H&R, Ground Force and McGaughys without any issues. I used JDM lowering kit on a Chevy truck and it was a gigantic piece of crap.

 

[thekevin]

I know this thread is a year old but I was wondering the OP ever lowered his truck. I have a 2017 CC 4x4 and I tow a 27' camper as well but I am wanting to do a 2/3 or 2/4 drop as well with airlift 1000 bags.

 

[usaf2006]

Do it! Air bags are a must, and a good weight distribution hitch I'm sure if necessary. 2/3 would keep a little more rake over the 2/4, probably better for towing, and still be noticeable. Either would be fine with the Air bags I'd imagine.

 

[Uaintlo]

I have towed this trailer with this S10 on it several thousand miles to several trucks shows over the last 15 months with no problems!
3/5 bell tech drop with durango helper bags, on 24" wheels

 

[eric.s.t]

Imma revive the thread again... when you guys tow lowered.. how do you not bottom out? I'm bottoming out with the ground force kit and nothing in the bed.. just a decent bump lol

 

[heefageLA]

Imma revive the thread again... when you guys tow lowered.. how do you not bottom out? I'm bottoming out with the ground force kit and nothing in the bed.. just a decent bump lol

Maybe look at if you can get shorter bump stops? I dont know what would hit first with shorter bumps but it may be worth checking out.

All I did was lower my rear 2'' and when I hook up my trailer and jeep im basically riding on my bumps. I have an Air Lift kit but havent had time to install it yet.

 

[BrBlack]

Imma revive the thread again... when you guys tow lowered.. how do you not bottom out? I'm bottoming out with the ground force kit and nothing in the bed.. just a decent bump lol

I've had the GF 2/3 for years. Never had an issue.
Did you swap the bump stops for the shorter ones that come with the kit? I did.

Running Airlift 1000 helper bags help with how soft the back end gets. Also try and upgrade the rear shocks. I found the GF shocks that come with the kit are garbage.

 

[ryan russell]

The AirLift 1000 or a set of helper bags is what you need and they handle towing just fine with the 4" rear drop. I tried replacing the coil springs with an air spring setup but it did not behave very well at all due to the large internal bumpstops.

I agree here I'm dropped 4 inch with bags and it's money!!

 

[Hemidog]

Check out Tembren website. They have a rubber spring system that's made for keeping your truck from bottoming out. a little pricey, (about $215), but looks like a good system for heavy towing / tongue weight..

 

[circuitguy]

Two words, Timber Grove.

https://timbergroveenterprises.com/shop

 

[Dhughes4301]

4/6 drop with Airlift Wrangler helper bags (same diameter as Durango but two inches shorter). Works great for towing my camper (approx 500lb tongue weight)

 

[Mike Timmons]

I have towed this trailer with this S10 on it several thousand miles to several trucks shows over the last 15 months with no problems!
3/5 bell tech drop with durango helper bags, on 24" wheels

View attachment 116828

Do you have any camber issues? Did an alignment take care of that if you did?

 

[Graygoose]

4/6 drop with Airlift Wrangler helper bags (same diameter as Durango but two inches shorter). Works great for towing my camper (approx 500lb tongue weight)

View attachment 182633

great looking truck!

 

[jonwrong]

4/6 drop with Airlift Wrangler helper bags (same diameter as Durango but two inches shorter). Works great for towing my camper (approx 500lb tongue weight)

View attachment 182633

Do you have any install pics? The instruction say to put the plastic disc on the bottom, but it most go on the top for our trucks...