Drop my truck like it's hot...

[C3ntury]

Yo...so, for added background I have an 09' 1500 CrewCab at stock height and looking to either drop a 2/4 or a 1/3.

If I understand correctly, in order to achieve proper geometry for any type of drop I'd need the following (attempting to compile several threads into one for a parts list, credit to Unbroken): Can I assume this satisfies all 4th Gens?

Bumpsteer Kit: bumpsteer, bump steer, ram srt10 bumpsteer, viper bumpsteer

Tie Rod "Kit": http://m.summitracing.com/parts/mog-ev80211

4-link System: Have you seen this kit? Full Size Parallel 4-Link Kit - Adjustable

They don't use chromoly tubing, but they said they can look into upgrading to it. Another forum member mentioned the lack of adjustability because it's a weld-in (one end) kit, but the Rep. said, "Bolts break, and there is too large of a room for error on the install end. We only offer the link kits in weld on application. The weld on 4-link vs a bolt on 4 link would have the same amount of adjust-ability really." Any further thoughts (I can install parts, I cannot weld)?

Hellwig Swaybay: Hellwig Rear Swaybar 09-14 Ram 1500

Spohn Panhard Bar or Watts Link: The Rep. said this will fit just fine for my vehicle, weld-in of course: Full Size Truck - Watts Link Kit

Springs: Possibly go with Crown Suspension unless the McGaughy kit offers something else I need/missing.
Shocks: QA1
Bumpstops

I'm sure I'm missing a few things here and there, but for a 2/4 I understand this is what would be recommended, but what if I decide on a 1/3 instead?

I realize this seems like a please build my suspension thread lol, I didn't intend it to sound that way. It's hard to find solid information from those whom have walked the path; otherwise, I'd probably just be told to get a Belltech or McG's kit and call it a day, but that doesn't cut it for me if I know something will be lacking. Any info you provide, as always, is very much appreciated and sorry for the length of it.

 

[MR.REMBERT]

I wouldn't say that's over the top, but more than most people seem to be doing. I can think of 2 or 3 dudes that are into their suspension that deep here, I'm sure they'll chime in. But do us a favor and establish a build thread if you go with these options so we can follow, I'm sure lots of folks would be interested.

 

[charonblk07]

I had talked to the guys at MMW when I was buying my UCAs from them about their 4-link and Watts link kits; they use the same type of urethane bushings as the original Spohn rear control arms and the bushings will break down from the side-to-side movement of our rear end as the suspension cycles. Spohn has gone to one end of their arms having a spherical joint which accounts for the side loading and doesn't restrain the moment arm but the MMW kit doesn't, so you'll still have quite a bit of wear on the bushings, even with the watts link, since the arms still have to travel in a constrained figure-8 pattern with the watts link.

If you really wanted to do something interesting then try to get them to use their Jeebus joints on one end of the 4-link but get their universal kit so you can position the axle weld brackets where they need to go rather than be stuck with the one mounting location for both arms. This will alleviate the side loading issue on the bushings and you have more control over positioning to get the geometry setup how you want it for your desired driving style.

I'm actually going to be trying the MMW watts link when I make my next suspension changes as the Spohn adjustable bar isn't enough to correct the side-shift of the rear axle on my truck and rather than just try and make a panhard bar work I wanted to go with the watts link to see if it'll make a difference when it comes to keeping everything centered to the frame.

 

[C3ntury]

Thanks for the info. I'll have to get a hold of MMW and see what they are/aren't willing to fab, but being they are a fab shop I imagine my only limitations are my wallet XD

 

[charonblk07]

Or your willingness/ability to send them parts for fabricating. I was talking to them about getting a custom set of front lower control arms to mount a shockwave air shock to but they needed the lower control arm to jig off of, kinda need that on the vehicle and I wasn't going to go out and buy one just to make replacement ones.

 

[UNBROKEN]

For a 1/3 or a 2/4 I wouldn't do anything more than the drop kit itself, an adjustable panhard and address the link bar length....unless you plan on doing some form of racing. The bumpsteer kit would likely do more harm than good on anything less than a 3" front drop.
All I'm going to do on my new truck with the 2/4 is lengthen the OEM link bars and call it a day. The new Spohn bars with the Johnny Joint on one end look promising too though.

 

[C3ntury]

So basically those modifications are geared towards road racers or those with a more "extreme" drop greater than a 2/4 where geometry is skewed enough to inhibit performance...what about the Watts vs Spohn panhard then? I almost always see Watts referenced as a better alternative to a panhard regardless of setup...

 

[DavidRam]

Definitely take Charonblk and Unbroken's advise over mine... However, I am having a hard time finding much wrong with my set-up, for off-the-shelf parts and street use (I drive it hard). See my parts list below.

I am going to upgrade to QA1s eventually... Not because I need to, but I want to.

If you go with the Spohn control arms, do yourself a favor and upgrade to the Delrin bushings from the get go. The pu ones suck bad.

I look forward to seeing what you do bro!

 

[C3ntury]

Yeah I've read every thread possible and had planned the Spohn setup a while back, but always willing to consider other options if it gets me better handling, performance, etc.