Ground Force 2" Rear Lowering Kit
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Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
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Ground Force 2" Rear Lowering Kit
I've had my Ground Force 2" Rear Lowering Kit on my screw for about a week now and I've had some observations for anyone that is considering a similar mod...
1. Looks. The change in appearance is subtitle, but now every other '04 I see on the road with its butt sticking in the air just looks wrong! And it still sits like a truck (not slammed into the ground like a sports car "want-a-be"!). For looks- a "10".<O
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2. Handling. I was happily surprised that the truck corners remarkably better than before. Lower center of gravity I guess. I hadn't really expected this, but a very nice bonus. For improved cornering- a "10".<O</O
3. Towing. I was concerned that my motorcycle trailer (two bike, all steel, very heavy) would make the nose of the truck stick into the air if I lowered the rear 2". Fortunately, it doesn't. The rear is still about a 1/2" higher than the front without the trailer- with the trailer it is just about perfectly level. If you haul heavy stuff around in the bed or on a trailer with a massive amount of tongue weight this might be an issue. But in all honesty, if you're using your truck like that, I wouldn't consider doing this in the first place. Towing capability unhindered (at least in my application)- a "10".<O</O
4. Installment. I had considering trying to install this kit myself, but it included wedge shaped components to re-align the rear end. At that point, I opted to have a shop install the kit to make sure it got done right. If you are looking at other 2" drop shackle kits that don't have these devices, you may want to reconsider that kit. Apparently it was important enough to someone to do this, so I'd at least look into it. The shop charged me two hours to do the install- that's more time than what some others had said it took them at home to do with other kits, but it did take them some time to get this one done. Either way, installment- a "5".<O</O
5. Ride Quality. I've read that others with 2" rear drops said that they didn't notice a change in ride quality (or even better in one case). I can honestly say that my screw doesn't ride as smooth as before. Its slightly more "choppy" on rougher roads- more like every other truck I've ever driven. I kind of expected this though and I think the other folks are blowing smoke! So ride quality- a "6".<O</O
But with all that being said, I'd definitely recommend this mod for anyone that's looking for a "street" stance while not loosing the functionality of their truck as a truck. I'll take a little hit on ride quality to get better cornering and looks- but that's me. Just wanted anyone that's interested to know my results...
1. Looks. The change in appearance is subtitle, but now every other '04 I see on the road with its butt sticking in the air just looks wrong! And it still sits like a truck (not slammed into the ground like a sports car "want-a-be"!). For looks- a "10".<O
</O2. Handling. I was happily surprised that the truck corners remarkably better than before. Lower center of gravity I guess. I hadn't really expected this, but a very nice bonus. For improved cornering- a "10".<O
</O3. Towing. I was concerned that my motorcycle trailer (two bike, all steel, very heavy) would make the nose of the truck stick into the air if I lowered the rear 2". Fortunately, it doesn't. The rear is still about a 1/2" higher than the front without the trailer- with the trailer it is just about perfectly level. If you haul heavy stuff around in the bed or on a trailer with a massive amount of tongue weight this might be an issue. But in all honesty, if you're using your truck like that, I wouldn't consider doing this in the first place. Towing capability unhindered (at least in my application)- a "10".<O
</O4. Installment. I had considering trying to install this kit myself, but it included wedge shaped components to re-align the rear end. At that point, I opted to have a shop install the kit to make sure it got done right. If you are looking at other 2" drop shackle kits that don't have these devices, you may want to reconsider that kit. Apparently it was important enough to someone to do this, so I'd at least look into it. The shop charged me two hours to do the install- that's more time than what some others had said it took them at home to do with other kits, but it did take them some time to get this one done. Either way, installment- a "5".<O
</O5. Ride Quality. I've read that others with 2" rear drops said that they didn't notice a change in ride quality (or even better in one case). I can honestly say that my screw doesn't ride as smooth as before. Its slightly more "choppy" on rougher roads- more like every other truck I've ever driven. I kind of expected this though and I think the other folks are blowing smoke! So ride quality- a "6".<O
</OBut with all that being said, I'd definitely recommend this mod for anyone that's looking for a "street" stance while not loosing the functionality of their truck as a truck. I'll take a little hit on ride quality to get better cornering and looks- but that's me. Just wanted anyone that's interested to know my results...
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Joined: Apr 2004
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GLankford, that sounds good! Need some good pics. BTW, what ground force kit did you use? What was in the kit? How much did it cost you? I too am considering dropping the rear to give the level look (when my truck comes in) and have looked at shackle drop kits. Is this a shackle drop from ground force? Thanks for the info!!!
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Williamson: I'll try to update the pic's in my gallery so you can take a look. The kit I used was a shackle drop kit (#91200) and it included everything needed. It cost $90 off the shelf at 4WheelParts (with tax). I had that shop do the install which cost me another $120. You might want to shop around to see what other's are offering it for. I didn't see this kit on MotorHaven's site, but I'd give them a call because I'm sure they can get it through distribution like everyone else- and we do want to support our sponsor vendors!. Their number is 770-736-7122. The shop I purchased it from is 3 blocks from where I work and they happened to have it sitting there on the day I went in to ask about some questions about it. Lucky for them!
