More than 2 years ago I lowered my truck, a 2002 XLT ext cab, 3.0 4 door automatic, 3F/4R using a Ground Force kit. I liked the looks but the ride beat me to death. So 6 months ago I went with 2" dropped coils in front and I'm using air shocks out back with the Ground Force mono leaf spring. Better but the ride is still harsh. I've started looking at DJM control arms because their ad states. "DJM Lower Control Arms replace your factory lower control arms and drop your Truck/SUV by lowering the coil spring pockets. With these arms, you can retain the use of your factory coil spring." That's exactly what I'm looking for.

However the description goes on to state. "Durable arms are powder coated to prevent corrosion, and feature all steel ball joints and twin tube pivot sleeves to eliminate squeaking. These control arms are designed to work with DJM lowering springs, and should not be used with stock coil springs. "
So my question is, can I use the stock springs to get back the factory ride with the lowered look I want or not. Anyone know? How about shocks? Stock hight, shorties? I don't want to go back to the stock set-up but I can't take this harsh ride much longer. HELP.

 

I just recently bought a DJM kit for my BroncoII and in the directions it says its designed to use the stock springs and not to use modified or cut springs. I'm not sure about your application but i would think it would be the same

 

Perhaps there are multiple models available? A simpler one using the stock springs and a more advanced one designed to work only with their products?

 

Hey Memphis, if you live in Memphis, I'm only an hour away from you in Blytheville, AR. I would look for different kits... Maybe go to a totally different brand. Good luck to you.

 

Thanks Nate. I've been using the name MemphisSenior since I first started getting on the net back in 1990. I needed an Email name and Everything else I tried at the time was already taken. I retired in 2002 and now live in So. Calif. This is where my kids and grandkids are.

Thanks to you guys that responded. Here's what I found out.

I Decided to call DJM tech support and see what they had to say about this. Was told that their control arms are NOT to be used with stock springs. So the StylinConcepts web page is WRONG. While it is POSSIBLE to use the stock springs, aligning the front end would be almost impossible. He stated that DJM 2" drop coil springs are only 12% stiffer than stock. He doesn't understand why the ride is so harsh unless there's something wrong with the springs. So I went out and rechecked the ride hight. After only 6 months and about 5-6K miles with my 2" dropped coil springs the truck sits almost 3 1/2" lower than stock. Guess that's part of the problem. The tech suggested that for what I'm looking for, a lower look with "near stock" ride, I go with 2" coil drop in front, stock control arms, and 3" flip kit in back with stock springs. If I want a lower look then 2" control arm and 2" coil, total 4" drop in front and 5" flip kit in back. He said that will give me a stiffer ride, but it shouldn't be "to bad." After all the time and money I've already spent on this I'm ready to go back to the stock pieces. I guess I'll have to sleep on it for a bit until I calm down. I'll look at it again in about 3-4 months.

BTW. You guys that have DJM kits, what do you think about DJM products? Do they hold up, or will I be looking at another set of warn out springs 5-6K miles from now if I decide to go that route?

 

That's too bad you can't use your stock springs. The 2/3 would probably be your best bet. I kinda thought slammed rangers looked a little bad. A mild drop would be nice. I'm considering one myself.