lowering my 84 s-10 help?

[holdenschwabe]

Hey guys , I am restoring a 84 s-10 and was planning to lower my truck. I was given a a lowering kit as a present for my Birthday. The kit came with suspension coils and shocks for the front along with Blocks, U bolts and rear shocks for the rear. My problem is I believe my parents who ordered the kit, ordered incorrect sizes. When I look in magazines and forums I notice that most people lower the rear more than the front~ (example 3" front 4 " rear) My parents were given a choice at the check out of how much they wanted to lower both the front and rear, so they ordered a 3 inch drop for both the rear and the front. ( they really didnt know what they were doing). Is this going to be a problem??? any help would be great ~ Thanks

[dugie6551]

It is not a problem with the lowering kit you have. It will give the truck a "raked" look (lower in front then in the back). Just like the stance that the truck is now, without the lowering kit. If you want the truck to sit "level" when it is lowered then you will need to get the 4" blocks for the rear.
I suggest you install the kit you have now and see if you like it. If not replace the 3" blocks with 4" blocks (takes less then 1 hr. doing it yourself !!!).

[TexasF355F1]

Yea, it's correct. For some reason S-10's tend to have a problem with sagging in the rear if lowered like a typical truck. Nothing wrong at all.

[holdenschwabe]

Ok, awsome thats good to hear! but I got one more question, Will i have to do any other work to the truck other than just install the kit components so that the the lowering is succesful. I have heard of people removing parts of the body or frame so that the truck doesnt bottom out or mess up thr ride of the truck. Is this something I will have to worry about??

[TexasF355F1]

Nah. You will be just fine. Don't worry about the 3/3 drop it will look great.

[TopDogg]

3/3 will be fine for your older S10.
This is pretty much your basic kit. Great for budget drops or beginners.

The ride will be different for sure. After installing you will learn about other ways or improvements along the way.
Your on the right track though.

Good luck. But after you do lower your truck think about lifting your next project. Its a lot more fun.

[holdenschwabe]

Alright guys , you've been an great help , I am planning on lowering it this weekend, Any other comments or concerns just post a reply~ Thanks for taking time to help me
~Holden

[bigblackone]

Don't forget to get an alignment ...

[TexasF355F1]

Originally Posted by holdenschwabe

Alright guys , you've been an great help , I am planning on lowering it this weekend, Any other comments or concerns just post a reply~ Thanks for taking time to help me
~Holden

Yea, do alignment for sure. But just make sure all bushings/fittings are greased properly to prevent squeking. And definately make sure you install the coil springs right side up. One last tip is in the rear don't tighten everything all the way with the truck in the air. Set it down and then get under and tighten up the rear. Problems vary with tightening everything in the air, but with mine I had a clunk that followed every bump in the road.

Lifting a truck is no more fun than a lowered truck.

[holdenschwabe]

what just a normal wheel alignment? I should do this after I install the kit ????

[TexasF355F1]

You will want to do it after you drop the truck. You will want to do an alignment as well as camber/caster adjustment. The camber adjustment is a must. When you lower a truck your front wheels bow in creating a negative camber. If you leave it that way it won't drive well and your tires will wear out in no time at all. Personally I would stay away from going to a place like Firestone that offer lifetime alignments and camber adjustments. Most of the idiots there don't know what the hell they're doing or talking about. Find a local shop that specializes in alignments.

[lows10]

& also check your drive shaft after you lower your truck . i had to cut mine about 2 inches.

[TexasF355F1]

Originally Posted by lows10

& also check your drive shaft after you lower your truck . i had to cut mine about 2 inches.

That won't be necessary for the 3" drop.

[s10lowrider27]

you will probably also find out that you will need new ti rod ends (spelling) and maybe a center link. the ti rod ends are only like 15 dollars a piece and the center link is around 30, but if you need those, get them before you do the allignment. also, your probably going to run into a few problems when taking off your old shocks. they can be very difficult, it took me a verylong time to get mine off... and your old U-bolts are gonna break off anyways so if i were you, i would either cut them off or grind them off, it will save you alot of time...

[o0essten0o]

ON A SIDE NOTE
I just got some lowering springs from a friend. do I need a different shock as well or will the old ones still work?