RPO Z85 suspension

[badasS10]

I have the Z85 suspension with the heavy duty leaves and the front sway bar, and was wondering if these would make lowering the truck harder than it would if I didn't have them? I have already dropped the rear 3'' and it seems alright. I want to drop the front using springs and shocks. Will this be as easy as doing it on an S10 w/ stock suspension? I guess I'm wondering if the place where the springs rest on the control arms is larger than stock, and if this makes any difference when dropping it. Thanks for any feedback.:D

[Mikz86TA]

The Z85 just has a different spring rate and the sway up front. There is no problem with lowering it by using either springs or spindles. The rear has heavier duty leafs. I believe the shocks were different too on the Z85. When you lowered the rear 3", did it level it out or is it lower??? 3" seems like quite a bit without any front drop. In thr front when lowering, most people overlook sway bar position. Here is how GM recommends it 2B done. With it in stock suspension setup in the front, measure the distance between the frame rails and where the bar curves to the back. If you look in the front wheel well...the front portion forward of the tire...you will see where the sway bar runs fron the mount, curves straight to the rear toward the a-arm. This is the spot where measurement can be taken. Since this spot is parallel to the frame...as a reference point. Keep the front suspention loaded (tires on the ground evenly), measure the distance in the middle of this run (frame bottom to center of bar), record number and mark with chalk the exact spot on the bar and frame you got this measurement from. Do both sides. After its lowered, then re-measure using your marked spots. The end links are a design that can easily be altered. The center spacer can be cut down to allow the bar to be re-leveled at the appropriae measurement. Also AutoZone sells EnergySusp. Replacement end links in a few sizes, or you can get the steel tubes fron Lowes and cut them to size to make your own spacer. Just be sure to get the same size tubing..and steel not aluminum. Hope this helps

[badasS10]

Thanks. That's a lot to take into consideration before I lower the front. When I lowered the rear It got lower to where I can put about 3 fingers in between the tire and wheel well. I had 10 year-old shocks, which have now been upgraded to some air shocks that run off a schrader valve. I thought the sway bar would have some influence over the drop. Thanks for all the info once again, Mike. I appreciate it.

[rentedmule]

mine's a Z85 and lowering it wasn't any different than a regular truck from what I can tell. the ZQ8 coils dropped it about 3/4" in the front and 3" blocks leveled it almost perfectly. the chevy lean means the rear on one side is about 1/4" lower then the front and the other side is dead on. i'm hoping the front will drop another 1/4" with 50+ lbs of supercharger. my front swaybar is a 29mm - are the ZQ8's a 33mm?

[badasS10]

I believe they are. Yeah, mine leans a bit to the side too. Chevy lean! Haha. Can you post a pic of your truck? I'd like to see it. I'm wondering though, you said a 1.5 in front and 3'' out back leveled it out. So will a 2''/3'' make it lean forward? Just wondering. Thanks though for your input. I appreciate it.

[rentedmule]

everyone says the ZQ8 coils are supposed to drop it 1.5" but I definately didn't get that much. i've heard others say the coils are about 1" shorter and lower profile tires make up the rest? i actually have the before and after measurements from the ground to the fender lip out in the garage, i'll post them up later. I think a true 1.5/3 would have been perfect on my truck to level it - from certain angles the rear looks a little too low as it is now.

not really a good side-on pic but close

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j108/rentedmule/2aug07.jpg

[badasS10]

Sweet. Thanks rentedmule!:D

[badasS10]

Just curious, did you use drop shocks w/ the blocks/springs?

[rentedmule]

no prob. i stayed with the stock shocks on the rear as the blocks don't change the distance between the shock mounts. I went with OEM bilsteins from a ZQ8 truck on the front. the stock ones still worked after the new coils but definately not as well. the bilsteins made a nice difference. i really don't like the ride in the rear with the heavy duty springs though, i'll probably be switching to drop leafs and new shocks soon.

[badasS10]

Oh. Okay. I have the rear dropped with 3'' inch blocks, but have the springs clamped to help with wheel hop. I also have air ride shocks that run off a schrader valve, so the ride's not too bad. Thanks for your help man.

[87wildside]

What are you planing on using the 2" blocks for? Are you taking the 3" off your truck?

[badasS10]

Nope, but you said" buy both and save", so I assumed that meant a packaged deal?

[87wildside]

I guess you read like me....haha

1" drop coils for regular cab V6/ 2" drop for Blazer or extended cab V6. These are Eibach springs part# 3822101. $55 + shipping

[badasS10]

Oh. Okay, so no need to hold the blocks then. Sorry for that. Thanks for double-checking me.