Another frame Z/ Crossmember question

[Pittman06]

I'm sorry just to start this thread out, i know this has been addressed 500 times, I just can't put together enough of all the info to address my exact question.  I've bagged a ton of vehicles but this is my first squarebody.  My truck is a 89 Suburban, already 4 linked and on air and lays hard in the rear.  I'm definetly not shy about cutting it up or fabrication of any kind, just want it done right the first time, without spending PB money that i dont have.  My original plan was to section the crossmember out 1.5 and a 2 inch Z.  I want to stay as far away from doing a big trans tunnel and insane steering linkage as possible.  My goal is to trim the frame and lay pinch weld on nothing bigger then a 22 on a max of a 30 inch tire since thats what i'm running with my current 20's.  So i don't really want to run a 4 inch Z and have to cut the crap out of my trans tunnel, but had another fella with a  60s burb tell me a 2 inch Z with my 2.5 drop spindles will do what i want.  Hopefully someone can help me out before the plasma comes out lol

[Captkaos]

I wouldn't do a 2" chopped crossmember unless you plan to go to a rack, or seriously hack the front also. 
Are you wanting to drag the frame aired down?

I also wouldn't waste my time on a 2" Z, I would just 4" Z it and be done.  Your lower control arms are the lowest point and they will drag with just 2.5" spindles aired out.
See here:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=9557.msg64993#msg64993

[Pittman06]

i want the truck to lay out flat, a fellow burb owner with a diesel told me he lays rocker on a 3.5 Z and sectioned control arms to raise ball joints.  I'm just trying to avoid a massive trans tunnel and keep the engine down as far as i can basically

[Captkaos]

The ball joints aren't the issue it is the lower control arm mount.  Even with a 3.5" Z it has been my experience that you will still have to do a tunnel modification.
To keep the drivetrain low while moving the whole front suspension up is the issue.  You can do a 1.5" chop and a 2.5" Z and still get 4" but it is a lot of work above just a Z.