Hard suspension drop or bags?

[77c15]

It's kind of like the checkout question "paper or plastic?" I realize that most of you have a preference, but can you give the pros and cons of the differences between hardware suspension drops (spindles, springs, shackes, hangers, and flip kit) versus air bags and bolt in 4-links? I am having a tough time deciding between the complete air ride technologies kit or doing the spindles and flip kit to get my 74 lower. Just wanted everyones opinions other than cost to justify a purchase. Thanks guys!

[werewolfx13]

IMO, bags are vastly superior if you're not really considering the cost..depending on the components you use, they can be used for towing, softening the ride, or firming up for better handling..when its in my budget, my truck is getting AOL in the rear and support bags in the coils in front to soften the ride, since I prefer stock height or a slight lift anyway..I rode in a truck done like that and it rode so much nicer than mine, both with the same shocks, and the trucks had comparable mileage and spring wear...
If you go with a 4 leaf/bag setup in the rear, axle wrap will be a thing of the past.

[Captkaos]

Which ever you chose, in the end the only difference is the spring, air or metal.

As for rear bolt in kits, still the option is still air or metal springs. 

Air requires a compressor, tubing and wiring, but it is adjustable.
Static is you put it in and you are done.

[77c15]

Thanks, guys! I am going to go with the spindles up front and the flip kit in the rear. I have a mild state of confusion, though: I already have the shackle/hanger kit on the rear. How far would I need to go with the flip kit to get an even 5/5 drop out of it? Current it is at 3/4 with 3" ground force drop springs up front and their 4" shackle/hanger kit in the rear. Can I just relocate the rear above the leafs and use the adapter plate supplied by DJM in their cheaper (less than a c-note) flip kit, or do I need to spring for the extreme kit with the c-notch and everything included?

[okuma]

YOU ALREADY HAVE 3/4 DROP ..... 3" FRONT SPRINGS AND REAR-SHACKLE AND HANGER = 4" 

FOR A 5" FRONT DROP YOU'LL NEED 2" DROP SPINDLES  AS FOR A 5" REAR DROP YOU WILL NEED TO REMOVE SHACKELS/HANGER KIT AND INSTALL A 5" FLIP KIT TO ACHIEVE A 5/5" 

[77c15]

I don't have the original pieces...they were scrapped. How would I go about flipping the rear while leaving the shackle/hanger kit installed?

[shaved80]

I don't have the original pieces...they were scrapped. How would I go about flipping the rear while leaving the shackle/hanger kit installed?

you're gonna have to get a decent sized notch. notch the crossmember that's right behind your cab. notch your cab. i'm sure there is more i am missing, but just fyi, your frame will be about 3-4" off the ground out back

[okuma]

I don't have the original pieces...they were scrapped. How would I go about flipping the rear while leaving the shackle/hanger kit installed?

 REMEMBER :  all drop components add up ......   so if you have 2" shackles and 2" hangers= 4" drop..... 
plus 5" on the flip kit = a total of 9" drop on the rear.

[Captkaos]

There is no way to get a shackle hanger setup lower except getting lowered springs and most of those are usually 4 or 6" drops.  If you flip it like it is now, the rear will be WAY lower than the front.

[Pushrod]

Thanks, guys! I am going to go with the spindles up front and the flip kit in the rear. I have a mild state of confusion, though: I already have the shackle/hanger kit on the rear. How far would I need to go with the flip kit to get an even 5/5 drop out of it? Current it is at 3/4 with 3" ground force drop springs up front and their 4" shackle/hanger kit in the rear. Can I just relocate the rear above the leafs and use the adapter plate supplied by DJM in their cheaper (less than a c-note) flip kit, or do I need to spring for the extreme kit with the c-notch and everything included?

You'll need the notch. Mines setup like that. How much did your shackle/hanger kit really drop the rear? Mine didn't go as far as advertised. 4'' turned out to be 2".

Oh yeah! you'll need to relocate the position of your shocks too. I simply just left them in the stock position on the axle and changed (drilled new holes) things on the frame. And as said before, you'll have to notch the frame crossmember behind the cab. I didn't have to notch the cab.